The Woodlands 50th Anniversary is finally here, and planning has been underway for some time for the epic week of activities. The Township's Planning Committee and Howard Hughes Team have been toiling to make the week both memorable and meaningful. Here are some festivities to add to your calendar as we celebrate five decades.
“Our weeklong celebration in The Woodlands is a tribute to an impressive five-decade journey and the fundamental pillars that have shaped our community: a deep respect for nature, a commitment to philanthropy, a dedication to the cultural arts and a strong sense of civic unity,” shares Kim Phillips, Vice President, Marketing & Community Affairs, Howard Hughes.
Monday, October 14, is the kick-off where community leaders will launch the celebratory festivities with proclamations from state, regional, and local officials, as well as a dedication of a time capsule putting in special objects to commemorate the historic milestone.
Tuesday is dedicated to a Day of Giving. Community service and philanthropy are pillars in The Woodlands and its first nonprofit organization, Interfaith of The Woodlands will be spotlighted and how residents can plug into volunteer opportunities to give back to the community on the website TheWoodlands.com. From family services, senior services, Interfaith of The Woodlands has been a backbone of support from the start. Their programs and impact on our community are pivotal. All 50th anniversary merchandise sold benefits Interfaith of The Woodlands.
Wednesday's tree dedication will be a meaningful symbolic representation of the 50 years of growth and environmental stewardship in the Woodlands. The Woodlands greenspace is appreciated by all. A stunning, signature hardwood tree will be dedicated at Northshore Park, along with the planting of a 100-gallon tree in each residential village in partnership with the Village Associations. The hardwood tree will represent growth, resilience, and life. Much like its strong roots, our community is anchored and grounded as a strong support for its residents and businesses. Spiritually, a tree's vines and branches are intertwined and embody life.
Thursday, October 17, is The Woodlands Arts Council's Mural Unveiling. The Woodlands Arts Council has had a massive surprise art installation underway since summer when they announced their public art project. They put out a call to local artists in Montgomery County and the portion of The Woodlands located in Harris County for samples of prior mural artwork. One talented artist has been selected among 38 applicants to a mural to the theme: The beauty of The Woodlands the livable forest 50th Anniversary Mural. The mural unveiling will take place on Thursday. "It will come alive and add an element of surprise," shares Jenny Carattini-Wright, the Executive Director and CEO at The Woodlands Arts Council. The 38 applicants were narrowed down to five finalists and the winner was chosen by a panel of judges from Howard Hughes and The Township.
"We love our public arts program, it's accessible for all," shares Jenny, "When you are walking down across the waterway, this mural will be an element of surprise you are not expecting. That wall will come alive."
The spectacular art display is located behind The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion located at 2500 Lake Robbins Drive, in The Woodlands. Readers can learn more about the programs they offer year-round at www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org.
Of course, the weekend is chock full of family-fun. Friday night is the much-anticipated free concert presented by Howard Hughes. Lyle Lovett and his Large Band featuring Woodlands' own Hayes Carll and Jack Ingram as opening acts. The pre-concert celebration is from 5 to 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:15p.m. Tickets were based on availability at www.thewoodlands.com for the lucky residents who snagged the complimentary priority access tickets. Howard Hughes is underwriting the entire show to make the epic event free.
Saturday's Grand Public Celebration aptly memorializes the actual date, October 19, of the 50th anniversary date. A grand public extravaganza, produced by The Woodlands Township, will be held at Northshore Park and the Hughes Landing Band Shell in The Woodlands. The night will culminate lighting up the sky above Lake Woodlands. Wood Forest Bank and Waste Connections are co-sponsors for this event presenting the innovative high-tech drone and fireworks show.
“I have a great passion for The Woodlands, I believe in its foundation, that it’s a community for all faiths, ethnicities, cultures, social economic groups, as well as ages,” says Dr. Ann Snyder of The Township. “That is what makes the celebration so unique, it’s embraced that foundation for 50 years.”
Join in the Golden Anniversary celebration as we pay honor and tribute to community growth, support, and all those who rally every week making The Woodlands shine. We celebrate five decades of diversity, innovation and community pride, looking forward to a promising future.
During Tuesday’s Day of Giving event, a food drive and coat drive drop-off will be set-up for residents to participate. Volunteers are always needed year-round in many capacities for our families and senior residents.
Interfaith of The Woodlands relies on donations and volunteer support to meet their critical mission. Being a solution to food insecurity in our community is a mission the nonprofit excels at. As the holidays approach, think of hosting a food drive in your neighborhood or at work. A critical need is always diapers, cleaning products, and hygiene items.
Interfaith creates a monthly needs list available on their website woodlandsinterfaith.org to determine what types of non-perishable foods to collect. Financial contributions are also welcome, and they can purchase food in bulk at a better rate with their nonprofit status.
Have you heard of their Veggie Village where 75% of food harvested is donated to their pantry? Their community donation gardens are located at the Alden Bridge Spots Park and Wendtwoods Park in partnership with The Township and many community volunteers.
For more information contact Jenni Fisher at Jennifer.fisher@woodlandsinterfaith.org
“I have a great passion for The Woodlands, I believe in its foundation,..." says Dr. Ann Snyder of The Township.