Severe thunderstorms prompted cancellation of Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway evening events, including a concert to feature Smash Mouth and a fireworks show, but not before a full day of events attracted thousands to downtown and Mackenzie Park.
A spokesperson for Broadway Festivals Inc. confirmed all 4th on Broadway events planned for Thursday evening in Mackenzie Park were canceled after organizers spoke with the Lubbock Fire Marshal’s Office. There were no immediate plans for rescheduling the events.
Earlier in the day, the 34th annual 4th on Broadway festival kicked off with the Bolton Oil Parade featuring more than 80 entries ranging from high school marching bands to floats and trucks decorated by businesses, non-profits and other organizations. Late Broadway Festivals Inc. organizer and Lubbock music icon Don Caldwell, who died in May , was honored as grand marshal during the parade.
The event continued with the Cabela’s Youth Fishing contest, cobbler and catfish eating contests sponsored by River Smith’s, live music and family activities in Mackenzie Park . But soon after headlining band Smash Mouth did their early evening soundcheck ahead of their planned performance, strong thunderstorms began rolling into the Lubbock area.