"July is the month of freedom and sunshine, where we feel the season's warmth and the opportunities appear limitless."
Monthly Resident Checklist
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Check your HVAC filters
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Test your home’s safety devices
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Inspect and clean vents and heat registers
Get ready to celebrate the 4th of July in style!
Independence Day is a time when communities come alive with patriotic spirit, commemorating the birth of the United States of America.
From coast to coast, cities and towns host a range of events to mark this historic occasion.
Whether you're looking for fireworks, parades, live music, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone.
Celebrate July 4th in San Antonio, Texas! Check out these exciting events that are FREE for you to enjoy!
1. H-E-B Fourth of July Celebration at Woodlawn Lake Park
Every year, families from San Antonio gather at Woodlawn Lake Park for the official municipal festival known as "Make Freedom Green" to grill burgers and carnitas all day long before the 12-minute fireworks show at nine o'clock in the evening.
There will be a variety of foods available from local food trucks and merchants, including chicken on a stick, gorditas, hot dogs and many more!
Where: Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
How Much: Free
2. Independence Day at the Alamo
Celebrate at the Alamo with a variety of performances and activities all day long where you may go back in time. Soldiers from the Spanish Colonial period in the 1700s will be discussed, along with weaving, missionary work, weaponry, leathercraft, and artillery and black powder shooting displays.
Where: The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023, | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
How Much: Free
3. GNW annual Fourth of July Parade
At ten in the morning, the Great Northwest Community procession begins. Down Timber Path from Zachry Middle School to Timberwilde Elementary. Visitors are encouraged to set up chairs and blankets along Timber Path and watch the action. The barbecue and hot dogs will be distributed by the organizers at Silver Creek Pool at noon.
Where: 8809 Timberwilde Dr.
When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023, | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
How Much: Free
4. STARS, STRIPES & LIGHTS
This long Fourth of July weekend, the River Walk will be decorated with patriotic décor! On the River Walk, the typical good times are being had despite the red, white, and blue-themed city bridges and trees. the ideal setting for pictures!
Where: 300 River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205
When: June 30 – July 4, 2023
How Much: Free
5. FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW & LIVE @ LANDA CONCERT SERIES
As we bring back one of the most eagerly awaited events of the summer, come out and enjoy live music, kid's activities, food trucks, and more at the Landa Park Dance Slab!
Where: Landa Park, 110 Golf Course Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
How Much: FREE
As we bid farewell to this day of remembrance and revelry, let us carry the values of liberty, equality, and justice in our hearts throughout the year. May the bonds that bind us as a nation grow stronger, and may the spirit of independence continue to guide us toward a brighter future. Until next year, happy 4th of July!
Summer Home Maintenance Tips
As summer approaches, it's crucial to make sure that your house is in excellent condition and equipped to endure the heat and outside activities.
To assist you maintain your house in top shape during these warm months, we've compiled a list of important home maintenance advice in this edition.
HVAC System: To make sure your air conditioning system is functioning well throughout the sweltering summer, arrange for a professional inspection and service. To maintain a high standard of indoor air, change your air filters frequently.
Roof and Gutters: Check your roof for any shingles that are damaged or missing. To avoid obstructions and maintain appropriate drainage during summer storms, clean out gutters and downspouts.
Outdoor Spaces: Verify the condition of your patio, deck, and outside walks and fix any cracks or damage. Wooden decks should be cleaned and sealed in order to keep them durable and protected from the summer sun.
Pest Control: Check your home for any cracks or holes that might act as access points to keep pests out. To prevent infestations, properly seal them and think about utilizing pest control strategies.
Lawn and Garden: Adequately water your yard, especially during dry seasons. Watch out for any pests or illnesses that may be hurting your plants and take quick action. To reduce the risk of wind or storm damage to your property, trim trees and shrubs away from it.
Irrigation System: Look for any leaks, damaged sprinkler heads, or improper spray patterns in your irrigation system. To save water, modify your watering schedule in accordance with the weather.
Windows and Doors: Look for any cracks or air leaks in the window and door seals. To keep cold air inside and hot air outside, replace weatherstripping as required to save your energy bills.
Pool Maintenance: Maintain your pool on a regular basis to ensure water quality and stop the growth of algae. Analyze chemical levels and make required adjustments.
Outdoor Furniture: Outdoor furniture should be cleaned and inspected for damage. To increase their lives, think about covering them with protective material or keeping them indoors during bad weather.
Safety Checks: Check the functionality of your fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. Go through family emergency evacuation preparations.
Remember to provide detailed instructions or links to resources for homeowners who may need assistance with specific tasks.
Including images or diagrams can also be helpful for visual learners.
A lot of people are getting sticker shock with these home prices and high interest rates. Many are not sure if they should buy a home right now. Do not let these interest rates stop you from home ownership. You can still buy a home and work out the finances later. Let us tell you how.
Texas-Style BBQ Brisket
Ingredients:
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1 whole beef brisket (approximately 10-12 pounds)
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2 tablespoons kosher salt
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2 tablespoons black pepper
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1 tablespoon paprika
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
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Wood chips or chunks (such as oak or hickory) for smoking
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BBQ sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
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Preparing the Brisket:
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Trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving about ¼ inch of fat on the surface for flavor and moisture.
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In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to create the rub.
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Rub the seasoning mixture evenly all over the brisket, ensuring full coverage. Let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate.
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Preparing the Smoker:
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Preheat your smoker to a temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C). Add wood chips or chunks to generate smoke.
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Place a drip pan filled with water under the brisket to catch the drippings and maintain moisture.
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Smoking the Brisket:
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Place the seasoned brisket directly on the smoker grates, fat side up.
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Close the smoker and let the brisket smoke for about 1.5 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches around 195-203°F (90-95°C).
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During the smoking process, maintain a steady temperature and periodically add wood chips or chunks to generate smoke.
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Resting and Slicing:
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Once the brisket reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.
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Let the wrapped brisket rest for at least 1 hour to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become tender.
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When ready to serve, unwrap the brisket and slice it against the grain into thin slices.
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Optional BBQ Sauce:
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If desired, serve the Texas-style BBQ brisket with your favorite BBQ sauce on the side.
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Enjoy your delicious, smoky Texas-style BBQ brisket! Serve it with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, pickles, and cornbread for a complete BBQ feast.
