Despite the potential cancellation of its fireworks show, The Woodlands has created a number of different ways to celebrate America’s Independence over the Fourth of July holiday.

Live concerts, a parade, and splash days are part of the overall outstanding lineup of activities in The Woodlands this Fourth of July. Due to historic drought conditions in The Woodlands and Montgomery County, The Woodlands Township will make a final determination of its fireworks show on Monday, June 27, 2011.

“Certainly, the drought is unfortunate from many different aspects,” said Nick Wolda, President of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. “But the number one priority at this time is safety. With thousands of acres burning in the near areas, we believe it is in best interest not to exacerbate the possibility of a fire and keep The Woodlands Fire Department on full alert protecting the community.”

This would be the first time in 36 year that the Fourth of July fireworks show has been cancelled. Music will fill the air this Fourth of July as the 14th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival in The Woodlands, produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and presented by Ellis & Ellis Private Wealth Advisors and BBVA Compass, features some of the hottest musical talents on Monday, July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Town Green Park and Waterway Square.

Kicking off the festivities is Vertigo, a local variety band specializing in hit songs from the early 80’s and 90’s. The four-man group will take to Town Green Park’s Bud Light stage at 6:10 p.m. While at Town Green Park, check out the 27’ dual lane slide, a bungee run, obstacle courses, a mechanical bull, a dunking booth, a children’s train ride, and of course, the classic H-E-B Watermelon and Hot Dog Eating Contests. As part of the festivities, organizers of the Red, Hot & Blue Festival will also announce winners of the University of Phoenix “Little Firecracker” Essay Contest, a writing competition for participants ages 5-18.

At Waterway Square, enjoy the hypnotic sounds of Mingo Fishtrap, a group known for its heavy soul, funk and jazz influence that will be performing on the State Farm Insurance stage beginning at 6:10 p.m. Another band taking the stage at Waterway Square is 11th Hour, a classic rock band favored for its popular renditions of top 40 hits. 11th Hour’s performance will begin at 6:55 p.m. Additional entertainment at Waterway Square includes free strolling entertainment, balloon artists for kids and The Woodlands Children’s Museum craft area. While much of the celebration focuses on July 4, 2011, The Woodlands will celebrate America’s Independence with a complete line-up of events throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, July 2, 2011, visitors will find great, live music by NiteBeat Band and strolling entertainment at the popular series, Waterway Nights at Waterway Square, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festivities continue on Sunday, July 3, 2011, when the Houston Symphony performs its Star Spangled Salute, a free concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion starting at 8 p.m.

Stroll through Market Street - The Woodlands on Monday, July 4, 2011 for the South County Fourth of July Parade, “Celebrating the American Dream,” starting at 9 a.m. As an added bonus, families can enjoy “Splash Day” as 13 pools in The Woodlands will be open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. on July 4, 2011.

Before the Red, Hot & Blue Festival, don’t forget to head over to Northshore Park just west of Lake Front Circle on Lake Woodlands Drive, for the “Things That Go” Bike Parade on Monday, July 4, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Children 14 years and younger are encouraged to bring their patriotically-decorated bike, scooter or wagon and parade around the park. Awards for the most creative entries will be awarded throughout the afternoon. Afterwards, enjoy a free, live music concert from local country band Buck Yeager at Concert in the Park.

Those visiting The Woodlands for the weekend can choose accommodations to suit any taste and budget. At Candlewood Suites, located at 17525 Saint Lukes Way, families will receive 20 percent off any regularly priced room when they book a room during the week of July 4 using the code: Red, Hot and Blue. To make a reservation at Candlewood Suites in The Woodlands, call 936-271-2100 or visit www.candlewoodsuites.com.

For guests staying at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, the hotel is offering a Fourth of July Weekend package which includes deluxe accommodations and breakfast for two at the Ristorante Tuscany. Children 12 years and under will dine for free at the restaurant. To make a reservation at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel this Fourth of July weekend, call 281-367-9797 and ask for the “Stay for Breakfast Rate.”

Other hotels in The Woodlands include The Woodlands Resort with its Forest Oasis Waterscape, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, a four-diamond property, or the chic AVIA Hotel at Market Street. A number of limited-service and select-service properties also are available nearby.

Looking for a fun way to get around The Woodlands? The Woodlands Waterway Trolleys provide free transportation Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. throughout The Woodlands Town Center. Families can catch a trolley at any of the 11 convenient stops including The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, Central Park at Market Street and Waterway Square, among others.

Another unique way to explore The Woodlands is to hop aboard one of the Waterway Cruisers located along the 1.4 mile corridor known as The Woodlands Waterway®. An all-day pass with unlimited rides is $5, while youths, seniors and disabled are $2.50. All Waterway Cruisers are wheelchair accessible and tickets can be purchased with cash or credit upon boarding. Hours of operation for The Woodlands Waterway Cruisers are Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Each year, the Red, Hot & Blue festival is produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and made free and open to the public thanks to generous sponsors such as Ellis & Ellis Private Wealth Advisors, BBVA Compass, University of Phoenix, H-E-B, Memorial Hermann – The Woodlands Hospital, Coca-Cola, local State Farm Insurance agents: Corey LeJeune, Mary Brunson, Jared Dolan, Jim Cochran and Dan Johnston, Jaguar Houston North, Bud Light, the City of Shenandoah, The Woodlands Young Learners Academy, Wright’s Printing, The Woodlands Development Company, St. Luke’s – The Woodlands Hospital, Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro, Brady for Congress, Oak Ridge North, Two Men and a Truck, SplashTown, Canongate Golf Clubs, The Woodlands Country Club, Sunny 99.1, Houston Community Newspapers, The Conroe Courier, The Woodlands Villager, Review It Magazine, The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes, The Woodlands Online, The Woodlands Community Magazine, Kidnnected, WoodlandsMommy.com and The Paper Magazine.

For up-to-date information on entertainment and activities, maps, parking information or a listing of hotels and pools in the area, visit www.RedHotBlue.org. For more information on The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, visit www.VisitTheWoodlands.com or follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands. For information on The Woodlands real estate market, visit www.MicheleFlory.comSource: TWT