Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens' annual 4th of July blowout is an extravaganza of Americana featuring performers, crafts, activities, refreshments and more.

Girl Scout Brownies can earn all requirements for the "Celebrating Community" badge by participating in the activities. No advance registration is required. Badge must be purchased separately.

Houston Public Radio personality Eric Ladau emcees, with drawings throughout the afternoon for prizes from Bayou Bend and KUHF/KUHA.

Schedule:

1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. -  Texas Army Fife & Drum Corps
1:15 p.m.  - Susan Kelm "Early American Fiddle Songs"
2 p.m. - Constance O'Brien "Betsy Ross: American Hero"
2:30 p.m. - Paragon Brass Ensemble "Great American Brass Songs"
3:15 p.m. - John Keahey reads the Declaration of Independence
3:45 p.m.  - Mark Seale Trio "Jazz Standards"

Activities:

Soldiers of the Revolutionary War (1-3 p.m. and 4-4:45 p.m.): Historical re-creator John Keahey and his team take you back in time for a look at the uniforms, equipment and weapons used on both sides to fight the American Revolution. 

House Tours (1-3 p.m.): Visit the first floor of the historic home to see furnishings and art from Philadelphia, Boston and other major sites of the Revolutionary War.

Crafts (1-3 p.m. and 4-4:30p.m.): Make your own flag, paint watercolor fireworks and more. Sign the Declaration of Independence. Use a quill pen to add your signature to an oversize copy of Thomas Jefferson's historic document. Flag Hunt Pick up a scavenger-hunt sheet and find the American flags that are strategically hidden throughout the property.