FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Nick Wolda, President
The Woodlands CVB
(281) 363-2447
FLURRY OF EVENTS PLANNED IN THE WOODLANDS DURING JULY FOURTH WEEKEND
THE WOODLANDS, TX (MAY 17, 2011) – The Woodlands will celebrate the July Fourth weekend with one of the largest firework displays in the greater Houston area, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, live entertainment, and much more!
Now in its 14th year, the annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival, produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and presented by Ellis & Ellis, will be held 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®. The event is open to the public.
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 www.thewoodlandscvb.com/redhotblue/little_firecracker.html.
One of the Largest Fireworks Displays in the Houston Area
Thousands are expected to gather at dusk for the Red, Hot & Blue Fireworks Extravaganza presented by BBVA Compass which will feature a 23-minute explosion of colors lighting up the night’s sky. The fireworks show also will be simulcast on Sunny 99.1.
Organizers say The Woodlands Waterway offers the best spot for viewing the fireworks display. 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.
On Saturday, July 2, 2011 visitors will find entertaining live music and strolling entertainment as the popular series, Waterway Nights at Waterway Square, will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On Sunday, July 3, 2011, 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.
Before the July 4, 2011 Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza, head over to head Market Street - The Woodlands for the South County Fourth of July parade, “Celebrating the American Dream,” which starts at 9 a.m. After the Parade, beat the heat by visiting one of The Woodlands’ 13 pools for Splash Day from Noon to 4 p.m. Later that evening, Northshore Park, located just west of Lake Front Circle on Lake Woodlands Drive, will have the “Things That Go” 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. Afterwards, enjoy a free, live music concert from local country band Buck Yeager at Concert in the Park.
“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, a four-diamond property, or the chic AVIA The Woodlands 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 during the fireworks display. Services will resume after the fireworks have completed.
For more information, a complete schedule of activities, maps and up-to-date parking information, or a listing of hotels and pools in the area, visit www.redhotblue.org. Also, follow us on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands.
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.