July 4th 2011 Red, Hot and Blue Festival in The Woodlands Texas

Fireworks over the Waterway 

The Woodlands will celebrate the July Fourth weekend this year in an even more grand style than ever, in the tradition of a growing community and town center. As usual, there will be one of the largest firework displays in the greater Houston area, with hot dog and watermelon eating contests, live entertainment, and much more!

This public event will be the 14th year for the Red, Hot & Blue Festival by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. It will be presented by Ellis & Ellis on Monday, July 4, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Town Green Park and Waterway Square, both located along The Woodlands Waterway®.

As part of the festivities, organizers of the Red, Hot & Blue Festival will announce winners of the University of Phoenix Little Firecracker Essay Contest, a writing competition for participants ages 5-18. For more details on submission deadlines, contest rules and eligibility, visit the related website. ¹

One of the Largest Fireworks Displays in the Houston Area

Thousands are expected to gather at dusk for the fireworks extravaganza presented by BBVA Compass. This will be a 23-minute colorful choreographed show. This show also will be simulcast on radio Sunny 99.1.

Organizers suggest viewing along the The Woodlands Waterway, which offers the best view of the fireworks. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome; however coolers, outside food, and drinks are prohibited in Town Green Park and Waterway Square.

“What better way to celebrate America than with a community event that just gets bigger and bigger every year!” says Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are excited to be involved in such great activities for our residents and visitors.”

Make It A Weekend In The Woodlands

The Woodlands will celebrate America’s Independence with a complete line-up of events throughout the weekend.

+ Saturday, July 2: visitors will find live music and strolling entertainment at Waterway Square from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

+ Sunday, July 3: gather the family and enjoy an evening under the stars when the Houston Symphony performs its Star Spangled Salute, a free concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion starting at 8 p.m. You don't want to miss the canon salute either!

+ Monday, July 4: Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza! In the morning,  head over to Market Street for the South County Fourth of July Parade at 9 a.m. This year the theme is “Celebrating the American Dream,”. After the parade, beat the heat by visiting one of The Woodlands’ 13 swimming pools for Splash Day from Noon to 4 p.m. at no cost. Later in the evening, go to Northshore Park, located just west of Lake Front Circle on Lake Woodlands Drive, for the "Things That Bike Parade" at 5:30 p.m. Children 14 years and younger are encouraged to bring their patriotically-decorated bike, scooter or wagon and parade around the park. Awards for the most creative entries will be awarded throughout the afternoon. A $5 entry fee is required to participate in the "Things That Bike Parade". Additional decorating materials will be available on-site. Afterwards, enjoy a free live music concert from the local country band Troy Hess & Texas Heartbreakers in the Park. Then before dark, stroll over to the waterway to view the fireworks display.

“We are turning Town Green Park and Waterway Square into The Woodlands largest community entertainment venue to celebrate our nation’s Independence,” says Nelda Blair, chairman of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.

Those visiting The Woodlands for the weekend can choose accommodations to suit any taste and budget, including: The Woodlands Resort with its Forest Oasis Waterscape, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel  (four-diamond property), or the chic AVIA Hotel at Market Street. A number of limited-service and select-service properties also are available nearby.

Waterway Cruisers will operate throughout the day on July 4, 2011, however service will stop for the fireworks display. Services will resume after the fireworks have completed.

For more information, you can find a complete schedule of activities and parking  information, maps, or a listing of hotels and pools in the area, visit Facebook or the website. ^2,3

About The Woodlands
Located just 30 minutes north of Houston, Texas and minutes from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, The Woodlands is an emerging destination for leisure guests, individual business travelers and groups of all sizes. Visitors to The Woodlands enjoy more than 5 million square feet of world-class shopping, dining and entertainment options, more than 190 miles of hike-and-bike trails, the 1,700-acre Mitchell Preserve, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, which is in the top 5 of outdoor amphitheatres in the world, and kayaking on The Woodlands Waterway, Lake Woodlands and 121 parks. The Woodlands features world-class golf and was the home of the Shell Houston Open for 17 years. The Woodlands also is home to more than 1,500 guestrooms in upscale and boutique properties, select service, limited service, conference and convention centers and a resort.

Resources
¹  University of Phoenix Little Firecracker Essay Contest
²  Red, Hot, Blue Event website
³ Red, Hot and Blue facebook