Kaleidoscopic Gunpowder Fulminations
& Other Celebrations of Independence
by Mark Burns
Don't be a watermelon. Fire Marshal Gabriele estimates that Maryland is home to some 200 programs of patriotic pyrotechnics this Fourth. Find out when and where they are by calling the State Fire Marshal's Office at 800/525-3124. For shows in Chesapeake Country, just keep reading. New Bay Times' special Fourth of July calendar continues on the following pages.
See How it all Started Thru Sept. 4See the document that set us on our course for freedom. The rough draft of the Declaration of Independence is making its annual appearance for our eyes, enshrined at the Library of Congress alongside complementing pieces documenting its history and Thomas Jefferson's disgruntlement w/some of the revisions made. Described as "the seed from which the present Library of Congress grew," the monumental parchment is not only in Jefferson's own hand but also has revisions by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. The library that grew from the seed is quite the attraction as well, housing the world's largest collection of original written works in an ornate setting. Arrive early; lines form fast and get very long. 10-5 M-Sa @ Library of Congress, Washington, DC. Take Metro to Capitol South station: 202/707-3834 www.loc.gov.
Fri. July 2
Fireworks in the Bay Looking for flashy special effects this Fourth? Try something new at Flag Ponds' Bay beach. Gather by the Chesapeake after dark to capture the Bay's soft green-glowing bioluminescent non-stinging jellies w/seine nets and investigate them under the light of a campfire. 8-10pm @ Flag Ponds Nature Park, Lusby. rsvp: 410/535-5327.
Cruise with Key Get on a boat with Francis Scott Key and sail into the sunset aboard the 51' buyboat replica Mister Jim. Actor/educator Alan Gephardt introduces you to the Chesapeake's most famous poet, patriot and lawyer in living history. Bring a picnic supper and enjoy a leisurely sunset cruise on the Miles River. Sodas provided. 6:30-8:30pm @ Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michael's. $20 w/discounts, rsvp: 410/745-2916.
July 2-3
Remember Annapolis Heritage So long as you're feeling patriotic, why not extend the good vibes to local pride as well as national this Fourth? Remember Inc. presents Annapolis Mosaic, a pageant of history, song and theater featuring local choirs, reenactment groups and some of the city's finest actors. Explore Annapolis' rich heritage of cultures, experiences, fact and opinion in an evening of educational yet entertaining theater. 8pm @ Maryland Hall, Annapolis. $10; rsvp: 410/263-5544.
July 2-4
Celebrate on the Inner Harbor Baltimore brims w/patriotic fervor in 3 days of celebration downtown. Highlights include: July 2: Homecoming ceremony & celebration at the Inner Harbor for the newly restored USS Constellation (ceremony 11-1; celebration 7-11pm) July 3: US Navy Concert Band and Sea Chanters perform at the Harborplace Amphitheatre July 4: Antique Classic & Street Rod Car Rally at Inner Harbor by Light St. (11-5pm) July 4: US Air Force Band High Flight performs at the Harborplace Amphitheatre (8-9:30pm) July 4: Fireworks blast off over the Inner Harbor (9:30pm). Also find street performers and many other special events day-long all days @ Inner Harbor, Baltimore. Free: 800/282-6632.
MeadeFest '99 Lively up your Fourth at Fort Meade's MeadeFest '99 w/carnival rides & games, food, magic, puppetry, roaming clowns and live music ranging from country to light rock to jazz to top 40 hits. Highlights: July 3: Military vehicle/auto/truck show (noon-5) July 4: 4th annual 5k Fun Run/Walk/Bike/Trike for adults and kids (8am; rsvp) July 4: 389th Army Band performs (8:30pm) w/fireworks after (9:30pm). Many events at many times. Carnival noon-11 FSa, noon-midnight Su @ McGlachlin Field, Mapes Rd. & Cooper Ave., Ft. Meade: 800/662-4012.
July 2-5
Rod 'n' Reel's Extended Fourth Families frolic on Chesapeake beachfront in day-long celebrations during Rod 'n' Reel's Family Day on the Bay. The weekend features live music, food, a moonbounce, clown, face painting and beach games. The climactic finale of fireworks, touted as the biggest on the Bay, explodes from the jetties at dusk July 5. Day-long @ Rod 'n' Reel, Chesapeake Beach: 301/855-8351 www.rodreelinc.com.
