Annual Fourth of July festivals are canceled. Barbecue cookouts with friends and family are out of the question (unless you want to social distance the whole time). And many fireworks shows aren’t happening around town this year. It can seem like there’s not much to look forward to when it comes to celebrating Independence Day, but not all hope is lost.
For those who just can’t go without a dosage of red, white and blue fireworks in the night sky, George Washington’s Mount Vernon will host an early Fourth of July event on Saturday, June 27, for an evening of fireworks and patriotic music by the National Concert Band.
The special event is limited in capacity to allow for social distancing to take place, and the fireworks show will last for about five minutes over the Potomac River.
Guests will also have the chance to visit Washington’s Tomb at night, a rarity as that area is usually closed during evening events.
Food and drinks will be available from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, including two picnic options for preorder. The $28 box for two guests includes fruit and cheese, a half baguette, hummus, cookies and Route 11 chips. The premium picnic basket for four guests ($130) includes a picnic basket, blanket, fruit, cheese, a charcuterie box, a baguette with hummus, Route 11 chips, pasta salad, an Italian sub and a chicken salad sandwich. Concessions will also be open for day-of purchases. Outside food is not permitted.
For those who want to enjoy the fireworks show from the safety of their home, it will be livestreamed from 9 to 9:15 p.m. via YouTube.
Gates to Mount Vernon will open at 6 p.m. that evening and parking is available on-site for free. All guests must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet apart and face coverings are required. For more details and to purchase tickets, click here. // $30-$40 for members; $35-$45 for nonmembers
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