PREMIER OF THE FOUNTAINS AT WATERWAY SQUARE, OPENING OF THE WOODLANDS WATERWAY ARTS FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT WEEKEND CELEBRATION

THE WOODLANDS, TX (March 17, 2008) . . . A celebration of the newest development in The Woodlands will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 6 p.m. during the Premier of The Fountains at Waterway Square, located on The Woodlands Waterway® just east of The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

An initiative of The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Town Center Owners Association, Waterway Square is located directly on The Woodlands Waterway and is bordered by Lake Robbins Drive, Timberloch Place, Waterway Avenue and Woodloch Forest Drive.

The Public Premier of The Fountains at Waterway Square

During the public celebration of The Woodlands’ newest and most unique park, a water wall spanning 120 feet will release a choreographed, night-lit display of dancing columns of water, cascading waterfalls and “boomer” jets shooting water more than five stories high.

The Premier of The Fountains at Waterway Square will include a fireworks display beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2008.

“The development is unique in the Greater Houston region,” said Nelda Blair, chairman of the board of The Woodlands Township. “This development brings much life to The Woodlands Waterway as this community continues to enhance its appeal of people places for residents, visitors and the work environment.”

“The Fountains at Waterway Square will be an exciting place for residents of The Woodlands to bring neighbors and visiting guests,” said Frank W. Robinson, president of The Woodlands Township. Robinson describes Waterway Square as “a unique urban setting in this region and a place to meet friends, enjoy the environment and create wonderful memories. The Fountains at Waterway Square are an outstanding addition to The Woodlands and its destination appeal for residents, visitors and those who work in the area.”

In addition to the daily choreographed show, The Fountains will include a children’s interactive fountain with fanciful mosaic artwork created by renowned artist Dixie Friend Gay.  In 2006, Gay was recognized as Artist of the Year by the American Institute of Architects, Houston Chapter.

The water feature was designed by Aquatic Design and Engineering of Orlando, Florida, creators of several major water features for Disney Resorts in Orlando and Orlando City Hall.  Waterway Square was designed by Sasaki Associates of Waterton, Massachusetts, designers of the 2008 Olympic Green in Beijing, China and other notable projects.

Restaurants, retail and entertainment venues will frame The Fountains at Waterway Square to create an active setting throughout the day. Americas and Chocolata Cocoa Bar are among the restaurants already confirmed to participate in the Premier of The Fountains at Waterway Square on Saturday, April 12, 2008.

“This newest and most exciting public space along The Woodlands Waterway is attracting businesses, shops and restaurants to the new office buildings recently opened and planned for The Waterway Square District,” said Alex Sutton, president of The Woodlands Development
Company. “With the opening of Waterway Square, we will begin to see the fulfillment of our vision for a vibrant 24/7 environment in the heart of The Woodlands Town Center.”

“The celebration of the Premier of the Fountains at Waterway Square will follow the outdoor events announcing The Woodlands Waterway and the opening of The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center,” says Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands Visitor & Convention Bureau. “The Fountains at Waterway Square will enhance the destination appeal of The Woodlands as another ‘signature’ gathering spot in the downtown area.”

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Opens

Earlier in the day on April 12 beginning at 10 a.m., The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will open with original works of art from more than 200 national and regional artists showcased along The Woodlands Waterway.

Highlighting this year’s event is “Showcase Mexico,” a celebration of the country’s cultural arts with musical performances, food and fine arts and crafts from several Mexican artists and craftsmen. Several featured artists from Mexico also are scheduled to appear.

Enjoy the Festival’s First Floating Art Parade

At 10:30 a.m. on April 12, festival organizers will launch the event’s first Floating Art Parade when floating works of art will be guided along The Woodlands Waterway.  The winning entry which best reflects the parade’s theme, “Water Creatures,” will be awarded The Waterway Cup, an award created by one of the festival’s glass artists, Robert Rynearson.

“We’re anticipating our biggest crowds ever,” says Festival Director Brenda Gottlieb.  “The addition of the floating art parade and celebration of international art will be terrific additions to our event.”

Live entertainment on two stages and fine dining selections at the “Palette Café” will provide guests with a relaxing atmosphere.

Hours for The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival are Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Admission is $10 for adults.  Children 12 and under are admitted free.