Though fireworks are a traditional staple of Independence Day celebrations, they tend to be less welcome even on that occasion when unleashed without warning.
Such was the case last Friday (July 4) at a McDonald’s in Reston. Multiple people reportedly set off fireworks inside the fast-food restaurant, sparking havoc as patrons and employees fled the quickly smoke-filled scene.
A crowd of 100 new citizens from 95 different countries was indeed pumped up Friday as former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, an actor and former bodybuilder, delivered the keynote address at George Washington’s Mount Vernon during a Fourth of July naturalization ceremony.
Employees of the hallowed estate estimated about 1,000 attendees were on hand for the festivities, with members of the public joining media members and families of new citizens.
Though Fairfax County set off some Fourth of July fireworks prematurely, with displays in Lorton, McLean and at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston last weekend, residents who are sticking around for the holiday will still have plenty of options for celebrating.
Coming up first, the Town of Vienna will host its annual celebration with fireworks at Yeonas Park (1319 Ross Drive SW) from 6-10 p.m. tonight (Wednesday).
For Fairfax County residents preparing to make a getaway for the Independence Day holiday, planning ahead could ease hassles no matter the mode of travel.
Here’s what to expect if you’re traveling for the extended weekend, from driver and airplane passenger projections to Metro and bus service impacts.
The govenator is coming to Northern Virginia, and he’ll be here to welcome some of the nation’s newest citizens.
Former California governor and “Terminator” star Arnold Schwarzenegger will give the marquee address at a naturalization ceremony at George Washington’s Mount Vernon on the Fourth of July. Schwarzenegger will address over 100 newly sworn-in citizens at 10 a.m.
Parking passes are now available for the annual Independence Day fireworks at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) in Reston.
This Saturday (June 28) will bring a full day of festivities to the park, capped off with an early Fourth of July fireworks show in the evening.
Lake Fairfax Park isn’t the only spot in Fairfax County planning an early Fourth of July party this year.
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Independence Day celebration in Reston will compete tomorrow (Saturday) with festivities in McLean, Lorton and Mount Vernon, where George Washington’s estate will kick off two days of fireworks tonight (Friday).
The Fairfax County Park Authority will celebrate American colonists’ declaration of independence from Great Britain a little early this year, hosting its annual fireworks celebration this Saturday (June 29) at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston.
The event starts at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive well before dark — at noon — giving attendees plenty of time to find the choicest spots for live music and the 9 p.m. fireworks show. There is no admission to the park after 8:45 p.m.
The Fourth of July kept the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department busy, as at least three people were injured in fires that cropped up overnight.
One person was injured in a fire that broke out in Herndon around midnight today (Wednesday).
The Fourth of July may be on a Tuesday this year, but Fairfax County residents can celebrate with fireworks starting this weekend.
On Tuesday, it’s possible to see the National Mall fireworks from locations along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. But fireworks shows will light up the skies around Fairfax County, too.
