SPECIAL EVENTS

Fireworks will ignite the sky, and country tunes will set the stage for an extraordinary patriotic celebration at Mayor Annise Parker’s official Fourth of July event, Freedom Over Texas 2011. Country music artists Jack Ingram, Chris Young and Rodney Atkins will perform at the annual event held from 4 to 10 p.m. on Monday, July 4, culminating with a spectacular fireworks show that will light up the downtown skyline. Admission to the event is FREE with the donation of one canned food item per person for the Houston Food Bank. In conjunction with the Fourth of July festivities, the State of Texas celebrates its 175th anniversary this year.

"I believe it is important and our civic duty as Americans to stop and celebrate the birth of our nation and pay tribute to the men and women who have made great sacrifices so that we may live in freedom,” said Mayor Annise D. Parker. “I invite Texans to join us for this annual celebration so we may demonstrate the importance of honoring our country, respecting the values of our founding fathers, and instilling pride in our community.”

The 25-year-old tradition and lively outdoor festival will feature star-spangled performances on the Freedom Stage by country music stars Jack Ingram, Chris Young and Rodney Atkins. Jack Ingram, a Texas-born songwriter and performer, won the 2008 Academy of Country Music award for “Best New Male Vocalist.” This country star remains in the forefront of country music with the radio hit “Barefoot and Crazy,” from his seventh studio disc of his career. With the release of his third studio album, “NEON,” Chris Young’s first single, “Tomorrow,” hit the top 20 in only six weeks. Young’s first three singles have all hit #1 on the charts, including the smash hit, “Gettin’ You Home,” a song that earned him his first Grammy nomination. Platinum selling artist, Rodney Atkins has topped the charts over the years with his country music hits including “If You’re Going Through Hell” and “Watching You.” In addition to the overwhelming radio and video airplay, Atkins earned the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist award, plus five other ACM nominations and two Country Music Association nominations.

In addition to this year’s entertainment lineup, the festival will also spotlight local and regional musicians. Throughout the day, three stages will keep toes tapping with Latin, R&B and Rock up-tempo melodies.

When the concert comes to a close at 9:30 p.m., eyes will turn skyward for an extraordinary fireworks spectacular perfectly set to a selection of America’s favorite tunes, from patriotic songs to rock ‘n’ roll hits to classic bestsellers. Producing the show will be Pyrotecnico, one of the most innovative fireworks companies located in Texas.

Festival-goers will enjoy booth exhibits and family friendly patriotic activities that will encompass Buffalo Bayou and Eleanor Tinsley Park:

KBR Liberty Park – “Symbols of Freedom”

• A reminder of the patriotic roots of the Fourth of July, Liberty Park will showcase historical military artifacts from the Military Museum of Texas including, U.S. M-60 tanks, armored vehicles and military jeeps as well as a representation from all five military branches.
• Recruiting on site will be the Army, Navy, FBI and HPD.
• History will come alive with the interactive education program, “Build A Flag,” presented by the National Sojourners.
• Further explore the narratives of our great nation through the display of national and local artifacts from The Museum of Printing History.

Bud Light Zone

• Visitors will be able to “cool off” with a cold one at the Budweiser Beer Garden, and enjoy a prime view of the seventh annual Bud Light Texas Volleyball Championship Series Finals.
• Inside the Budweiser Beer Garden enjoy live music by Ira Perez and a DJ by Kracker Nuttz.
• The Bud Light MXT Vehicle, a truck that has three elevated flat screens, will be equipped with an Xbox 360® system, Satellite Dish, sound system and Guitar Hero® III.

Walmart All American Kids Zone

• More than 30,000 square feet of free educational programming and entertainment await children.
• Houston Public Library’s HPL Mobile Express computer lab, will teach child how to use a computer.
• Houston Fire Department’s Smokehouse will teach kids the importance of fire safety.
• Historical costumed characters will talk with children about the documents that defined our government.
• Kids performing for kids will bring the stage to life with artistic performances of Animal Adventures, Cirque Mystery, Red Crew Hip-Hop, Pirates at Sea, Alice in Wonderland and characters such as Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty.
• Free electronic “Curb Games,” traditional games, rides, face painting and interactive activities will be open to children of all ages.

Reliant Energy’s Red, White & Green Scene

• Families will learn how to reduce their carbon footprint and become energy efficient.
• Sustainability exhibits on display include recycling, green building, solar power, wind power, sustainable transportation and more
• Learn about the City of Houston’s green initiatives.

Additional activities:

• Houston Area Land Rover Centres will showcase the latest lineup of 2011 Land Rover and Range Rover models.
• Everyone can be an athlete at the Family Fitness Challenge Area where activities will be provided by all five Houston professional sports teams including the Houston Aeros, Houston Astros, Houston Dynamo, Houston Rockets and Houston Texans.

Freedom Over Texas will be televised on ABC-13/KTRK-TV from 7-10 p.m. on Monday, July 4. In addition, 100.3 KILT will simulcast the music medley specially choreographed for the fireworks spectacular.

For more information, visit the Freedom Over Texas Web site at www.freedomovertexas.org.