Sat. July 3
Rock Hall's Small-Town Celebration Make a day of celebration in the waterman's town of Rock Hall, featuring a classic small town parade to start and continuing all day w/food, music, anchor toss, horseshoe tourney, turtle races and more. Once night falls, grab a spot on the waterfront and enjoy the spectacle. Parade 10am; fireworks 9pm @ Rock Hall, Kent County: 410/778-0416 www.kentcounty.com.
Flag House Fourth Celebrate Independence Day in ancestral style w/fresh-squeezed lemonade, games, relay races and Mr. Key's dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence in the rose garden. Kids decorate patriotic hats and march in the garden. Also tour the house where the Star-Spangled Banner was created. Noon-4 @ Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, Baltimore. $4 w/discounts: 410/837-1793.
Herrington on the Bay Independence Day Party on the beach with good music, delicious food and a fireworks show that may be the best on the Bay. Music plays as you mingle on the Bay sands of Herrington Harbour South. Ice-cold beer and sodas wash down the plentiful burgers, hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches for sale. Or choose to dine at the lobster dinner and all-you-can-eat buffet at Herrington on the Bay. Finally, as night falls on the Bay, pyrotechnicians shoot at it with an arsenal of spectacular fireworks in a grand finale to a grand day. Beach party 3-10pm; lobster feast 6-8pm @ Herrington Harbour South & Herrington on the Bay, Rose Haven. Free beach party; $34.95 w/discounts for lobster feast (rsvp); $16.95 w/discounts for buffet: 301/855-8435.
Baysox Stadium's Early Fireworks One great piece of Americana deserves another. Come out to the home of Bowie's Baysox for a concert by 3 Dog Night & America. Stick around for a flaming finale of fireworks. Hey, it may not be the 4th, but it's one heck of a warm-up. Music 6pm; fireworks 9:30pm @ Prince George's Stadium, Bowie. $25 general; $30 reserved: 301/805-6000.
Cedarville's Independence Campfire Families gather around again for another Independence Weekend campfire in an evening of games, songs, stories and s'mores for the Fourth. Weather dependent. 7-9pm @ Cedarville State Forest, Brandywine. Free: 301/888-1410.
St. Michael's' Waterfront Third Kick up heels to the great American music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and other big band greats at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's Big Band Night: Under the Stars. Bring blankets, chairs and a well-stocked picnic basket if you like. 7-10pm @ Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michael's. $6 w/discounts: 410/745-2916.
Independence at Antietam Connect with Civil War history while celebrating the Fourth at Maryland Symphony Orchestra's Salute to Independence. After a C-130 fly-over kicks off the evening's events, lend an ear to patriotic and pops music including "Star Wars Medley," "Broadway Tonight," "American Salute and the "1812 Overture" accompanied by cannon fire. The evening climaxes in a fireworks display accompanied by "Stars and Stripes Forever." Food & drink for sale. Fly-over 7pm; music 7:30pm @ Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg: 301/797-4000.
July 3-4
Berrywine's Spirited Fourth Pique your patriotic spirits at Berrywine Plantation's Red, White & Blueberry Family Picnic Weekend. Recordings of colonial fife & drum music play all day to complement tastings of various fruit wines, winery tours, grass & pavilion picnicking, volleyball and more. Bring your American flag. Plenty of room for kite flying. 10-6 Sa; noon-6 Su @ Berrywine Plantations, Mt. Airy: 800/514-8735.
Baltimore Symphony Sets the Skies Aglow Double your pride and pleasure with 2 nights of pulse-pounding concerts courtesy of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy classic favorites such as Sousa marches, American folk music sing-alongs and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." And, of course, the 4th wouldn't be the 4th without a gigantic music-coordinated fireworks display for the grand finale. Park opens 4pm; concerts 8pm @ Oregon Ridge. Rain date July 5. $14 w/discounts: 410/783-8024.
