HOUSTON, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The eyes and ears of Texas will focus upon Houston this Fourth of July weekend, as the city offers a host of family activities to celebrate America's birthday. The highlight of the festivities is the 2005 Chevy's Freedom Over Texas celebration Monday, July 4th, featuring a blockbuster concert with country music superstars Clint Black and LeAnn Rimes, followed by the state's largest fireworks extravaganza produced by world renown fireworks artists from Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. Both the concert and the fireworks will be televised statewide.

Grammy-winners Clint Black and LeAnn Rimes will take the stage to perform from their long lists of greatest hits. Houston native Black, who recently released Spend My Time, his first album in five years, will perform such hits as "Summer's Comin'," and "We Tell Ourselves," as well as new favorites. Rimes also recently released a long-awaited album, This Woman, which marks her transition from child prodigy to full-fledged country superstar with successful singles such as "Nothin' 'Bout Love Makes Sense."

Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is one of the world's premier pyrotechnic production companies and has produced fireworks for several Super Bowl half- time shows, Olympic events and presidential inaugurations.

The action for Chevy's Freedom Over Texas will take place along Buffalo Bayou at Eleanor Tinsley Park, beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 4th. All weekend long, however, Mayor White has marshaled the city's strongest forces to incorporate a schedule of not-to-be-missed opportunities that run the gamut from sports to art to dining and more.

"Houston invites all of Texas to celebrate America's birthday with us," said Mayor Bill White. "Thanks to Chevy's partnership, the city is able to bring in unbeatable headliners and breathtaking fireworks to make Houston the best place to be for the Fourth of July. The entire city will be buzzing with the American spirit."

In addition to Chevy's Freedom Over Texas, the mayor pointed out, weekend highlights include the Astros and San Diego Padres taking to the field at Minute Maid Park for an Independence Day game, and the Baseball As America exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which will be up through the summer. Downtown hotels will offer weekend packages to encourage tourism, and the city's largest-ever restaurant fund-raising event, Corks and Forks, celebrating Houston's dynamic dining scene and supporting the Houston Food Bank, will be in full swing.

The City of Houston's Official Fourth of July celebration also will feature a prime selection of local musical talent. Four stages, including the Chevy's Freedom Over Texas Stage, will keep toes tapping with the diverse musical sounds of today's America, including pop, Latino, adult contemporary, classic rock and rhythm & blues.

When the double-feature concert comes to a close at approximately 9:30 p.m., attention will turn skyward for an incomparable fireworks display. Perfectly choreographed to a selection of America's favorite tunes, from patriotic songs to rock-n-roll hits to classic standards, the show will span the banks of Buffalo Bayou.

Throughout the afternoon, festival-goers will explore Chevy Liberty Park, Symbols of Freedom, which will offer displays of military artifacts and vehicles including tanks and jeeps. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Ben Franklin and receive a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and to visit displays from the Military Museum of Texas. Children will stay entertained with rides and games in the Fiesta All American Kid Zone, while adults will enjoy browsing through everything from patriotic items to crafts to Latin American goods in the Freedom Market. Increasing the summertime fun factor will be the Budweiser Beer Garden, which will offer a wide selection of beverages in a relaxing atmosphere, and the Budweiser Sand Volleyball court, for those who would like to participate in a little friendly competition before the concert and fireworks.

Adding to the Fourth of July excitement in Houston, downtown hotels, including official event hotel DoubleTree Hotel Downtown, and restaurants will offer special packages to encourage easy planning of a weekend in the center of the action.

Chevy's Freedom Over Texas will be simulcast on KTRK-TV, Channel 13 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday, July 4th.

Admission for the festival, which benefits the Central Houston Improvement District, Inc., is $6.00 at the gate for adults and children under 10 are free. Tickets also can be purchased at Houston-area Fiesta locations for $5.00.

Chevy's Freedom Over Texas sponsors include: Title sponsor Chevrolet; Clear Channel Radio-Houston (Classic Rock 93.7, The Arrow/KKRW-FM, Mega 101, 94.5 The Buzz/KTBZ-FM, Mix 96.5/KHMX-FM, Sunny 99.1/KODA, 740/KTRH-AM, ESPN 790-AM, Talk Radio 950 AM/KRPC); Budweiser/Silver Eagle Distributors, Sparkletts Water, Fiesta and DoubleTree Hotel Downtown.

For more information, call 713.247.3500 or visit http://www.houstonspecialevents.org

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