IT'S A FANTASTIC FOURTH
Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas celebrate the Fourth of July
Date published: 7/2/2009
BY MEGAN WILLIAMS
FIREWORKS, FOOD, CRAFTS, dunk tanks, games and fun all say Fourth of July.
And there will be an abundance of these holiday hallmarks this Saturday. From the Heritage Festival, to fireworks in Pratt Park, to history lessons at Ferry Farm and daytime fireworks at Mount Vernon, there is something for everyone looking to celebrate America's independence.
HERITAGE 5-MILE RUN
A part of the Heritage Festival for more than 20 years, the 5-mile run takes people old and young on an early morning race through downtown Fredericksburg.
More than 700 runners will start near the visitors center at 7:45 a.m. and end there some time later.
"The race is a tradition in Fredericksburg," said Jack Rowley, event co-chair. "It's a 5-mile race so people who are not physically up for a full marathon can normally handle five miles."
Race volunteers will be at some of the busier intersections along the race route to direct traffic.
People will also be stationed at the finish line to help any racers that may be feeling ill and to hand out water and snacks.
Although volunteers will be timing runners after the end of each mile, electronic ankle bracelets will record each individual time as they cross the finish line.
Some of the $20/$25 registration fees will go to the Fredericksburg Area Running Club, but most of it will go to the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, which gives support to visually and hearing impaired individuals.
The race is a community event more than anything, Rowley said.
"It's focused on Fredericksburg," he said. "It's going to be a great Fourth of July and this should be a great race."
HERITAGE DAY PARADE
This unique parade provides two opportunities for people to be a part of the fun: Line the streets and watch the parade go by--or walk in it.
People are encouraged to walk, bike or push strollers or pull wagons in the patriotic parade. Kids can decorate bikes and parents can decorate strollers.
The parade is limited to bicycles, strollers, walkers and wagons. It begins at 9:30 a.m. on Caroline Street and ends at the post office on Wolfe Street about 30 minutes later.
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When: July 4; 5-mile run, 7:45 a.m.; parade, 9:30 a.m.; river raft race, 11:30 a.m.; street festival and craft show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; fireworks at dark, about 9:30 p.m.
Where: 5-mile run begins at the railroad station, ends at the visitors center; parade from Caroline Street to the post office on Wolfe Street; river raft race from the Falmouth Waterfront Park to the Fredericksburg City Dock; street festival and craft show, Sophia Street from George Street to Wolfe Street; fireworks can be seen from Pratt Park in Stafford County
Cost: Registration for the 5-mile race is $20 before July 4 and $25 day of the race; river raft race registration is $60 for commercial, $50 for a club or organization, $35 for individuals; the craft show, parade and fireworks are free.
Info: Roberta Gold, 540/371-4811
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| Great Meadow Fourth of July, A 20-minute fireworks show will light up the skies after dark in Fauquier County. Children's games and other attractions offered during the day. Cost: $20/car; tickets can be purchased at greatmeadow.org. Info: 540/253-5001.
Culpeper Fourth of July Celebration, Sporting events, a car and bike show, patriotic speeches, a parade, food and music will be offered during Culpeper's Fourth of July event in and around downtown. A fireworks show can be seen from Yowell Meadow Park. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. and end with the fireworks show around 9:15 p.m. Info: cul peper4thofjuly.com; 540/829-8278.
Mount Vernon's Independence Day Celebration, At George Washington's home, a full day of activities. Please see story on page 19.
Reds, Whites and Blues Celebration, Enjoy wine tasting, barbecue and live blues music at Potomac Point Winery in Stafford County. Free to attend but fees for food and wine. Info: potomacpointwinery.com; 540/446-2266.
Fourth of July Bazaar, Event at St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church in Colonial Beach, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Yard sale, moon bounces, games, prizes, bake sale and raffle, live music and trolley rides offered. Info: 804/224-7221.
Busch Gardens Boom 'N July, Today through Saturday there will be a fireworks display after dark at Busch Gardens. The show can be viewed in the Black Forest picnic area. Show is included in park admission. Info: buschgardens.com/va; 800/343-7946.
Colonial Beach Fourth of July Family Celebration, Food, live music, beer, wine, moon bounce, dunk tank and other activities at Town Hill. Gates open at 1 p.m. Admission: $7 before 5:30 p.m., $5 after. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Fourth of July Celebration at George Washington Birthplace National Monument, A flag raising and tree planting ceremony, living history, horse-drawn carriage rides and viewing of fireworks in Virginia and Maryland communities will be offered. The birthplace is located in Westmoreland County. Activities run 9 a.m.-10 p.m., everything free. Info: 804/224-1732.
Historic Fredericksburg Walking Tours, The Museum Tour Company will offer additional tour times the weekend of July 3 and July 4. In addition to the regular Saturday tour at 10 a.m. there will be three tours: July 3 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and July 4 at 1 p.m. All tours begin and end in Historic Market Square behind the Town Hall building of the Fredericksburg Area Museum. Tours cost: $3/adults; $1/students. Info: 540/809-3918.
Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm, A day of exciting festivities at the boyhood home of George Washington. Please see full story, page 17.
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FIREWORKS RETURN TO PRATT PARK |
RAFT RACE WELCOMES ALL BOATS THAT FLOAT |
JOIN IN THE HERITAGE DAY PARADE |
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Date published: 7/2/2009
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