Sun. July 4
Shady Side's Old-Fashioned Fourth Shady Side welcomes all to its good-old-fashioned Independence Day parade and festivities. Dress up your bike, car, truck or self and join in the patriotic pedestrianism. The parade starts at Shady Side Post Office and finishes at the Kiwanis Club w/a flag raising ceremony, 50/50 raffle and float awards ceremony. After parading, rest with an Old Fashioned Fourth of July at the Captain Salem Avery House Museum, featuring the Bay Winds Band concert, used book sale, baking contest and kids' games. Line-up 9:30am; parade 11am; Old Fashioned Fourth 1pm; book sale 1-4pm @ Shady Side: 410/867-2363.
Severna Park Strides with Pride Line the streets to cheer on the Greater Severna Park Independence Day Parade and Festival as it travels from St. Martin's-in-the-Field Episcopal and Our Shepherd Lutheran Church on Benfield Rd. to the Park Plaza shopping center. Floats are judged at the corner of Riggs Ave. and B&A Blvd. Kids can join the parade in the decorated bike contest and win prizes for most original, most beautiful and most patriotic (bike helmets req'd.). After, party at a festival featuring food, games, awards, moon bounce, pony rides, music by 1430 WNAV, a singing of the National Anthem and a display on the parade's 25-year history. Perspiring from patriotism? Refresh yourself at the Community Center at Woods' free open swim. 10-1:30; swim 1:30-4pm @ Severna Park: 410/647-3900.
Independence Crafts Browse local hand-made patriotic crafts at Solomons United Methodist Church's annual UMW Craft Fair. 10-4 @ Solomons UMC: 410/326-3750.
Picnic in the Park Join local families in a casual day of picnicking at the idyllic setting of Jefferson Patterson Park in a laid back celebration of the Fourth. 10-5 @ Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, Mackall Rd., St. Leonard: 410/586-8501.
Honor Maryland's Independent Thinkers Join in honoring Maryland's 4 signers of the Declaration of Independence in the Signers' Plaque Ceremony, featuring guest speaker Gregory Stiverson, Canon Arthur Middleton and reenactors representing the 4 signers. 11am @ St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Church Circle, Annapolis. Free: 410/269-1737.
The Big Parade March into DC and gather along Constitution Ave. between 7th and 17th NW to celebrate America's 223rd birthday. The National Independence Day Parade features national and regional marching bands, floats, giant balloons and costumed characters in a 2-hour, mile-long parade. 11:45am @ downtown Washington, DC. Take Metro; parking is very limited: 202/619-7222.
Harmonious Diversity on the Mall Congregate at the base of Washington Monument for the National Park Service 1999 Independence Day Concerts. Two segments of music highlight the nation's diversity. The first concerts feature blues great John Jackson, Hawaiian song and local world-class rock 'n roll guitarist Bill Kirchen w/his band Too Much Fun (4-5:30pm). The second set features bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley, Bulgarian Rom wedding music, Shirley Caesar & the Caesar Singers and many more (6-9:10pm). After, look up to see some of the most spectacular fireworks around. Music 4-9:10pm; fireworks 9:10pm @ Washington Monument. Take Metro to Smithsonian station. Free and very crowded: 202/619-7222.
Honor Signers Tour the home of one Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence and meet all 4 at Charles Carroll House's Public Tours and Ceremony. A patriotic ceremony honoring the 4 signers includes state Sen. John Astle & Annapolis Mayor Dean Johnson. Celtic music and cold refreshments complement. Noon-3 @ Charles Carroll House, 107 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis. Free: 410/269-1737.
Party Surfside in the Park Revel by the surf this Fourth at Ocean City's Jamboree in the Park. Celebrate in classic style w/an arts & crafts show, kids' relay races, carnival games & rides, live music, food, juggling, magic, roaming entertainers, Scales & Tales and more. The music stage hosts line dancing, Randy Lee Ashcraft, Mary Lou & the Untouchables, Full Effect, The Licks, Rivers Edge and the Dory White Band. Fireworks brighten and boom at 9:30pm. Noon-dusk @ Northside Park, Ocean City. Call for parking & shuttle info: 800/oc-ocean.
