Patriotic spirit can be found nearby to mark America’s birthday on July 4th

For Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park residents who want to experience July 4th festivities beyond the local communities, here is information about patriotic activities in other areas including people and pet parades, duck races, BBQ contest, musical salutes and fireworks.

Vienna

In Vienna, all events take place on Thursday, July 4, according to Kirstyn Barr, public information officer with the Town of Vienna. A festival with live entertainment, a chili cook-off, antique and classic car show, arts and crafts, and carnival rides will be held at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street SE, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New for 2013, is Pooches on Parade. Pet lovers are invited to bring their pets in their most festive and finest July 4th costumes and participate in the parade on the infield of the festival grounds. Registration is at noon and the parade begins at 1 p.m.

The fireworks show will be held at Yeonas Park, 1319 Ross Drive SW, at 9 p.m., with a live band beginning at 7 p.m.

More information can be found on page 30 of the Summer Parks and Recreation brochure: http://www.viennava.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=62.

Leesburg

The Town of Leesburg will begin festivities at 10 a.m., according to Rachael Goodwin. The town welcomes all to show patriotic spirit by donning your patriotic best and join your friends and neighbors to celebrate the birthday of the United States at the annual Independence Day Parade held through downtown Leesburg. The parade will begin at Ida Lee Park, located at 60 Ida Lee Drive, in Leesburg and travel down King Street to Fairfax Street.

For those interested in participating in the parade, entry is free. Visit http://www.idalee.org for an online application.

Celebrate America’s big day at Ida Lee Park and rock the night away with a great band and “some jamming tunes.” At 6 p.m. the Landshark Band will get “Leesburg rocking and celebrate the heart of summer.” Gates will open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 6:30 p.m. A full food court will be onsite with funnel cakes, ice cream, barbeque, and other goodies. The fireworks show is at 9:30 p.m.

There are no personal fireworks or sparklers, alcoholic beverages or pets permitted. In the event of rain, fireworks will be rescheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 5th. No other activities will be rescheduled. For more information go to www. idalee.org or call 703-777-1368.

Luray

Fun on the Greenway, held on July 4, in Luray is no small event. To get the day started there is a   Children’s parade in Lawn Park at 10 a.m. “Party on the Plaza”  is 6 to 9 p.m. with live music from Thundergun outside Performing Arts Luray at 1 East Main Street.

More festivities continue at Greenway and Mechanic Street with food, Page County Community Choir performance, duck race and vendors.

Then, find your spot where fireworks are up close and surprisingly grand for a small town. More information can be found at http://downtownluray.com/.

Stafford
At Pratt Park located at 120 River Road in Stafford County on Thursday, July 4 at 5:30 p.m., the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra will perform an Independence Day Spectacular. The concert will conclude a full day of activities at Fredericksburg’s Heritage Festival in downtown Fredericksburg.

The U. S. Marine Band from Quantico will perform from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will be joined by the University of Mary Washington’s Eagle Pipe Band and Philharmonic violinist Lamar Edmonds in selections from “Riverdance.”

The cast of Les Miserables Riverside Dinner Theatre will perform songs from the popular musical at 7 p.m. The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic, joined by Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010, will take the stage at 8 p.m. for patriotic music and will kick off the fireworks show at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Warrenton
The Partnership for Warrenton Foundation is hosting First Friday on July 5th from 6 to 9 p.m.

Jennifer Goldman, executive director for the Partnership of Warrenton, says they will have their annual children and pet’s parade in the evening as well. Line up for the parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of 5th and Main Streets and participants will march to the Old Courthouse at 6 p.m.

The Fauquier Community Band will be playing at the courthouse from 6 to 7 p.m. Festivities will be held after the parade with a BBQ competition, bluegrass concert by Smokey Winstead and Bull Run Grass at the post office from 7 to 9 p.m., wine tasting, demos and participation, food and other Independence Day activities.

For more information email Jennifer @Partnership for Warrenton .org. Get details at http://www.Partnership forWarrenton.org/Events or call Goldman at 540-349-8606.

Post-July 4th

The Town of Haymarket will host its annual Stars and Stripes Street Fair and Summer Concert Series on July 13, in downtown Haymarket.  A beer garden located outside of Town Hall will benefit Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center. A street fair will be 1-6 p.m. The concert will be from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, see http://www.haymarketfun.com/