Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell (whew!) is the biggest celebration in town when it comes to the Fourth of July, and this year the entertainment is Texas country singer Pat Green.

A Texas favorite since his big break performing at Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Party in 1998, Green has moved from local to national country stardom, but still keeps close to his roots with songs like "I Love Texas" and "Southbound 35."

Freedom Over Texas will take place at Eleanor Tinsley Park and also feature the Bud Light Texas Volleyball Championship, four stages playing live music throughout the day, 30,000 square feet of entertainment for kids and the largest land-based fireworks show in the country.

The City of Houston managed to match last year's budget with the addition of two sponsors, and special events deputy director Susan Christian says before the gates open, all costs will have been covered.

Thanks to consistent sponsorship and in keeping with Houston's expanding green initiatives, entrance is free this year for anyone who brings one canned good to donate to the Houston Food Bank. (Admission is otherwise $8.) Kids 2 years old and younger get in free.

The celebration starts at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 4, and will be broadcast locally on ABC if you can't make it down. We recommend coming by for the real deal — fireworks just aren't the same onscreen.