Independence Day got off to a strong start in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Fourth of July started with a parade around 9 a.m. in McAllen where large crowds turned out for the event.

McAllen officials are holding a festival in Archer Park early this afternoon.

Weslaco are residents headed to Estero Llano State Park for a Fourth of July picnic that ends at 3 p.m.

Brownsville residents packed downtown for a parade that that started right after 10 a.m.

Festivities in Brownsville continue at the old Amigoland Mall with the Freedom Festival and a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.

Harlingen officials are holding a Fourth of July parade on Jackson Street.

The Harlingen parade will be followed with a concert in Fair Park with Jimmy Gonzalez & Grupo Mazz and then a fireworks display after 10:30 p.m.

Thousands of visitors are expected to head to South Padre Island where the Valley's largest Fourth of July fireworks display is expected to start around 9:45 p.m. tonight.