Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza
The Woodlands, Texas

When: July 4

Where: Waterway Square in The Woodlands

The north-Houston suburb of The Woodlands may be one of the Lone Star state's fastest-growing communities, but its down home spirit is evident to those who have gathered each year since 1997 to enjoy a potpourri of patriotic entertainment on our nation's birthday.

In the evening, residents rise from their lawn chairs and blankets as the stirring strains of "God Bless America" echoes in the evening air, marking the start to hours of stars and stripes-themed songs from live local musical acts, the music providing a soundtrack for the contestants that cram every last morsel of food into their mouths during the hot dog-eating and watermelon-eating contests.

Athletically-apt festival attendees test their skill on the rock-climbing walls or try for a hole in one on the putt-putt golf course, while Texas tots hop around on inflatable houses. The cherubic faces of little ones, painted with images of Old Glory, light up as a profusion of pyrotechnics splash across the night sky. Lasting 23 minutes, the impressive fireworks display is matched only by those in the downtown Houston area.

Related article:

The Woodlands Planning Texas-Sized Fireworks Show, Celebration

For more information:

• visit www.redhotblue.org