“The Como Day Parade was started to basically build institutions and businesses in the community,” Marcus Hudson said.
FORT WORTH, Texas — In the next two days, the peace and serenity at Lake Como will be the center of a historic celebration.
“We started planning over a year ago, so it’s been kind of tedious, but we got there,” said Como Fest organizer Marcus Hudson.
Detailed plans are now in place for the annual July 3 Como Fest, which begins this year with the 75th Como Day Parade.
“The Como Day Parade was started to basically build institutions and businesses in the community,” Hudson explained. “Basically, to further the vital interest of the community.”
Como Fest is a family-friendly annual event with something for everyone. Hudson has invited vendors from across North Texas to participate in the event, attended by hundreds of people. Food is a big part of the event, so there will be plenty of food trucks available. Como’s own DJ K9 will be a big draw for attendance, too. Hudson shared that the stage will be erected so that the landscaped hillside can serve as a seating area during live entertainment. The goal is to celebrate the rich history of Como.
New this year, the Fort Worth Motorcycle Unit will join the entertainment lineup. But for Hudson, making sure officers are present and visible is key, especially following the tragedy that struck two years ago when gunfire broke out just blocks from the event, sending crowds fleeing for safety. Three people were killed and eight others wounded.
“I knew it in my heart, along with some of the officers and the other community leaders, that we needed a solution,” said Hudson.
That solution came through close collaboration with Fort Worth police to develop a safety plan for Como Fest from start to finish.
“Neighborhood police officers, kind of on the inside perimeter, found monitoring, what’s going on, making sure everyone’s safe, kids are safe, and residents are able to get back and forth to their homes,” said Officer Tracey Carter with the Fort Worth Police Department.
Officer Carter also emphasized there will be increased patrols citywide during the Fourth of July weekend, and a strict warning about fireworks.
“You will get a ticket if you fire fireworks, right? You will get a ticket if you pop fireworks,” Carter emphasized.
Legacy Lake Como is a grassroots nonprofit in Fort Worth where local Black men who grew up in the Lake Como neighborhood work to uplift their community through mentorship, neighborhood beautification, and cultural events.
The group formed in the wake of George Floyd’s death, first restoring the historic Lake Como Cemetery and hosting drives like car washes, blanket and coat giveaways, and organizing Como Fest. Their goal also includes inspiring pride, supporting youth through mentorship using the TIME method, and strengthening the area’s Black identity and economic opportunities.
Hudson hopes this year’s celebration helps young people connect with the neighborhood’s rich legacy.
“It gives the youth to understand that you’re standing on something, that you have something to value,” he said.
A legacy that’s worth celebrating, now and for generations to come.