While Americans are getting ready for Independence celebrations, Caribbean natives in Houston and other parts of Texas are gearing up to indulge in Houston Caribfest....AKA Houston Carnival.

For those who may be unaware, this is the 9th year of Carnival celebrations in Houston, which has been attracting and increased number of Caribbean natives from throughout Texas the rest of the United States of America and the Caribbean.

Carnival celebrations will run from Wednesday 29 June through till Monday 4 July 2011 ending with Caribfest Cooldown at the Lake. The Parade of the Bands will take place on Sunday 3 July at Tom Bass Park and will feature Steelbands, a parade of floats, dancers, art & craft and live entertainment to name a few.

However, no Caribbean Carnival is complete without live entertainment by some of the best known Caribbean artists who include; Lord Nelson, Kes The Band, Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, Iwer George, Lyrikal, Tony Prescott, Rupee, Ragga, T-Rock and Rikki Jai among others will be featured in various events during Caribfest.

Some of the major events scheduled to take place during this fast growing festival are:

29 June - It's Camoflage

30 June - The Official Wotless Ultra Glo Affair

1 July - Jouvert

2 July - It's Baytown Comes Alive for the First Time

3 July - Parade of the Bands on Sunday at Tom Bass Park

3 July - Insomnia afterwards Caribfest Cool Down