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Jonathan Betz reports.

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PARKER - Patriotism was on parade Saturday, as fireworks lit up the night sky.

Thousands celebrated our freedom.

But many others here in North Texas are using that freedom to rally against Uncle Sam, demanding big changes.

It's not a typical Fourth celebration for the Higgins family.

"We are missing a friend's party - going to have to meet later, but this is important enough," said Seth Higgins, an activist.

The cause, not necessarily the celebration, is what drew thousands to Southfork Ranch this Independence Day, largely to blast what they consider America's free-spending government.

"We wanted people to come out and be able to enjoy a very fun family show, but also hear some dynamic speakers and learn ways they can get politically active," said organizer, Phillip Dennis.

It's one of many tea parties thrown across the nation to rally support for their tax protest movement.

In Austin, Governor Rick Perry rallied thousands at the capitol - calling for change - after making stops across the state, including Rockwall.

In Parker, organizers expected 50,000 to attend this tea party, billed as the largest in the country but by mid-afternoon, only a fraction of that number actually showed up.

What they lacked in size was made up for with passion from folks like Virginia Hanusa, who drove an hour to attend this celebration.

"It's nice to be where there are people who think like you do, who want the same things you do, and to join together with them," she said.

They are joining together this Independence Day, to not only celebrate, but criticize.

E-mail jbetz@wfaa.com.