The 4^th of July is fast approaching and there are a TON of events going on around our area.  Whether you decide to camp out on the National Mall for the day or host a barbeque, here is a low-down of some of the happenings in our area.

As I’ve been consulting veteran Marylanders, the general consensus is that if you want to go see the National Fireworks you should get there early in the day to find a good spot.  See below for lots of events going on at the Mall throughout the day.  That said, I also spoke with a friend who went later in the day one year and by going closer to the Washington Monument, she and her family were able to find enough space.

If you aren’t up for the crowds, there are LOTS of firework displays throughout the state.  Check each location to double check about parking. (For example Wheaton fireworks DO NOT have on site parking.)  It seems like most fireworks start between 9:00pm and 9:30pm.

One last thing.  Fireworks are NOT LEGAL in Montgomery County. “In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.”

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe 4^th of July!

- Victoria K., parent-tot chair

Downtown Washington DC (Thank you dc.about.com)
Washington, DC’s Independence Day Parade
Parade Start Time: 11:45 a.m.
Parade Route: Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th Sts.

Washington, DC’s 4th of July Parade features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIP's. The parade draws a large crowd, so plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival 
The annual event includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The themes of the 2012 program will be: Campus and Community, Citified: Arts and Creativity East of the Anacostia River and Creativity and Crisis: Unfolding The AIDS Memorial Quilt. The hours on the 4th of July are 11 a.m to 5 p.m. 

4th of July at the National Archives
The National Archives celebrates the 4th of July with special family programming celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visit the National Archives Building for this special birthday party from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

White House Visitor Center Family Events
Between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., stop at the and enjoy games, crafts and other activities celebrating America's Birthday. National Park Service rangers and volunteers will give you the opportunity to sample the sights, sounds, activities and personages that helped finalize the Declaration of Independence and create the United States of America on July 4, 1776. 

Concert on the Washington Monument Grounds
From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. the U.S. Navy Band performs on the Southwest corner of the grounds of the Washington Monument. The concert includes the talents of the U.S. Air Force Band, featuring American country music artist, Jo Dee Messina. 

A Capitol Fourth Concert
Time: 8 - 9:30 p.m. (Admittance begins at 3 p.m.)
Location: West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol

A 4th of July tradition in the nation's capital includes a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and several pop artists performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The concert and show is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. The annual event will be broadcast live on WETA TV 26 with a repeat airing at 10:00 p.m. 

4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall
Fireworks Time: At dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. Rain Date: July 5th
Launch Location: The fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument. 

Other Locations to see National Fireworks

·Jefferson Memorial

·U.S. Capitol

·Lincoln Memorial

·FDR Memorial

·East Potomac Park

·Rooftop Bars in Washington DC

·Rooftop of the W Hotel (tickets required)

·Anywhere along the National Mall between 14th Street and the Capitol

·Aboard a cruise along the Potomac River (tickets required)

Maryland Fireworks
• Gaithersburg, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, Maryland.  (301) 258-6350. Gates open at 5 p.m. Walk-in at Chestnut or Dalamar Streets; the Perry Parkway entrance will be closed. Entertainment at 7 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.
• Rockville, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Maryland. Additional parking will be available at Rockville Town Center. Live entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Boyds/Germantown, Germantown Soccerplex, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds, Maryland.  (240) 777-6820. Patriotic concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. 
• Poolesville, Poolesville Polo Grounds, 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville, Maryland. Live music begins at 6 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking is $5 per vehicle.   (301) 972-8888.
• Kensington/Wheaton Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington, Maryland. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks show will begin approximately 9:15 p.m. No parking on site! You need to take a shuttle starting at 6:15 from Westfield Wheaton Metro Parking Garage close to Macy’s.
• Takoma Park Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, Maryland. Parade at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• College Park University of Maryland, College Park. Parking Lot 1, off Campus Drive near the University Boulevard/Adelphi Road entrance.   (301) 864-8877. Food and music start at 7 p.m., with fireworks around 9 p.m.
• Six Flags America, Mitchellville, Maryland.  (301) 249-1500. The amusement park sponsors a spectacular fireworks display on July 4th. Enjoy a full day of family entertainment.
• Bowie Allen Pond Park, Bowie, Maryland.  (301) 809-3078. Entertainment, food and fireworks from 3-10:30 pm. 
• Bowie Prince George's County Stadium, 4101 NE Crain Hwy, Bowie, Maryland. Fireworks display after the game. For additional information and tickets, call  (301) 805-6000.
• Greenbelt Buddy Attick Park, 555 Crescent Rd., Greenbelt, Maryland.  (301) 397-2200. Entertainment begins at 4 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.
• Laurel July 7, 2012. Granville Gude Park, Laurel Lake, Laurel, Maryland.  (301) 725-5300 ext. 44. Parade at 11 a.m. Car show following and Fireworks at dusk.
• Fort Meade Routes 175 (Annapolis Road) and Reece Road, Fort Meade, Maryland. Celebration from noon to 10:30 p.m. Free admission - Open to the public. DJ, Band, Food/beverage vendors, Novelty vendors, Karate> demonstration and fireworks. 
• Frederick, Baker Park, Second and Bentz Streets, Frederick, Maryland.  (301) 228-2844. Music on four stages, fireworks and much more.
• Columbia, Lake Kittamaquandi, 10221 Wincopin Circle Columbia, Maryland.  (410) 740-4545. Music, children's entertainment begins at 5 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Annapolis, Annapolis City Dock, Annapolis, Maryland.  (410) 263-1183. Parade and fireworks: Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Parade Route: West Street, around Church Circle, down Main Street to the City Dock. Naval Academy's Concert Band will perform at the end of City Dock just prior to the fireworks.