Broadway Festivals Closing – 4th on Broadway Ending its 34-Year Run

Los Hermanos Familia volunteers at the 4th on Broadway Parade with their 16 foot eagle.

Due to the passing of Don Caldwell and other circumstances, the local nonprofit will cease operations.

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After 34 years of serving the community, Broadway Festivals Inc. (BFI) has made the difficult decision to no longer hold the 4th on Broadway celebration. With the unexpected passing last May of Don Caldwell - the visionary and driving force behind the event – and unforeseen obstacles the organization has faced, it is no longer feasible for BFI to host the event.

Organizers thank the City of Lubbock and the entire community for their support over the last three and a half decades and for creating family memories and traditions with them.

Terri Caldwell, Don’s wife, said he devoted his life to creating and continuing 4th on Broadway’s 4th of July event, and for 34 years he did just that.

“He loved giving Lubbock an event to make memories with friends and family while showcasing the vast talent we have right here in Lubbock,” Terri said. “That was his passion. I’m so proud of him for his vision and his ability to get an entire city excited enough to host an event of this magnitude year after year.

“It’s heartbreaking for the Caldwell family to see this come to an end. I’m praying someone with Don’s love and dedication will step up and keep it going. On behalf of my husband, Don Caldwell, and the Caldwell family, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who had a hand in making this event a total success for those 34 years – every sponsor, vendor, the mayor and the city council, the sheriff and his team, every police officer, EMT, security officer, parade entry, musician, vocalist, bus driver, business owner, lighting company, audio company, banker and VOLUNTEER who touched this wonderful endeavor- THANK YOU! And may God richly bless each one of you.”

For nearly 35 years, 4th on Broadway has been an event that Lubbock and the entire region look forward to year after year. Since its humble beginnings by a committee of downtown churches in 1991, the event has become a go-to summer celebration for thousands of West Texans.

The event attracted upwards of 100,000 people each year, but it didn’t start that way. The festival began when Lubbock wanted to put on a celebration in conjunction with the Gulf War veterans coming home. Soon-to-be Lubbock mayor David Langston connected with Don Caldwell and organized the first event, which eventually grew to become the largest free festival in Texas.

Don and Terri’s daughter, Cami Caldwell, who is president of the board of directors of Broadway Festivals Inc., added that 4th on Broadway has been a huge passion for the family since her dad and his friends began the event in 1991.

“It is absolutely heart-wrenching to see it come to a close,” Cami said. “We’re so appreciative of every staff member, sponsor, volunteer, the City of Lubbock and our wonderful community members who helped make Dad’s dream a reality all these years. It’s my prayer and hope that Lubbock will continue celebrating July 4th together. We love Lubbock and always will!”

Photos from 4th on Broadway festivals since 2017 are available to the public here.

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Posted by Latino Lubbock Magazine Digital Media