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Annapolis and Severna Park play host to two of the area's most popular 4th of July parades to help kick off local festivities. The Annapolis 4th of July Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on Amos Garret Boulevard, winds around Church Circle down Main Street, and ends at City Dock, where locals can watch fireworks. The U.S. Naval Academy Band performs at 8:00 p.m. at Susan Campbell Park.
At the Severna Park July 4th Parade and Festival, onlookers can watch classic cars, floats, bands, performers, and more stroll down Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in the morning. The conclusion of the parade is followed up with a festival at Cypress Creek Park that is perfect for children. There, you can find a rock climbing wall, pony rides, games, face paintings, food vendors, and more.
In our nation's capital, the famous National Independence Day Parade will roll down Constitution Avenue past the monuments to cele ate our nation. Also famous are the fireworks at the National Mall that light up the D.C. sky.
If you're a fan of fireworks on the water, you're in luck. There is a plethora of options all around to catch the pyrotechnics from D.C. to Annapolis to Baltimore. Watermark presents cruises in Annapolis and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Schooner Woodwind offers three sailing cruises at three different time slots (11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.) during the day. Odyssey Cruises and Capital Yacht Charters are hosting their own dinner cruises to catch the fireworks at the National Mall.
Music lovers can cele ate America's birthday with the Coconut Island Show – a Jimmy Buffet Tribute at Chesapeake Beach Resort and the United States Air Force Band's Airmen of Note at the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. from 6-7 p.m.
Just eight minutes from Georgetown, Kastles Stadium at the Wharf will hold the 3rd Annual Red White and Boom from 4:30-9:30 p.m. with music from The Rude Nudies, DJ Mow, Dale and The Zdubs, The Trophy Bros, and The Morrison Bros.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is throwing Red, White & Zoo Enrichment Day, a yearly event in which the animals receive patriotic inspired treats such as “fishsicles” and paper mache toys filled with meat. This day gives visitors great photo opportunities to see the animals enjoying their delicacies.
The Washington Nationals will take on the Milwaukee Brewers in a rare 11:05 a.m. game at Nationals Park. The Nats will sport their blue patriotic Curly W uniforms and have a special performance by Neil Diamond as he debuts his new single "Freedom Song (They'll Never Take Us Down)."
Across the Bay Bridge on the Eastern Shore, Wye Plantation in Queenstown is hosting its Annual Independence Day Commemoration. Meanwhile, kids can test their athletic prowess at the 2nd Annual Firecracker Kids Triathlon, which will take place at the Dorchester Family YMCA at 8 a.m.
No matter where you spread your red, white, and blue pride Thursday, be sure to do it safely and have fun!