Fireworks options for the Fourth of July

For those of you staying in town for the July 4 weekend, here are some nearby places to enjoy fireworks and celebrate Independence Day.

City of Falls Church—Independence Day Celebration
Music and fireworks at George Mason High School, 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.
The Original Moonlighters Band performs at 7 p.m.; the fireworks start at 9:20 p.m.

Rules:
No alcohol, personal fireworks, or smoking on school grounds. Only
chairs with flat bases are permitted on the artificial turf field. Rain date: July 5, same time and location.

City of Fairfax—Evening Show and Fireworks
Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax, 7-10:30 p.m.
The City of Fairfax Band performs at 7 p.m.; musical performance by Leggz (Motown, classic rock, hits from the 70s and 80s) at 8:20 and again after the fireworks, the City of Fairfax Band plays the 1812 Overture at 9:20 p.m., and fireworks begin at 9:30.
Rules: No smoking, alcohol, tents, pets, or items that could puncture the synthetic turf; bags are subject to inspection. Rain date: July 5, fireworks only.

City of Fairfax—Independence Day Parade and more
Parade, downtown Fairfax Historic District, 10 a.m.-noon, rain or shine.
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center Open House, 10209 Main St., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ratcliffe-Allison House tours, 10386 Main St., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old-Fashioned Fireman’s Day with firefighter competition, food, and games, 4081 University Drive,
12:30 p.m.

Town of Vienna—July 4 Festival and Fireworks Show
Festival: Vienna Community Center, noon-4 p.m., with arts and crafts, chili cook-off, antique and classic cars, inflatables, Jimmy Buffet tribute band, one-ring circus, and “pooches on parade” featuring dogs decked out in patriotic costumes.
Music by Fat Chance at Yeonas Park, 7 p.m.
Fireworks: Southside Park, 9:15 p.m.

National Mall, Washington, D.C.—Parade, Concert, and Fireworks
Parade on Constitution Ave., N.W., from Seventh St. to 17th St., 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
U.S. Navy Band on the Washington Monument grounds, 5-9:30 p.m.
A Capitol Fourth concert, U.S. Capitol, west lawn, 8-9:30 p.m., admittance begins at 3 p.m. Hosted by Tom Bergeron; performers include Frankie Valli, John Williams, Patti LaBelle, Phillip Phillips, Sara Evans, the Muppets, and more.
Fireworks, launched from the Reflecting Pool on the Mall at dark, around 9:10 p.m.
The fireworks can be viewed from various locations in Virginia, including the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial in Rosslyn and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Staying home and having your own fireworks? The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department offers these safety tips:

• Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
• Have water available for emergencies and extinguishing discarded fireworks.
• Place fireworks on a flat surface clear of combustible materials.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep bystanders at least 25 feet away from fireworks.
• Do not permit young children to handle or light fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.