Calendar of Events
One major component of maintaining Independence Heights is nurturing the social aspect of our growing community. The members of the various Independence Heights workgroups, councils and organizations meet at the beginning of every year to plan the social functions for the upcoming year. The following events have been planned by the members of Independence Heights.
Celebrate our Centennial
Independence Heights was founded in 1905 but established in 1908 as a community. The community is one hundred years old and we are celebrating this achievement. A week of activities are planned to celebrate this achievement. We would like to formally invite you to attend our Centennial Celebration including the 19th Annual Parade and Festival beginning Friday, October 31, 2008 through November 7, 2008. If you are interested in participating in this festival as a vendor or a parade participant, please feel free to contact our offices at 832-388-6045.
Independence Heights is home to fun and friendly residents. Throughout the year events are held to bring everyone together and participate in fun and festive events. Once a year community leaders get together and plan the general calendar for the upcoming year. Below is a list of our annual events.
Annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
Headed by longtime residents Eddie and Dawn Thomas, groups of youth get together once a year and head for the Independence Heights Park. The Annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament has drawn scores of people to the community each year. Youth are invited to participate in a variety of activities including lectures, workshops and "shooting hoops" with their friends. For more information about the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament visit their website located at www.peyps.org.
Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Spearheaded by Friends of Independence Heights, the Annual Juneteenth Celebration is a unique event that brings together youth and seniors. Juneteenth is mainly a holiday celebrated in Texas that originated when Texas slaves learned they were freed a year after Abraham Lincoln actually emancipated all slaves in the United States. Youth are invited to pick the harvest from the community garden and eat watermelon and red soda with the seniors. A short focused program is performed by the youth pertaining to history and culture.
Annual Community Health Fair
Neighborhood Centers Inc. sponsors a community-wide Health Fair each year. The Annual Health Fair brings many vendors a health care groups to the neighborhood. Mobile units and other care units are on hand to administer various health screenings such as diabetes, blood pressure and offer immunizations. Vendor booths are setup around the park to provide information to event attendees. For more information about the Annual Health Fair or Neighborhood Centers, Inc., please visit the website located at www.neighborhood-centers.org.
Annual Community Appreciation Dinner
Once a year, the Independence Heights War on Drugs sponsors a dinner to celebrate public servants in the community. From police to fire personnel, everyone is invited to come and show their appreciation. Residents gather at Fire Station #31 to decorate and serve home cooked catered food. Awards are given to the honored guest and everyone joins in for a festive time.
Annual 4th of July Reunion in the Park
The Annual 4th of July Reunion in the Park is a new event to Independence Heights. Planners look forward to hosting their first 4th of July Celebration in 2009. The event will challenge residents of Independence Heights to picnic in the parks by bringing their families together for a reunion. Contests and giveaways, activities and rides will highlight the event.
National Night Out
The Independence Heights War on Drugs and Super Neighborhood Council join forces with the Houston Police Department to host National Night Out. The event is usually held at Independence Heights Park. Vendors and Exhibitors from community based organizations, churches, schools and City of Houston Departments set up tables and share information with event attendees. On occasion groups from different streets host block parties to commemorate the event.
Annual Heritage Parade and Festival
The Annual Heritage Parade and Festival is a community-wide celebration sponsored by a variety of organizations and companies. The Annual Parade and Festival draws thousands of individuals to the neighborhood. The Parade usually happens in the morning followed by the festival. Entertainment, food and fun are all a part of this celebration.