In an interview with Community Impact, Alvin ISD’s new superintendent, Rhonda Mason, discussed her vision for the district, leadership approach and priorities following the announcement of her appointment May 13.

What you need to know: Mason brings more than 25 years of experience in Texas public education, having served as a teacher, principal and district leader in Houston ISD, Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD, according to a May 13 news release from the district.

Check out eight events to attend from July 25-Aug. 15 in Pearland, Friendswood and Manvel.

July
The Famous Market: A Market Story: The open-air market features a curated collection of local vendors, artisans and small businesses from unique handmade goods to bites and sweet treats.

• July 18, 4-9 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 11200 W. Broadway St., Pearland

• July 24, 6:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 3449 Pearland Parkway, Pearland

• Aug. 15, noon-10 p.m.
• $13.48 (general admission); $36.56 (food experience); $59.63 (VIP lounge)
• 11200 W. Broadway St., Pearland

Several events are happening around Greater Houston for the Fourth of July weekend, including Freedom Over Texas and the South County 4th of July parade. This list is not comprehensive, and these events are subject to change.

Freedom Over Texas
The 39th annual Freedom Over Texas festival will feature headliner country music artist Keith Urban with supporting acts Collective Soul and Los Lonely Boys.

• July 4, 4:45 p.m.-9:53 p.m.
• $15 (admission)
• 18-3600 Allen Parkway, Houston

• July 3, gates open at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands

• July 4, 8-11 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, local officials are encouraging residents to know how to safely use and dispose of fireworks after the festivities end.

What residents need to know: However, residents are allowed to use fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. As part of the Fourth of July holiday, first responders are encouraging the safe use of any fireworks by following several safety tips, including:

• Only light one firework at a time
• Have ready access to a water source
• Never relight fireworks after use

• Sound of fireworks
• Firework restriction information
• Abandoned firework debris