July 4th Roundup: Where to See Fireworks, Safety Tips

Where to see fireworks

McLean Celebration at Langley High School

An estimated 5,000 to 7,000 people are expected to attend Wednesday night's  community fireworks, now in its 29th year, that will be held at the stadium at Langley High School.

The fireworks are sponsored by the McLean Community Center.  

• The grounds will open at 8 p.m.
• The fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

• Smoking, pets, fireworks, sparklers and alcohol are not allowed on school grounds.
• Light fare is available for sale.

• A free shuttle bus service will be available from St. John’s Episcopal Church (6715 Georgetown Pike) and MCC (1234 Ingleside Ave.), beginning at 7 p.m. A handicap-accessible bus will be available at both sites.

Going to D.C.

The will be launched from the Reflecting Pool area at 9:10 pm. Wednesday. The show is expected to last 17 minutes.

The National Park Service suggests the following locations for best viewing the fireworks: U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall between 14th Street and 3rd Street, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, The White House Ellipse, West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, Anacostia Park, U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, George Washington Memorial Parkway.

July Fourth Festivities at Lake Fairfax and Mount Vernon

Lake Fairfax

Park grounds open at 7 a.m. No rain date or alcoholic beverages allowed. Lake Fairfax is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston.

The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. There will be a variety of vendors located near the park main office and offering a tasty variety of foods and desert treats. The carousel and marina attractions will be available as well from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. You can enjoy pony rides and a small petting zoo from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Get ready to compete in old-fashioned games during the family field day event from 4 to 6 p.m. near the picnic area. Kids will enjoy a free puppet show from 6 to 8 p.m.

Parking attendants will be directing traffic throughout the park. When you enter the park, please follow the directions of the parking staff. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest days of the year with more than 10,000 visitors expected, so please be patient as occasional lines form or delays occur. It’s a great excuse to bring your own picnic, or to enjoy the convenience of food prepared by vendors.

At approximately 9:15 p.m, fireworks will be shot off over the lake so the view can be seen from almost anywhere in the park. There are no bad seats.

The park campgrounds will also be available for those wishing to stay for the night. Reservations are highly recommended and will be accepted on a space available basis. To make your reservations call 703-471-5415. For more information call 703-471-5415.

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Garden, An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Times: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: (703) 780-2000
Admission: Included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15; children ages 6-11, $7; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Historic Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, salutes our first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event. Visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River. New this year: From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. visitors can watch as costumed staff provide a glimpse into the making of one of George Washington's favorite desserts—ice cream! Mount Vernon's team will explain the fascinating process and use reproduction period equipment to demonstrate how ice cream was made in the 18th century.

The Independence Day event also includes a naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens, military reenactments, a special wreath-laying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last), and a visit from the "first" first couple, "General and Mrs. Washington."

Safety Tips

• Home Fireworks Safety Tips
• Barbeque Grilling Safety Tips
• Summer Safety Tips
• Pet Safety Tips