Parades, fireworks make the Fourth a blast

STAFFORD — From corn-shucking contests to an evening spent at on the National Mall, watching as fireworks explode to the 1812 Overture, Stafford is a gateway to terrific Fourth of July celebrations.

On July 3, an “After Work Party” will be held at Blue & Gray Brewing Company, at its new location at 3300 Dill St. This party will last from 4 to 10 p.m., and invites people to both a pie-eating contest and a corn-shucking contest. The winner of each contest will eat and drink for free at the Brewery’s Independence Day celebrations the next day.

July Fourth will feature a mini-midway for children, demonstrations on proper American flag disposal, a variety of family-friendly games and a choir with patriotic songs, ending with a display of fireworks at dusk at the Blue & Gray Brewing Company.

Fredericksburg will hold the Heritage Festival from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, beginning with a runner’s race, and including a parade, antique auto show, craft fair, live entertainment and a fireworks display at the end of the day.

“It’s bigger and better than ever,” said Roberta Gold, coordinator of the festival.

For those who want to stay in Stafford, drive a shorter distance, or ensure that children have a blast, a $2 entrance fee will get you into George Washington’s Boyhood Home: Ferry Farm as it celebrates the United States of America’s 233 Independence Day.

Three centuries of children’s games, demonstrations of colonial cooking, marksmanship and first-person interpreters of all ages will be around from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this July Fourth.

Anyone brave enough to battle the I-95 traffic and heavy crowds may enjoy the Capitol Fourth in Washington, D.C. Remember to arrive early or use alternate transportation.

A day in D.C. can start out with a visit to the National Archives gallery, to view the U.S. Constitution, or listen to the dramatic reading on the steps from 10 to 11 a.m. If children — or adults — get bored, the Smithsonian Institution’s museums will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dinosaurs, though not patriotic, are always a big hit, and can keep young imaginations busy as older minds enjoy the concert and the fireworks on the National Mall later in the evening.

Sesame Street characters, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, the National Symphony Orchestra and Natasha Bedingfield will perform along with the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band and “Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps in a concert on the mall while fireworks ring out in our nation’s capitol from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

No matter where you decide to celebrate your Independence Day, the best of luck to you as you enjoy the 233rd celebration of the birth of this nation.

Megan Sweeney is a contributing writer for the Stafford County Sun. She can be reached at info@staffordcountysun.com.