Let Freedom Ring!


Dorena Moore and Sarah Earls-Cowart running in last year’s event.

Dorena Moore and Sarah Earls-Cowart running in last year’s event.

First Colony Freedom 5K Most Patriotic Female 2013 Megan Wagenaar.

First Colony Freedom 5K Most Patriotic Female 2013 Megan Wagenaar.

Round up the kids, neighbors and friends – it’s time to celebrate Independence Day in Fort Bend! These star-spangled festivities in Sugar Land, Meadows Place and Missouri City provide the best in family-friendly fun.

Freedom 5K & Family / Youth Walk

Come dressed in your red, white and blue best for First Colony’s annual patriotic race. Returning for the 19th consecutive year, the Freedom 5K Run and Family/Youth Walk at Lost Creek Park in Sugar Land is presented by First Colony Community Association (FCCA) on July 4th.

Race day kicks off with registration, packet and chip pick-up from 5:45 to 6:50 am. The 5K run begins at 7 am followed by a non-competitive 1.5-mile walk for family and youth at 7:45 am. The route winds through First Colony’s scenic neighborhoods, down the Oyster Creek trail system and finishes in Lost Creek Park. Certified and sanctioned by USA Track & Field, the race offers water and aid stations at the first and second mile markers.

After the race, families are invited to a party and awards ceremony where awards are given for the most patriotic male, most patriotic female and most patriotic family. Come dressed to impress!

Mayor Charles Jessup, Meadows Place Parks and Recreation Director Monya Keenen, KPRC’s Local 2’s Jennifer Reyna and alderman Heidi Case kicked off the 2013 event.

Mayor Charles Jessup, Meadows Place Parks and Recreation Director Monya Keenen, KPRC’s Local 2’s Jennifer Reyna and alderman Heidi Case kicked off the 2013 event.

The 5K registration fee is $20 if registered in advance, and the 1.5-mile walk is $10. Proceeds directly benefit Fort Bend CORPS, a community revitalization effort for elderly, disabled or low-income residents who are unable to make essential home repairs.

To register, visit www.firstcolony.org or call First Colony Community Association at 281-634-9555.

4th of July Parade

Round up the neighbors and raise a toast to military troops at the annual 4th of July Parade in Meadows Place. The free parade begins at 10 am on Friday, July 4th at Sugar Grove Church of Christ, located at 11600 West Airport in Meadows Place.

Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Charles Dupre will lead the way as parade marshal while participants and spectators show their love for the U.S.A. and the Fort Bend community. City officials will follow the special dignitaries in the line-up of what Mayor Charles Jessup calls, “the best hometown parade in Texas.”  Non-motorized entries are welcome and do not need to register.

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department awards trophies for the best youth, best spirit and best commercial entries after the parade at McGrath Park, located at Lake 12002 Brighton Lane.

For more information on the fun-filled event, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 281-983-2935 or visit www.cityofmeadowsplace.org.

 

2013 Star Spangled Spectacular.

2013 Star Spangled Spectacular.

Star Spangled Spectacular

Sugar Land’s Constellation Field hosts the fabulous Star Spangled Spectacular on Friday, July 4th from 7 to 10 pm. Celebrate America’s birthday with a variety of entertainment and a patriotic fireworks finale. The whole family can participate in the various children’s games and activities planned throughout the night.

Live It Up Productions, the Fort Bend Chinese American Association and others provide entertainment featuring patriotic rock and country performances sure to bring everyone to their feet. The Southern California-based Live It Up Productions performs around the world and includes a staff of accomplished producers, costume designers and choreographers who provide an array of Broadway-style song and dance shows.

Concession stands offer an assortment of food and beverages to purchase. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Parking is limited at the stadium, so residents are encouraged to take a free shuttle from Kempner High School, located at 14777 Voss Road, from 6 to 11 pm.

Aniya, Alaya and Jaiyla Owens celebrated at Missouri City’s 4th of July Celebration in 2013.

Aniya, Alaya and Jaiyla Owens celebrated at Missouri City’s 4th of July Celebration in 2013.

Tickets to the Star Spangled Spectacular are free but required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For tickets and more information, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at 281-275-2885 or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/parks.

4th of July Celebration

Family, activities, food and fireworks make any Independence Day celebration complete, and Missouri City’s 4th of July Celebration has it all. The City invites citizens to flock to Buffalo Run Park, located at 1122 Buffalo Run Boulevard, for an exciting day of activities and patriotic games for all ages, as well as delicious food and the always-popular fireworks show from 6 to 9 pm on Friday, July 4th.

The annual celebration includes free activities ranging from a rock wall, rides and moonwalks to mechanical bulls, a trackless train and human hamster balls. Delicious summer treats are available to purchase with cash only, including shaved ice, barbecue, funnel cakes, tamales and crepes. The evening ends with a fireworks show at approximately 9:15 pm.

Parking and stadium seating is available at Thurgood Marshall High School, which is adjacent to Buffalo Run Park. For more information, visit www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-8637.