Freedom Over Texas
4th of July Celebration Returns!

 
 
Houston’s Official Fourth Of July Celebration Is Back With Live Music, Family Fun And Stunning Fireworks
 
Following two years of a reimagined celebration, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events is thrilled to announce the return of Houston’s Official Fourth of July Celebration, Shell Freedom Over Texas.
 
Shell Freedom Over Texas will return this year at full capacity, inviting families to come out and celebrate America’s birthday. Houston’s annual July 4th event will feature live music and activities for the whole family. Opening the Shell Main Stage will be Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws, followed by country sister duo, Walker County and then rapper, singer Blanco Brown, known for his popular song, “The Git Up.” Then country music band, Sawyer Brown will heat up the stage before headliner, Clay Walker performs. The live performances will be followed by extraordinary fireworks courtesy of Shell.
 
“Shell Freedom Over Texas is one of my favorite signature events, and we are thrilled to announce the return of the popular family-friendly celebration,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “I invite everyone to come and enjoy the entertainment lineup, followed by the spectacular fireworks. This year’s Freedom Over Texas will be red-hot thanks to our title sponsor, Shell USA, and anchor sponsors – Bud Light, Dr. Pepper, and Walmart.”
 
Houston-area native and country music star Clay Walker has sold over 11 million albums; had 11 No. 1 hit singles, four RIAA Platinum and two Gold certified albums. He will treat Houston to a hit-packed set that highlights chart-toppers such as “Live Until I Die,” “Rumor Has It,” and “She Won’t Be Lonely Long.” His set will also include his latest single, “Need a Bar Sometimes” that has almost 20 million on-demand and video streams. 
 
“Shell USA is proud to return as title sponsor for Shell Freedom Over Texas to honor the city we love and to celebrate July 4th with the City and community,” said James Cowan, Shell USA Head of Legal. “This year’s event reminds us how special it is to come together – in person – to enjoy live music, food and fun with friends and family.”
 
This year’s festivities at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks on Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway) include the Walmart All-American Kids Zone, a children’s entertainment area with a stage featuring performances for young and old, alike; the Bud Light Seltzer Summer Sizzle, featuring a fun in the sun good time; the Dr Pepper Cool Zone, featuring Houston professional sports teams, live music and food; Liberty Park featuring Symbols of Freedom, the Space City Experience, a salute to all five branches of the military; and, an exciting fireworks finale to end the evening.
 
Sponsors: Title Sponsor: SHELL USA; Anchor Sponsors: Walmart, Bud Light, Dr Pepper; On-Site Sponsors: McDonald’s of Houston, Tim Hortons, Southwest Airlines, Flyhomes, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, METRO; Official Radio Sponsor: COX Media Group: The Eagle 106.9/107.5, The New 93Q, Country Legends 97.1 FM; Community Partner: Houston Food Bank; Beneficiary: Houston Civic Events, Inc.; Producer: City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Special Events; Television Partner: ABC13.
 
WHEN: MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022, from 4-10 p.m.
WHERE: Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks
ADMISSION: $10 per person online and at gates / FREE children 5 and under
 
*Applicable service charges apply for online purchases
 
 
 

Call for Public Comments
on Preliminary Method of Distribution for Regional Mitigation Funds

 
The Houston-Galveston Area Council is seeking input on a preliminary Method of Distribution (MOD) for U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Mitigation funds to provide financial assistance to counties and local jurisdictions for risk mitigation projects related to flooding, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.
Approximately $488 million is allocated for use on a variety of eligible project types to mitigate against risks posed by natural disasters. Harris County and cities within Harris County do not receive an allocation through this MOD, but we welcome comments from stakeholders in these areas.
 
Public Comment
The public comment period is now open. H-GAC staff will accept public comment on the preliminary MOD during the public comment period as listed below and during a public hearing on Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
You may submit oral and written comments on the preliminary MOD until Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 5 p.m. To submit a comment, you may:
  • Email public comments to: CDBGMitigation@h-gac.com
  • Make public comments by leaving a phone message at 1-877-442-2777
  • Mail public comments to Houston-Galveston Area Council, Attn: Cheryl Mergo, P.O. Box 22777, Houston, TX 77227-2777
  • Deliver written public comments to the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Attn: Cheryl Mergo, 3555 Timmons Lane, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77027
  • Make public comments using a form available online at www.h-gac.com/go/cdbg
  • Make public comments at a public hearing (details below)
 
Informational Meeting
H-GAC staff will host an informational meeting to provide an overview of the preliminary MOD, including information about data used in its development. At this meeting you’ll be able to ask questions and speakers will be able to address your questions. The meeting will be Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The informational meeting will be held on Zoom. Register here to receive meeting details.
 
Public Hearing
In addition to the methods listed above, H-GAC will also accept oral and written comments related to the preliminary MOD during a public hearing on: Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The hearing will be held in person at 3555 Timmons Lane, Houston, Texas, second floor conference rooms, and on Zoom. Participants will be able to provide input and make comments about the MOD but speakers are unable to respond to questions in a Public Hearing setting. Register here to join us via Zoom. This meeting is open to the public but we encourage you to RSVP here if you plan to attend in person.
  
For more information on this preliminary MOD, please visit: www.h-gac.com/go/cdbg
 
For more information about the program in Harris County, please visit https://harrisrecovery.org/