Every year the Rotary Club of Rockport gathers in the square downtown at 10:00 am and performs the reading of the Declaration of Independence in costume. It has been a tradition now for 14 years, and each year the club expands its costume closet to accommodate the growing group of participants.
This event is a much-anticipated part of the 4th of July in Rockport for locals and quickly gathers a crowd of over 250 locals and visitors. The Declaration is read by past president and pastor Matt Wigton of the Rockport Baptist Church in a strong voice booming with conviction. The crowd is encouraged to respond with "boos," "huzzahs" and "fyes" as the reading goes on to describe transgressions of the King of England or the changes signed into law by the delegates of the Second Continental Congress.
In the evening, another group of Rotarians participate in the Firemen's 4th of July Parade which kicks off at 6:00 pm. This year's float theme was "America" and included many friends and children of our club members.
