I don’t know if I’ll ever regain my normal levels of hydration.

As soon as I stepped out of the yellow school bus onto CelebrationPark at Allen USA, I was immediately soaked in sweat. Charming, I know. But I’m sure you can relate.

Good thing there was plenty of lemonade. Plenty of lemonade, mind you, in recyclable cups. Besides the expected red-white-and-blue festivities, Allen’s efforts to incorporate the green element in the event were impressive.

The city joined hands with Community Waste Disposal to provide vendors with recyclable and compostable items, such as plates, napkins, cups and utensils. Every few steps, there were bins for compostables and recyclables. These bins and the 55,000 attendees who used them appropriately allowed Allen to throw a zero-waste party celebrating the country’s independence.

At a time when protecting the planet’s resources have become more and more crucial, Allen’s continued commitment to take responsibility for its place on Earth is respectable.

I also want to salute Allen’s very own teen star, Shaylen Carroll. Four years ago, she sang the national anthem at Allen USA. This year, she performed on the main stage with her band The Black Box Station. Keep your eyes and ears out for her, because her solo album is coming out this summer, and she’s also shooting the first two seasons of her Disney Channel show, The Wannabes, with teen singing group Savvy. 

Thankfully, Allen USA was just the beginning of the area’s Fourth of July festivities. Open up the issue to see what other events you can attend. I hear Plano knows how to put on a parade. And McKinney is hosting an ice cream crank-off. That sounds deliciously cool.

Whatever you decide to do on Fourth of July, keep me posted. I want to hear all about it.

Contact Saerom Yoo, the Allen neighborsgo editor, at syoo@neighborsgo.com.