Maryland Community Newspapers Online
Make this July Fourth an occasion to spend time with family without spending a lot of cash.
Free fireworks and Independence Day celebrations are taking place across the county with a variety of entertainment. Games and children's concerts are planned for the kids and music for the adults.
Organizers are hoping for better weather after rain dampened the fun last year.
"We're hoping for a better turn-out, hopefully the weather will cooperate. Mother Nature has to be on our side at least once," said Trish Gill, special events coordinator for the Montgomery County Department of Recreation.
‘Germantown Glory'
Despite last year's budget cuts, the Germantown Glory festivities will be something to celebrate. Events will be held at the SoccerPlex in the South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle.
In its fourth year, the event kicks off with a concert by Bobby and the Believers at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Vendors will have food for purchase. Rain date is July 6 for fireworks only.
The park's pool, splash park and miniature golf course will close before 7 p.m.
"The way the economy is going and the challenges people are going through, everyone just needs to take a day to enjoy and be grateful," said Catherine Matthews, director of the Upcounty Regional Services Center.
Gaithersburg's
‘Big Bang Weekend'
The city of Gaithersburg‘s celebration, sponsored in part by 97.1 WASH FM, is a five-day event packed with family fun.
The celebration kicks off Thursday with a 10:30 a.m. children's concert by dancer and storyteller Arianna Ross at the City Hall Concert Pavilion, 31 S. Summit Ave., followed by a screening of the movie "Madagascar" at dusk in Robertson Park, 801 Rabbitt Road. Donations of nonperishable food will be accepted.
Friday features a free concert by the National Institutes of Health Community Orchestra at the City Hall Concert Pavilion.
Fireworks are at 9:25 p.m. Saturday at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St. Gates open at 5 p.m., followed by a concert featuring Free Spirit at 7 p.m.
Radio station 97.1 WASH FM, which has provided family-friendly games and music prior to the fireworks in previous years, will be handing out fans this year due to lack of resources and staff, Crosby said.
No cars are allowed on the fairgrounds and the Perry Parkway entrance, as well as Perry Parkway itself, will be closed.
Two more free events are scheduled at the Concert Pavilion: a 5 p.m. Sunday concert by English Channel, and a 10:30 a.m. Monday children's concert by Alden Phelps.
Keeping the tradition
in Poolesville
The fourth annual Traditional Fourth of July Celebration in Poolesville will take place at 6 p.m. Friday at the soccer fields on Hughes Road.
A concert by the Jim Bowie Band is planned, and the Poolesville High School spirit bands and a climbing wall will provide more fun.
Fireworks are expected to start at 9 p.m. The Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department will have barbeque sandwiches, pizza, funnel cakes, kettle corn and beverages for purchase, said coordinator Jeffrey Eck, volunteer firefighter.
People are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs. Coolers and pets are not permitted.
Parking is $5 per vehicle. The rain date is Sunday at 6 p.m.
Party in the Village
The theme of this year's Montgomery Village Fourth of July celebration is "Going Green for the Red, White and Blue" as the Village community encourages recycling and the use of renewable energy, said Ed Kallas, program manager for the Montgomery Village Foundation's Department of Recreation, Parks and Culture.
The event kicks off at 7 a.m. Friday with a 5K/1-mile fun-walk at Lake Marion, near the Lake Marion Community Center, 8821 E. Village Ave.
At 10 a.m., a community parade will begin at the corner of Apple Ridge Road and Montgomery Village Avenue.
The festivities will continue at the Apple Ridge Recreation Pool Area, 10101 Apple Ridge Road, until 2 p.m. Activities include inflatable amusements, carnival style games, bingo and the Montgomery Village Community band. Children will be able to make patriotic crafts and food will be available for purchase.
Parking is limitedin the Montgomery Village Foundation Administration, auxiliary lot, Kehilat Shalom and on Apple Ridge Road after 11 a.m. but additional parking will be available at Watkins Mill High School. Events are rain or shine unless weather is severe.
Rockville celebrates Independence Day
Rockville will celebrate the Fourth of July at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St.
The festivities begin at 7 p.m. with concerts on two stages by the Fugitive Brass Quartet and Redline, said Colleen McQuitty, the city's special events coordinator. The music continues with a concert by the Rockville Concert Band at 8 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. Limited bleacher seating will be available. Food vendors will be on site.
Parking is available in all Montgomery College lots and on the corner of Mannakee Street and Route 355. Rain date is Sunday.
-Germantown Glory, South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds. Concert at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Food. Parking on site. Rain date (fireworks only): July 6. Call 240-777-6820.
-Gaithersburg's Big Bang Weekend, Thursday through Monday, with fireworks Saturday at 9:25 p.m. at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m. Food. Use Chestnut and Dalamar street entrances. Rain date (for fireworks): Sunday. Call 301-258-6350.
-Montgomery Village will celebrate Friday with 5K Run/ 1-mile Fun-Walk at 7 a.m., followed by parade at 10 a.m. beginning at the corner of Apple Ridge Road and Montgomery Village Avenue. Call 301-948-0110.
-Poolesville's Traditional Fourth of July Family Fireworks will be held at the soccer fields at Hughes and Sugarland roads. Music by Jim Bowie Band and Poolesville High School spirit bands. Food. Parking on site. Rain date: Sunday. Call 301-972-8888.
-Rockville's Independence Day Celebration at Montgomery College in Rockville, 51 Mannakee St. Concerts at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Parking available on all college lots and on corner of Mannakee Street and Route 355. Rain date: Sunday. Call 240-314-8620.