Carroll County Classic Enjoy a classic family Fourth w/mule-drawn wagon rides, artisan demos, museum tours, live entertainment and more at Carroll County Farm Museum's Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration. Park opens noon; fireworks 9:30pm @ the museum, Westminster. $3 w/discounts before 6pm; free but $5 suggested parking donation after 6pm: 410/876-2667.
Pyrotechnics by Bowie's Pond Filter into the park for an extended Independence Day Celebration w/the City of Bowie. The evening of music, entertainment and ceremony features R&B by Doug Cooke & DC Flurries, Jim Hossick, Bowie High's cheerleaders & poms, The New Romanos, Mayor G. Frederick Robinson, local dignitaries and a flag ceremony. All lead up to the Anthem and a fireworks show, capped by one final concert. 3:30-9:45pm; fireworks 9:15pm @ Allen Pond Park, Bowie: 301/262-6200.
Galesville's Waterside Celebration Line up for a classic Fourth of July parade as either part of the spectacle or part of the cheering crowd. Patriots parade down Main Street from Anchor's Way; anyone wanting to show their colors should gather at Anchor's Way & Main Street beforehand. After, Topside Jammers serenade the celebrants until the climactic fireworks explode in the skies at 9. Galesville Road will close to general traffic at 6pm. Parking at the athletic field for $4/car with free shuttle buses to the waterfront. Paraders gather 6pm; parade starts 7pm; music 7:15pm @ Galesville: 410/867-4385.
Let Freedom Ring Lend an ear to freedom's ring as Annapolis area churches sound their bells and carillons simultaneously w/churches across the nation in celebration of the Fourth. 2pm @ Annapolis area: 410/269-7559.
Freedom Jazz Local and national jazz artists jam into the night at the Jazz Explosion concert. 5-10pm @ Freedom Plaza, 14th & Pennsylvania Aves. NW in Washington DC: 202/619-7222.
Sergeants Sing on the Steps The US Air Force Band & Singing Sergeants serenade with stirring patriotic music on the steps of the National Air & Space Museum. Bring chairs and blankets. 6pm @ Independence Ave. & Sixth St., SW, Washington, DC. Take Metro to L'Enfant Plaza station. Free: 202/767-5658.
Stoke Pride in Historic Annapolis Celebrate in America's one-time capital w/a grand parade, concert and fireworks spectacular. The Independence Day Parade weaves thru historic downtown starting at Saint John's St., turns right onto College Ave., runs clockwise around Church Circle, down Main St., left on Randall St., right on King George St., into USNA Gate #1 and follows the perimeter road, disbanding at Farragut Field. As soon as the parade ends, the US Naval Academy Concert Band strikes up the music on Farragut Field as a segue to the grand fireworks to be shot off nearby. Boaters must stay 1,000' back from the fireworks barge and shoot no pyrotechnics. No alcohol on USNA grounds; food & drink available. Parade 6:30pm; music 7:30pm; fireworks 9:15pm @ downtown Annapolis. Free parking at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium w/shuttle running 4-midnight. Be prepared for street closings and special parking restrictions: 410/263-1183.
Kaos Carries a Tune Eclectic tunes resound in the ears w/the band Kaos in a relaxing early evening concert by the Bay. Please no alcohol in park; no pets, rollerskates, skateboards or bikes in concert area. 5-7pm @ Downs Park, off Mountain Rd., Pasadena: 410/222-6230.
Cruise Solomons' Shore Climb aboard the Elizabeth S for a sunset cruise on the Patuxent and a great view of the fireworks on Solomons Island. Refreshments included. 7-11pm @ Harbor Island Marina, Solomons. $30 w/discounts: 301/997-0852.
Cruise Annapolis Harbor Set sail w/Chesapeake Marine Tours & Charters for a cruise on Annapolis Harbor and a great view of Annapolis' fireworks. 7:30-10:30pm @ City Dock, Annapolis. $35; rsvp: 410/268-9749.
Watch Fireworks from the Tennison Cruise the Patuxent aboard the historic buyboat Wm. B. Tennison for a waterbound view of Solomons' fireworks. Bring food and drink; none supplied. Board 8pm @ Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. $22 w/member discount; rsvp early: 410/326-2042 x41.
