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IT'S A FANTASTIC FOURTH

July 2, 2009 12:35 am

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.

A small veterans' motorcycle group and antique cars and rescue vehicles will also take part in the parade.

RIVER RAFT RACE

It doesn't have to be fancy, it just has to float.

The annual raft race from the Falmouth Waterfront Park to the Fredericksburg City Dock, yields rafts made from all kinds of materials: wood, barrels, bicycles, canoes and more.

Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Jaycees, the race will begin at 11:30 a.m. and end when the last raft crosses the finish line. For some, that takes only about 15 minutes; for others, it could take as long as three hours.

There are many classes of races and many awards to be given at the finish line, including the "We didn't think we'd make it, but " award given to the last raft to reach the dock.

There's also an award for most patriotic, a prize that raft racers take very seriously, decking their craft out in red, white and blue, and any other American emblem they can attach without sinking.

A good place to watch the rafts float down the river is Chatham Bridge, as well as the dock.

FESTIVAL OF THE STREETS AND CRAFT SHOW

One-hundred and sixty vendors will pack into Sophia Street to sell their wares.

The street festival has grown substantially over the years, said Roberta Gold, who organizes the Heritage Festival. Ten years ago, when she took over the task of running the event, there were 18 vendors.

"It's bigger than it's ever been," Gold said. "There's always more you can do each year."

New this year will be an area just for kids. Free pony rides, face painting, moon bounces and a group of vendors called the "Mobile Learning Adventure" will keep children entertained. At the learning station they will be asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Kids ages 3, 4 and 5 years old will then be decked out in the uniform of their desired profession: firefighter, police officer, nurse, teacher and more.

They'll have their picture taken and be given something that parallels their dream job.

"All of it's free," Gold said. "It's really fun for families who come down with small children."

Although it's not new, the beer garden has changed its policies this year. Now people will be allowed to walk around the festival area with their cups.

"I think people are going to be very excited about this," Gold said. "And there's a chance that they will sell more beer."

There will be several places where beer can be bought, along with a variety of other foods, snacks and beverages. Festival workers will be walking around selling water and soda.

A new food court has been added in front of the old Wings on the Water building. People can buy food and then take it onto the deck of the restaurant to eat. Even though the building is slated to be knocked down in the next few weeks, Heritage Festival organizers have fixed up the deck for people looking for a spot to dine.

The craft show will be larger than ever this year, and feature a wider range of items for sale. Vendors selling everything from purses, art, baked goods, jewelry, furniture, art, antiques, records, to dolls, mailboxes, clothes, crafts, pottery, books, candles, decoys, bonsai trees and more will be out from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

But many people come out to the craft show just to look and not to buy, Gold said.

"People just want to be in the crowd," she said. "Just for that purpose--to walk around and meet their neighbors."

A variety of live music will be playing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be other entertainment, including a dunk tank where local celebrities, including Mayor Tom Tomzak and Sheriffs Howard Smith and Charles Jett of Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties will take their turns getting plunged into the icy pool.

The Stafford Classics Car Club will be at the festival with more than 50 antique pickup trucks, an American icon, on display.

"This is really kind of neat," Gold said. "To see how they've changed over the decades."

A number of local organizations will be raffling off high-ticket items, including a 2009 Harley Davidson Sportster 883, a Carnival Cruise and a big-screen TV.

Whether you're planning on buying some items from the craft fair, listening to the live music, viewing the antique trucks, dunking your favorite local face or just hanging out with friends, there's something for everyone this July Fourth.

FIREWORKS SHOW AT PRATT PARK

After a successful "Save the Fireworks" campaign, the show will be bigger than ever, Gold said.

"It's a thank-you to everyone who stepped up and donated," she said.

The approximately 20-minute fireworks show will kick off at about 9:30 p.m., shortly after dark. The University of Mary Washington--Community Symphony will give a concert at 8 p.m. and play through the fireworks.

Some food vendors will be present at Pratt Park during the show. Portable bathrooms will also be available.

Although there are many places to view the fireworks throughout the city and Stafford County, Pratt Park will be open for spectators and will be lighted.

More than 4,000 people came out to the park for last year's show, and more are anticipated this year. There is parking at the park, but it will probably fill up fast. An alternative location to watch the show is the YMCA in Stafford. Old Mill Park, however, will be closed after 8 p.m. because there isn't adequate staff, and the park is not lighted.

Personal fireworks, including sparklers, as well as alcohol and glass containers, are not allowed in the park.

Megan Williams: 540/374-5000, ext. 5779
Email: mewilliams@freelancestar.com