The Woodlands Township is planning a celebration for The Woodlands' 40th anniversary. The community was officially established on Oct. 19, 1974, and a celebration is planned for the weekend of Oct. 18–20.

Nick Wolda, director of community relations for the township and president of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented the township board with possibilities for a 40th anniversary event.

Possible celebration activities include community and family friendly events at either Northshore Park or Rob Fleming Park.

"We think that a community celebration at Rob Fleming Park would be appropriate, with fireworks and live music," Wolda said.

Wolda and the township board considered an event at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion but likely will pass on that option.

"Unless you get a really big name act at the Pavilion, you're going to look small," he said. "If you bring a big name act, it sometimes works the reverse, where you have visitors come in, and [it is] not about community celebrating a 40th anniversary."

Wolda said a park-based event would likely cost about $45,000 and would include student art projects. The Woodlands Development Company has committed $20,000 and the township has budgeted $50,000 for an anniversary celebration, according to township documents.

An informal committee consisting of representatives from the township, Development Company and Woodlands Pavilion has been formed to plan the event.

Wolda said the township could also seek sponsorships for the celebration.