Woodlands, Conroe Set July Fourth Events

This year's Fourth of July celebrations in Montgomery County will feature fireworks, parades, music, festivals and free swimming.
From The Woodlands to Conroe, there are plenty of activities to pick from in 2009.
The Woodlands
The Fourth of July celebrations actually kick off on July 3 in The Woodlands, with a free concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The Star Spangled Salute features the Houston Symphony, led by conductor Michael Krajewski, playing a selection of American classics, sing-a-longs and Tcyhaikovsky's “1812 Overture,” complete will cannons. The show starts at 8 p.m. and gates open at 6:30 p.m.
On July 4, The South Montgomery County Fourth of July Parade kicks off at Grogan's Mill Road and Lake Woodlands Drive at 9 a.m. The theme of this year's parade is Traveling the U.S. and it includes floats, bands, local organizations and dignitaries. The Grand Marshall for 2009 is Don Stockton, superintendent of the Conroe Independent School District. The 1.3 miles route will traverse Grogan's Mill Road, Lake Robbins Drive, Market Street, and Lake Woodlands Drive.
A free Splash Day will be held at the Woodlands pools from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 4. Each pool will have its own theme and will serve refreshments.
The Annual Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Fireworks will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4 at Town Green Park and Waterway Square. At Town Green Park, there will be live music, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, jewelry making activities, a golf range, a rock climbing wall, free children's activities, inflatables and food and beverage. The celebration at Waterways Square includes face painting, balloon artists, caricatures, an interactive children's fountain and live music. A 20-minute fireworks display, visible along the waterway, will kick off at dusk and be simulcast on Sunny 99.1.
The Community Associations of The Woodlands also offers a free concert at Northshore Park on July 4 with contemporary country artist Nigel Edison. He will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.
Conroe
Holiday events in Conroe also kick off on July 3 with a concert at The Outlets at Conroe, featuring a free concert by The Cody Johnson Band. The retail center also will host a after dark sale during the event, said Holli Conley, tourism coordinator for the Conroe Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
The Conroe Jazz and More Society will host an Independence Day Music Fest and Parade on July 4 from 1 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Park. In addition to a downtown parade, the free festival offers a wide variety of music, including gospel, R&B, rock, country and zydeco.
Two local communities are planning to provide fireworks on Lake Conroe to celebrate the holiday. Beginning at dusk, displays will be provided at Walden on Lake Conroe and at Seven Coves. The Southern Empress also will offer lunch and dinner cruises on the holiday, and the evening sail with include fireworks.
Told that former Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning said that Phil Jackson “doesn't have to do anything but call timeouts,” Jackson was happy to play along.
“That's a pretty good assessment from a guy who played 15 years or so in the NBA,” Jackson said.
Speaking on a conference call promoting the annual Lake Tahoe Celebrity Golf Tournament, Mourning said, “I think Phil is just showing up, to tell you the truth, and Kobe (Bryant) is doing all the work to make this team successful.”
Jackson did not argue.
“Kobe is doing a lot of the work,” he said. “I'm just here kind of sitting on my chair.”
Not deep thinkers
As stunning as the Magic's Finals record-setting shooting was in Game 3, it would seem more remarkable coming after their poor shooting in the first two games. But Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said he had no concerns that his team would react to the shooting struggles by thinking too much about its shots.
“The one thing about our guys that I think I can count on is the fact that they won't think,” Van Gundy said. “I count on that. We are not going to think.
“I am a pain in the (behind) on a lot of things as a coach. You guys see me on the sideline, and I'm probably too hard on them at times. But I might be the most forgiving guy in the league in terms of shot selection. We play the way we play. I'm not saying I never say anything to guys on a bad shot.