Americans across the country will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this weekend, and Houston appears ready to show its international guests a great time. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Dozens of local events are planned for Fourth of July weekend, but there\u2019s no doubt that the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival<\/a> in East Downtown \u2014 which has already drawn more than 276,000 visitors over the past two weeks \u2014 will be a popular daytime spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n A noon championship match is planned at Houston Stadium between Canada and the winner of a Round of 32 match between the Netherlands and Morocco. It will be shown live on the big screens at the free Fan Fest and will be the final match played in Houston, although World Cup festivities extend through July 19.\u00a0<\/p>\n Fan attendance at the Houston matches has been strong, averaging more than 68,000 guests per game. For those who\u2019d rather not take out a second mortgage on their home to purchase World Cup tickets<\/a>, Fan Fest is the place to be. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and the festival, which includes food vendors, live entertainment and open play for youth and adults, runs until 6 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, said the crowds at Fan Fest have been massive and enthusiastic, despite a few bad weather days<\/a>, since the World Cup kicked off on June 11.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe incredible turnout reflects the power of sports to bring people together and that soccer is truly a global unifier,\u201d Walsh said in a statement. \u201cThousands of fans from across the Houston region and around the world have gathered to celebrate not only the matches, but also the cultures and diversity that make our city world-class. We\u2019re proud to bring events like this that strengthen our community, create lasting memories, and showcase Houston as the premier destination for international events.\u201d<\/p>\n Houston\u2019s official Freedom Over Texas<\/a> celebration runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. The main stage at Eleanor Tinsley Park will feature \u201cTexican\u201d rock band Los Lonely Boys, alternative rockers Collective Soul, and headliner country music star Keith Urban. The event concludes with a \u201cTexas-sized\u201d fireworks display. Tickets are $15 (free for children under 12) and paid parking is available at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts garage.\u00a0<\/p>\n Freedom Over Texas draws about 35,000 attendees each year and is broadcast live on ABC KTRK Channel 13, according to a press release from the City of Houston.\u00a0<\/p>\n Fireworks<\/p>\n You know the drill. Enjoy the fireworks at public displays but face a fine of up to $2,000 for pyrotechnics shows in incorporated areas. Those who live in unincorporated areas of Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties can shoot fireworks but not within 600 feet of a church, hospital, veterinary clinic, licensed childcare facility, school, college or university.<\/p>\n Fireworks also can\u2019t be deployed within 100 feet of locations where flammable liquids or compressed gases are stored or dispensed or where fireworks are kept and sold. If a child is caught with fireworks, their parent or guardian has to pay the fine even if they weren\u2019t aware of the minor\u2019s possession or usage, according to the Houston Fire Department webpage<\/a> on firework safety.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWarnings are no longer used because of the seriousness of firework laws,\u201d an HFD spokesman said. An estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks are reported to local American fire departments each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. More than one-third of the victims are under the age of 15. Sparklers get as hot as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and account for one-fourth of the injuries seen at hospitals.\u00a0<\/p>\n There are no active burn bans<\/a> in Harris or the surrounding counties, but those who choose to shoot fireworks in unincorporated areas should have a water source nearby and clear the area of any flammable materials. Saturday\u2019s forecast calls for a high in the mid-90s. <\/p>\n Since Houston currently has an influx of international travelers in town for the World Cup \u2014 who may not be familiar with firework safety laws and are mesmerized by the availability of the pyrotechnic devices at roadside stands \u2014 residents are encouraged to report illegal use to a non-emergency HPD line at 713-884-3131.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Fourth of July Festivities<\/p>\n Several events are planned across the Greater Houston area this weekend, including:<\/p>\n The City of Bellaire Parade and Festival<\/a> from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 4. The parade route<\/a> runs north on South Rice Avenue and ends at the intersection of South Rice and Linden. Admission is free.\u00a0<\/p>\n Fourth of July Celebration on Skylawn<\/a> at POST Houston, 401 Franklin, offers a rooftop view of the City of Houston\u2019s fireworks display. The rooftop area is sold out, but the POST Houston food court area will be open until 10 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Galveston Island Parade<\/a> begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at 23rd and Seawall. It will go west on Seawall before turning North on 53rd to exit, ending around 8 p.m. A 25-minute firework display begins at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Kemah Boardwalk Fourth of July Celebration<\/a> is planned to kick off with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Friday night and an all-day festival from 12:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday. The event features live music and games for kids. Boardwalk dinner cruises are also available, with tickets ranging from $40 to $149 available on a first-come, first-served basis.\u00a0<\/p>\n Missouri City\u2019s Fourthfest<\/a> runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday behind Houston City College at 1600 Texas Parkway. The free event features games, food trucks, live music, a drone show and fireworks.<\/p>\n The Woodlands is going all out with a Firecracker 5K<\/a> race at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2 and the 50th annual South County Fourth of July Parade<\/a> beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday through the Woodlands Town Center and Market Street. The Red, White and Boom Festival<\/a> kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday with live music. Synchronized fireworks<\/a> displays and drone shows begin at 9:25 p.m. at the Waterway Square District at Rob Fleming Park.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Kings Harbor Waterfront Community on Lake Houston, 4501 Magnolia Cove Drive, Kingwood, is hosting Fireworks on the Pier<\/a> Sunday, July 5, with family activities beginning at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show starting at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.\u00a0<\/p>\n