Think you had a big birthday? Try turning 225. It was just those few short years ago that America gained its independence. And with that nice round number, big celebrations are cropping up all over the area in honor of Independence Day. Parades, fireworks and patriotic tunes will be sweeping the state.
Below is a listing of nearly three dozen Independence Day events, broken down by county and then city or town. Bear in mind that with the July Fourth holiday falling in the middle of the week, celebrations will take place before, on and after the actual date.
With so many choices in so many places and in so few days, you'd better grab your blanket, lawn chairs and picnic basket and get a move on.
Anne Arundel County
Annapolis
July 4: Independence Day parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at St. John's Street and proceeds through downtown Annapolis. Music by the United States Naval Academy Band at 8 p.m. at the academy's Farragut Field. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. at the Annapolis Harbor. Rain date July 5. Call 410-263-7959.
July 4: William Paca House. Old-fashioned ice-cream social with children's games and patriotic music by members of the Monumental City Fife and Drum Corps, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Call 410-263-5553.
Arnold
June 30: Anne Arundel Community College. Music by the Crabtowne Big Band, Maryland Sings, the Annapolis Chorale and others, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs patriotic tunes at 8:15 p.m. Fireworks after the performance. Also, food, children's activities. No alcohol. No pets. Rain date July 1. Call 410-222-7949.
Fort George Meade
July 4: Fort Meade. MeadeFest 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. Carnival noon-11 p.m. The 389th Army Band performs at 8 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Call 800-662-4012.
Baltimore City
July 4: Official Baltimore City celebration takes place at the Harborplace Amphitheatre, Sam Smith Light Street parking lot and Inner Harbor. Street performers, live music, a cappella singing and juggling noon-10 p.m. at the Harborplace Amphitheatre. Antique-car show noon-5 p.m. in the parking lot. Inner Harbor fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Rain date July 5. Call 888-BALTIMORE.
July 4: Federal Hill. Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the 800 block of William St. Design a float or decorate your vehicle, bike, stroller or wagon patriotically. Call 410-837-7940.
