Let Freedom Ring: Cele ate the Fourth of July Locally
By Emma Moore
Fourth of July is one of the most popular occasions to travel with family and friends. Before you hit the road and head someplace away from home this year, consider staying put this Fourth of July. Enjoy a holiday rooted in both national and state history while taking part in some annual traditions and new cele ations this Independence Day. Here are a few great ways to cele ate our nation's birthday in the Annapolis area this week:
76 Trombones in the Big Parade!
Take to the historic streets of downtown Annapolis on Wednesday, July 4th and enjoy the annual Independence Day Parade from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Proudly wave your American flag as marching bands play patriotic tunes to accompany the local scouts and servicemen and women as they walk from West Street to Main Street. Join Maryland's capital in this free cele ation and take pride in our city and our nation. For more information, go to Visitannapolis.org
Earlier on the 4th, the city of Severna Park will also host a free parade, beginning at 10 a.m. and concluding at noon at St. Martin's in-the-Field Episcopal Church. Visit Severnaparkchamber.com for more information.
Flashy Fireworks
Following the parade through town on Wednesday, July 4th, grab some ice cream downtown and hangout until 9:15 p.m. when the Annapolis Harbor firework show begins! Check out the dazzling display over the water accompanied by songs to get you in the American spirit. You can find the best viewing locations for the show at Visitannapolis.org
Looking for a better view of the fireworks show in Annapolis? Book a Fireworks River Cruise by Watermark for Tuesday, July 3rd or Wednesday, July 4th. Bring a date or the whole family and get an up-close view of this spectacle along with some complimentary snacks, as well as drinks, which are available for purchase. Adult tickets range from $50-55 and cruises begin at 7:30 p.m. To purchase your ticket, go to Cruisesonthebay.com
Why limit yourself to just one firework show? This Saturday, June 30th, head to Chesapeake Beach for their Annual Patriotic Fireworks display over the Chesapeake Bay. Bring a blanket and pick a spot on the waterfront of Twin Beaches for the free show at dusk. For traffic information and more, go to Chesapeake-beach.md.us.
Visit the home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence
On Wednesday, July 4th, the William Paca House in Annapolis will hold a special Independence Day Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take advantage of this free opportunity and learn more about the history of Annapolis and its role in the founding of our nation. Learn the story of William Paca, a signatory to the Declaration of Independence, an eventual governor of Maryland, and a Federal Judge. At 10 a.m., experience the unique Naturalization Ceremony and watch as new citizens are welcomed to the United States. Following the ceremony, beginning at 11 a.m., tour the beautiful mansion and gardens. Discover Annapolis' colonial history and overall life in America before independence. You'll appreciate our nation and state capital in a new way this Fourth of July. For more information, go to Annapolis.org.
Freedom Festivals and Cele atory Carnivals
This Fourth of July, Annapolis offers some great ways to cele ate with friends and family. Looking for more to do? Head over the Bay Bridge to the Eastern Shore for these fantastic events:
This Saturday, June 30th, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host Big Band Night, an event perfect for the whole family. Beginning at 7 p.m., check out a live performance from The Shades of Blue Orchestra accompanied by two vocalists. Around dusk, watch the St. Michaels firework display from the beach. Ice cream, food, and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the night. Tickets are $6 for CBMM members and $10 for nonmembers. Enjoy a dazzling night by the Miles River this holiday. For more information, go to Cbmm.org.
Visit the weeklong carnival in Easton taking place on Thursday, June 28th through Tuesday, July 3rd from 6–10 p.m., and on Wednesday, July 4th, 4–11 p.m. Enjoy carnival rides and have some Fourth of July fun with food and drink, special music performances, and dazzling fireworks on the Fourth. Head to Avalonfoundation.org to learn more about this memorable and festive event.
Events in D.C.
Still looking to get away from Annapolis this Fourth of July? What better place to cele ate America's birthday than in its own capital city! Spice up your staycation in 2018 and make the drive to Washington, D.C. for these special events and cele ations:
The Capital Cele ation
If you're looking for the true American experience in D.C. this Independence Day, there's lots of fun to be had with the whole family. Start with a parade at 11:45 a.m. along Constitution Avenue to see the music and marching, and maybe even spot an American VIP. Later, on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol, catch a free concert around 8 p.m., right before the grand firework display. Lastly, pick your favorite monument along the National Mall and take in the Fourth of July fireworks beginning around 9 p.m. For more information, visit Washington.org.
Experience the story of America's most interesting Founding Father
Engage with America's history this Fourth of July season through this visual and musical representation of our nation's founding and the inspiring story of Alexander Hamilton. No need to make the trip to Broadway in NYC; The Kennedy Center is hosting Hamilton, one of America’s most popular theater productions, from June 12th to September 16th. Enjoy this exciting narrative experience on date night or with friends and family. Ticket prices vary. For more information, go to Kennedy-center.org
Cheer on the nation's favorite team
Take part in America's favorite pastime and enjoy a patriotic game of baseball. The Washington Nationals match up against the Boston Red Sox at Nationals Park on Tuesday, July 3rd at 6:05 p.m. with special Postgame Freedom Fireworks, and again on Wednesday, July 4th at 11:05 a.m. with special Independence Day promotions. For ticket and game information, go to Nationals.com