Classic Celebration Browse Ocean City's bustling Boardwalk and beach before migrating to the city's south end for an orchestral explosion of pyrotechnics. The 55-piece Salisbury Symphony Orchestra delivers an oceanfront concert complete w/classics and selections from Phantom of the Opera, Star Wars and more. The concert ends w/a spectacular fireworks display at the Atlantic coordinated w/the "1812 Overture" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." Music 8pm; fireworks 9:30pm @ Caroline St. Beach, Ocean City. Call for parking & shuttle info: 800/oc-ocean.
A Capitol Fourth 1999 Thrill to rousing music capped w/a fireworks spectacular in A Capitol Fourth 1999. Set against the backdrop of the National Mall's many monuments, National Symphony Orchestra plays rousing patriotic fare mixed in with popular classical pieces under the direction of Erich Kunzel. The concert also features swinging tributes to Duke Ellington and Hoagy Carmichael plus a US Army Fife & Drum Corps salute to George Washington. Barry Bostwick hosts the show; guest artists include Kenny G, Nell Carter and more. The concert climaxes with an inspiring rendition of the "1812 Overture," made all the more dramatic by its pairing with DC's fireworks and the accompaniment of US Army mortars. 8pm @ west lawn of US Capitol. Take Metro to Capitol South station. Free: 202/619-7222 www.pbs.org/capitolfourth.
Carroll's Creekside Celebration Celebrate circa 1776 w/Charles Carroll House's patriotic lectures, 18th-century-style roasted pig picnic, Celtic music, music, wine and ale. Watch Annapolis' fireworks from the house's Spa Creek waterfront. 5-10pm @ Charles Carroll House, 107 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis. $30 w/member discount; rsvp: 410/269-1737.
Solomons Island Celebrates Lounge on the grasses of Solomons' waterfront or perch on your boat in the Patuxent as fireworks light up the sky. Come early; the little island fills up fast. Free shuttle service to and from parking at Naval Rec. Center. Dusk @ Glascock Field, in front of Our Lady Star of the Sea. Free: 410/326-6027 www.sba.solomons.md.us.
Pyrotechnics Pop among Peaks Longing for a change of scenery this Fourth? Climb into the mountains of Western Maryland to see the Deep Creek Lake Fireworks amid the dramatic peaks, crags and waterfront of Western Maryland's Chesapeake. Best spots are from McHenry Cove and the fairgrounds by car or boat. Rain date July 5. 9:30pm @ Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County: 301/387-4386 www.garrettchamber.com.
Detached Enlightenment Attached to your armchair? Catch a glimpse of A Capitol Fourth 1999 followed by the DC fireworks on MPT or tune in to your local NPR station for an earful of the music. Concert 8pm; fireworks 9:30pm.
Thru July 5
33rd Annual Folklife Festival Each year, over 1 million people descend on the Smithsonian Folklife Festival for a taste of our nation's - and the world's - cultures. Musicians, cooks, artisans, storytellers and workers gather in concerts, workshops, panels and demos to share knowledge, artistry and skill w/visitors. This year's festival features New Hampshire, Romania and South Africa. The Unified Jazz Ensemble can be found there July 2-3 (3:45pm). Dance parties and concerts which carry into the evening. Festival 11-5:30; dance parties 5:30-7pm; concerts 7-9pm (except July 4) @ National Mall between 7th & 14th Streets; Take Metro to Smithsonian stop. Free but enormously crowded: 202/357-4574 www.si.edu/folklife.
Mon. July 5
Baysox Baseball Lights up the Night The Bowie Baysox blend the national pastime w/pyrotechnics to celebrate the Fourth a day late but in grand style when they return home to play the Erie Sea Wolves and cap the evening game w/an impressive fireworks show. 7:05pm @ Prince George's Stadium, Bowie. $12 w/discounts: 301/805-6000.
Thru July 6
Children 2000 Festival Kids and families celebrate at the Children 2000 Festival, featuring international art, music, entertainment, storytelling, puppeteers, theater, a mural of the world, computer characters, games, workshops and more. Sponsored by International Child Art Foundation. 11-5 @ National Mall btwn. 7th & 17th Sts. NW, Washington, DC: 202/973-8496 www.icaf.org.
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Volume VII Number 26
July 1-7, 1999
New Bay Times