'We're grateful': Pearland’s Fourth of July Celebration of Freedom returns to in-person event

The City of Pearland is bringing back its annual Fourth of July Celebration of Freedom this year as an in-person event with a virtual element.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Pearland to cancel the celebration last year.

“Celebration of Freedom is the marquee event for our city, so to be able to get back into our events and programming season with an event like this has been incredibly rewarding,” City of Pearland Special Events Coordinator Mychal Mitchell told Houston Daily.

Enthusiasm for the return of the Fourth of July celebration has been shared by vendors, partners, sponsors and residents.

“We’re grateful to our long-time community partner and sponsor, H-E-B, for being one of the first sponsors to get back in and help us celebrate,” Mitchell said. “Collectively we have heard so much positive feedback from our residents that are ready to get out, have a sense of normalcy, and come out and be in community.”

The band Breakfast at Tiffany's will provide live music on the H-E-B Entertainment Stage and a fireworks show will cap the event. The city will be live-streaming the 18-minute fireworks show with the link accessible on the Pearland Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

“We are taking precautions and putting safety first by removing high-touch activities such as inflatables, and replacing those with increased vendor presence, and strolling entertainment,” Mitchell said.

The Celebration of Freedom will take place at Independence Park at 3449 Pearland Pkwy. on July 4 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Pets are prohibited as are glass containers, large tents, pop-up canopies, oversized umbrellas, tailgating and barbecuing. Smoking and personal motorized vehicles are also not allowed.

There will be a limited number of parking spaces inside the park. Additional parking will be available at Pearland High School.