June 25, 2004
PARADE OF PATRIOTISM CONTINUES WITH
FOURTH FESIVITIES IN THE WOODLANDS
The Woodlands, TX, June 2004 - The Woodlands celebrates the Fourth of July with an array of patriotic activities that are free to the public, including a Fourth of July parade, Splash Day and the Houston Symphony's "Star-Spangled Salute" on Saturday, July 3, and the Red, Hot & Blue Festival, Wings Over Houston fly-over, a Concert-in-the-Park and a spectacular Fireworks Extravaganza Sunday, July 4.
Fourth of July Parade - July 3
The festivities kick off Saturday with the largest Fourth of July parade north of Houston. Join thousands of spectators as the parade, themed "Winning Spirit," gets underway at 9 a.m. at the corner of Grogan's Mill Road and Lake Woodlands Drive. The parade route will proceed south on Grogan's Mill, heading east on Lake Robbins Drive, north on Six Pines Drive and west on Lake Woodlands. All parade entries will pass in front of the judging area, located in front of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, where commentators will provide a brief description of each entry. Prizes will be awarded in nine categories: five with cash prizes of $250 and a trophy; three with cash prizes of $100 and a trophy; and a trophy for the Best Professionally Built Commercial Float.
Before the parade begins, meet Darrel the Fire Juggler, Uncle Sam, Spiderman, Scooby Doo, Sponge Bob, a stilt walker, balloonist, magician, clowns and many more interesting characters mingling with the crowd. Must-see parade entries include fire trucks, bagpipers, Puffy Pine Cone, numerous floats, a teen band, local dignitaries, and members of the U.S. National Diving Team. For more information about the Fourth of July parade, an event organized by the South County 4th of July Committee, visit www.4thofjuly.org.
Diving Exhibition - July 3
After participating at the U.S.A. Olympic Diving Trials, 2000 U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Wilkinson, Troy and Justin Dumais, and Kimiko Soldati will return as members of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Diving Team. These divers, and others, will present a diving exhibition at the Woodlands Athletic Club following the parade. For more information about the diving exhibition, call 281-363-9500.
Splash Day - July 3
Also following the parade, cool off at one of the 12 community pools in The Woodlands with Splash Day. Lifeguards at each pool have chosen a special theme and activities designed to provide great family fun on a hot, midsummer's day. Young swimmers will be entertained and instructed in water safety, and free refreshments will be provided. Visitors and residents of The Woodlands can swim for free between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Activities are scheduled between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Splash Day is presented annually by the Community Associations of The Woodlands. For more information about Splash Day, visit www.thewoodlandsassociations.org.
Star-Spangled Salute with the Houston Symphony - July 3
Families are invited to bring picnic baskets (no beverages please) and blankets Saturday evening to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for a free patriotic concert featuring the world-renowned Houston Symphony. Sponsored by The Woodlands Operating Company, L.P., the "Star-Spangled Salute" has been a family favorite since its inception in 1990. Michael Krajewski, a perennial favorite, returns to conduct the Houston Symphony in this all-American celebration at 8 p.m. With his contagious enthusiasm and delightful sense of humor, the evening promises to be one of laughter and great music.
Children can shake hands with Uncle Sam, have their face painted in patriotic colors, and have their pictures taken with Puffy Pine Cone, lovable mascot of The Woodlands, all for free! The South County 4th of July Parade Committee will host a silent auction during the event, with proceeds benefiting Montgomery County area charities. Bidding begins when gates open at 6:30 p.m. and continues through intermission. One lucky guest attending the "Star-Spangled Salute" will win a Fourth of July gift basket with everything needed to celebrate Independence Day in style. Guests can register to win this giant gift basket from 6:30-8 p.m. in The Pavilion's North Plaza. The winner will be announced before the start of the second half. For more information about the "Star-Spangled Salute," visit pavilion.woodlandscenter.org.
Red, Hot & Blue Festival - July 4
On Sunday, July 4, the 7th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival in The Woodlands Town Center, presented by Munday Chevrolet and Munday Mazda, continues to be a main attraction for Fourth of July activities. One of Greater Houston's largest Independence Day celebrations, this year's festival features expanded hours, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, a new location, The Woodlands Waterway adjacent to The Pavilion, and one of the largest fireworks shows in Texas. Featuring a tropical theme, The Waterway will be transformed into a tropical paradise complete with thatched huts and Sand Mist Islands for cooling off.
Admission to the festival is free and features music, food and activities for the kids. New this year is "Kiddie Land," a picket-fenced area with a sandbox and room for young children to play safely. Guests will enjoy the wide variety of food and beverages available along The Waterway, including Guadalajara Mexican Grille, T.G.I. Fridays, Rockfish Grill, Fleming's Steakhouse, Sonic Drive In, plus all-American fare such as hamburgers and hot dogs. Throughout the day, local bands such as Kelly McGuire, Garcia & Reyna, Savvy, Ramón Torres & Max Cat, Texas Brass Band and Nobody's Fool will entertain festival-goers.
Wings Over Houston Fly-Over - July 4
At 7 p.m., as Texas Brass Band softly plays taps at the Red, Hot & Blue Festival site, look to the sky as Wings Over Houston performs a military fly-over, presented by Bank of America and St. Luke's Community Medical Center - The Woodlands. Vintage World War II planes will sweep over the festival site in the Missing Man Formation as a tribute to the fallen soldiers who have served or are currently serving in the military.
Fireworks Extravaganza - July 4
At 9:15 p.m., an intense 20-minute firework display will take place off the Anadarko Garage at Timberloch Place, near Woodloch Forest. The Fireworks Extravaganza will be simulcast on Sunny 99.1 FM. For more information about the Red, Hot & Blue Festival, the Wings Over Houston fly-over and more, visit redhotblue.org.
Red, Hot & Blue Parking - July 4
Free parking for the Red, Hot & Blue Festival is available near the festival site in color-coded parking lots. Follow Event Parking signs upon nearing the festival site. For directions to the festival site, visit redhotblue.org.
Concert-in-the-Park with TKOh - July 4
Also Sunday evening, enjoy heavy duty rock 'n' rollers, TKOh, at Northshore Park in The Woodlands. With the groovin' sounds of funk and soul from the early 1970s, TKOh has been recognized with dozens of awards and nominations, including "Best Horns" and "Best Funk R & B" by the Houston Press. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are encouraged. For more information about the summer Concert-in-the-Park series, visit www.thewoodlandsassociations.org.
Fourth of July in The Woodlands offers something for everyone! For more information about all of the activities in The Woodlands that are celebrating our nation's independence July 3 and 4, visit redhotblue.org.
Fourth of July Activities in The Woodlands
Saturday, July 3, 2004
Fourth of July Parade, 9-10:15 a.m., Free
The Woodlands Town Center
Splash Day, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Free
12 community pools throughout The Woodlands
Diving Exhibition, 11 a.m. (or after the parade) -12 p.m.
Adults $8; Children 12 and under $5
Woodlands Athletic Center
Houston Symphony's "Star-Spangled Salute," 8 p.m., Free
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sunday, July 4, 2004
Red, Hot & Blue Festival, 1-10 p.m., Free
The Woodlands Waterway
Wings Over Houston Fly-Over, 7 p.m., Free
The Woodlands Town Center
Concert-in-the-Park featuring TKOh, 7 p.m., Free
Northshore Park
Fireworks Extravaganza, 9:15 p.m., Free
Off the Anadarko Garage in The Woodlands Town Center
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