Fourth of July Celebration in Houston, Texas

Shell will present the Houston, Texas "Freedom over Texas" Fourth of July celebration ending with a spectacular fireworks display - for free. The celebration will start at 4:00 PM and end at 10 PM on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at the Eleanor Tinsely Park.

The display is the largest land-based fireworks show in America so you can expect 30 minutes of "oohs" and "ahs" from 9:30 PM - 10 PM. This year's Fourth of July celebration in Houston, Texas is extra special because it will mark the 40^th anniversary of the Apollo XI Lunar Landing. Houston heroes - including NASA Astronauts and military personnel - will be honored during the Fourth of July celebration.

Music

Country music singer Clay Walker will perform amongst other entertainers during the July 4^th celebration. Don't worry if you're not a country western fan; all types of music genres will be represented including rock 'n' roll, pop, oldies and even Latin.

Children's Activities

Children will be able to get their face painted, go on rides and play games. Fiesta will sponsor the All American Kids Zone so there will not only be fun activities, food and drinks will be available too.

Volleyball

The statewide tournament finals will begin before the concert, so why not watch the men's and women's Bud Light Texas Volleyball Championship while waiting? There will be a Budweiser Beer Garden featuring both craft and import beer so you can kick back and relax while watching the volleyball tournament.

Military

Because this year Houston's Fourth of July theme is Houston heroes, there will be a variety of displays from five military branches presenting artifacts and vehicles.

Eleanor Tinsley Park

The park is located off of Allen Parkway near Studewood along the Buffalo Bayou. There are hike and bike trails, stretching and exercise stations (e.g. push-up and pull-ups), plenty of space for kids and dogs to run around, a boat launch, a children's playground, trash cans, water fountains and benches throughout.

Insider Information

The Fourth of July celebration in Houston, Texas gets very crowded so it is best not to bring your car. Traffic after the fireworks is usually at a standstill and can take an hour just to get out of the park area. Your best bet is to park at least one mile away from the park and walk the rest of the way. Get there early, bring your hat, sunscreen, plenty of snacks and drinks for the kids, and a blanket so you can find secure the perfect spot.

TV and Radio

Over 100,000 people are expected to attend so if you are claustrophobic or if you simply cannot make it to the Houston Fourth of July celebration at the Eleanor Tinsley Park, you can listen to the concert and fireworks display on the radio on FM 93.7, or watch it on TV on channel 13 (ABC) from 7:00 PM - 10 PM.

*Bobbi Leder is a freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. To read more of her Associated Content articles, click here.