HOUSTON — Fireworks, festivals and parades return in full force this July 4 with events planned across the Greater Houston area. The celebrations of America's independence will include everything from traditional parades to festivals -- large and small -- concerts and, of course, the star of the show: fabulous fireworks.

The Houston skyline will be lit up on the Fourth of July by thousands of fireworks, but Thursday morning, hidden behind a treeline, a crew of six was hard at work, carefully arranging the explosives at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park.

The slate of local events features live music, food and drinks, family-friendly activities and, of course, fireworks displays.