Fireworks All Around!
Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year. In case your plans aren't firmed up, events are taking place at towns and cities all around the region offering the possibility of tried and true or discovery. Since most events begin early and end late, consider taking a sun hat, sun glasses, a flashlight, lots of water, and sunscreen to make the day a pleasurable experience.
Interested in wandering a little farther afield? A capital display of fireworks is presented on the Mall in Washington, D.C. If you aren't sure you want to deal with the crowds or parking right along the Mall, you can view the fireworks from the Virginia side of the Potomac. Go early in the day and take a picnic - parking is often available at the Pentagon or somewhere along the parkways. If you want to ride Metro, check the holiday schedule for options.
Colonial Williamsburg plans activities, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a Palace Picnic, and fireworks for the day. There is a fee for some events in the historic area; for more information go to their special events calendar or call 1-800-HISTORY.
Fredericksburg
The 33rd Annual Rappahannock River Raft Race will take place on July 4, 2009. The race will begin at 11:30 a.m. at 
Falmouth Waterfront Park (Two Stone) and will conclude at the Fredericksburg City Docks about 4 p.m. You can watch the race or enter! You can register on site at 8 a.m. at Falmouth Waterfront across the river from Old Mill Park or register in advance. For additional information specifically regarding the River Raft Race or parade, contact the Fredericksburg Jaycees.
The Heritage Festival and July 4th Spectacular are also on July 4. A traditional family Fourth of July celebration throughout the region with a runner's race, parade, craft show, live entertainment, children's activities, and great food, all crowned with a fireworks display, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Events take place in downtown Fredericksburg as well as Pratt Park across the river in Stafford. For complete details, visit the schedule of events on The Free Lance-Star website.
Caroline County
Historic Port Royal joins the celebration from 11-2 featuring colonial dancing, a military living history encampment, and patriotic music. Located on Rt. 301 in Caroline county. The event is free. For more details, visit Historic Port Royal.
Colonial Beach
The Town of Colonial Beach in Westmoreland county will host a day of food and fun along the Boardwalk on July 4. Fireworks start around 9 p.m. on the pier, which you can view from the Boardwalk area, or along the waterfront.
Culpeper's 4th of July
Culpeper has planned fabulous events for the 4th! Most events are centered at Yowell Meadow Park and include soccer and little league tournaments/playoffs with dinner and games starting at 5 p.m. and the fireworks start at dark. All games in the Park are free as is parking.
The Culpeper Renaissance, Inc., Car and Bike show starts at 10 a.m. at The Depot and Davis Street, a patriotic presentation at The Depot begins at Noon, and there's a parade at 4 p.m.
Yowell Meadow Park is easy to reach from Fredericksburg. Take Route 3 West until it deadends in Culpeper. You will see a CVS straight ahead. Turn right onto Main Street. Follow Main Street to the second stop light, which is Davis Street. Go one more block and turn left; the Park is two blocks on Blue Ridge Avenue.
Check out their website for the complete schedule of events.
Dahlgren/King George
Due to budget constraints, there will not be a fireworks display at Dahlgren this year.
Kings Dominion, Doswell, Virginia
Kings Dominion will be celebrating with fireworks and a concert of patriotic songs on July 4 and 5. The event is free with park admission.
Lake of the Woods (Orange County)
The Lake will hold its annual Independence Day celebration on July 4. Festivities for the whole family take place at the Clubhouse and a fine fireworks display over the lake starts at dusk. This year due to sponsorship/funding, the event is only for residents of the Lake and their guests.
Orange County
The County's celebration of the Independence Day takes place July 5 at Booster Park off Rt. 20 in Orange. The gates open at 4:30 p.m. Call 540-672-1794 for more information about events and admission.
Quantico - Lunga Park
The Marine Corps Base is celebrating the 4th with events beginning at 2 p.m. and fireworks after dusk.
Spotsylvania County
Held their county event on June 28, 2009.
Stafford County
Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm!
Please join us for the third annual Fabulous Fourth at George Washington's Ferry Farm! Join General George Washington, members of his regiment, and other first-person interpreters for a look into colonial era life, including spinning, weaving, laundry, cooking and a surgeon's tent. Visit the Ferry Farm website for more details on this special weekend.
Reds, Whites & Blues- July 4th Special
Potomac Point Winery invites the public to come taste their red wines, white wines and listen to a blues band, for a one of a kind Independence Day. Children and pets are welcome at this event, which runs from 11-9 [no fireworks]. Music from 3-7 p.m. Admission charged.
Sponsoring a private fireworks display?
According to Chapter 11, Sec. 59-1-142 et seq. Article 27 of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, the following consumer fireworks (formerly Class C fireworks) are permitted: sparklers, fountains, pharaoh's serpents, pinwheels, and whirligigs.
The following consumer fireworks are prohibited in the State of Virginia: firecrackers, torpedoes, sky rockets and other fireworks which explode, travel laterally or rise into the air, or fire projectiles into the air.
So that means no M-80s, M-100s, or bottle rockets among other explosives. The National Council on Fireworks Safety reports that the injury rate for fireworks-related injuries was at an all-time low in 2006 since they started tracking injuries in the 1970s, thanks in part to safety regulations and consumer awareness.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following tips from their "FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS FOR THE MILLENNIUM" brochure:
…if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
· Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
· Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
· Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
· Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
· Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
· Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
Little kids might join the fun with glow sticks instead of sparklers -- the sticks glow brightly for hours and will never burn fingers. To prevent minor fires, plan to be extra careful on your lawn or under your trees. I'll add that a metal bucket for burnt fireworks, sparkler wands, and matches is helpful. Leave it outside so the works completely cool and keep it and your firework display away from your pets. Add a flashlight, some mosquito repellant, and some lemonade and it's a party. Have a great Independence Day!
In the Library
The Glorious Fourth : An American Holiday, an American History by Diana Karter Appelbaum
A thorough treatment of the genesis and development of July 4th celebrating.
God Bless America
Patriotic music performed by a variety of performers including Kate Smith, the Boston Pops, Leontyne Price, and Miles Davis.
Hurray for the Fourth of July by Wendy Watson
A small-town family celebrates the Fourth of July by attending a parade, having a picnic, and watching fireworks. Interspersed throughout the pages are patriotic songs and traditional rhymes.
Independence Day by Willma Willis Gore
Describes the origins and past and present celebrations of Independence Day.
The Military Band: Salute to the Services by Concert Arts Symphonic Band
Everything from reveille to taps!
On the Web
Kids Domain July 4th Fun!
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/july4/index.html
Kids Domain offers games, e-greetings, information about the Fourth, and a bibliography.
Phantom Fireworks
http://www.fireworks.com/interactive/fireworks%5Fshow/
While it's a commercial site, you can learn about fireworks safety and either view a pre-loaded fireworks "show" or turn off the autoshow under Options and create your own! Select a different city!
