By Jessica Godart
Looking for the best time this Independence Day? This round-up of NoVA festivals and fireworks range from Circus shows to ’80’s themes and contests and more. Celebrate America’s big day the way you want with your pick of celebrations.
Starting off with a morning parade at 10, Historic Downtown Leesburg will celebrate America’s birthday with American Originals Fife and Drum Corps and plenty of walking participants ranging from dancers to classic cars and a roller derby group.
Twisting it up this year, the town will also be spinning by to ’80’s with their themed banners, music, signs and bright atmosphere. Eighties tribute band, The Breakfast Club, will be performing Friday evening in Leesburg as part of the celebrations. The band is known for their embodiment of the MTV generation in the decade. Festival goers are encouraged to dress as retro as they can to participate in the theme.
A food court of festival favorites such as ice cream, grilled food, sweets and funnel cakes will also be set up during the celebration. Music will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Fourth of July Celebration
25 West Market Street
Leesburg, 20176
Set up for couples who would like to celebrate the anniversary with a little mood lighting, Mansion Lawn at Morven Park will be lit up for the fourth. Catering by Vintage will provide light snacks and refreshments for visitors as they set up blankets and chairs throughout the lawn.
Fireworks and Romance
Morven Park
17263 Southern Planter Ln.
Leesburg, 20176
Herndon’s Fourth of July Celebration
Old Town Herndon is known for its big celebrations, and the Fourth of July is no exception. Starting at 6:30 p.m., kids, parents and friends will have the chance to take part in free face painting, bingo, crafts and more at Bready Park. The Plaids Band begins playing at 7 p.m. as festival food and drinks will be arranged for attendees.
The celebration is meant for all ages, and this year Herndon will not only be celebrating Independence Day but will also be hosting the grand opening of the new playground in Bready Park.
Fireworks will begin at dark and are uniquely choreographed to music.
Pyrotechnics company, Zambelli Fireworks, will be choreographing the firework show to music selected by staff at the Herndon Community Center. Rock music mixed with patriotic grooves will be in sync with the fireworks to the point where some of the shapes of the explosives go along with the lyrics to the songs.
Old Town Herndon Celebration
814 Ferndale Ave.
Herndon, 20170
Historic Manassas Celebrate America
Watermelon, apple pies and fireworks – oh my! Historic Manassas will host an evening of competitions and celebration as the sun goes down and attendees prepare for fireworks.
Located in the area surrounding the train depot, Harris Pavilion and Manassas Museum, the part starts at 4 p.m. and goes till 10 p.m. with an explosion of fireworks lighting the sky at 9:15 p.m.
If sitting around and waiting isn’t your style, register today for the apple pie-baking contest; the top three winners will receive a gift card from Historic Downtown Manassas (First place- $100, Second place – $75, Third place – $50). There will also be a watermelon eating contest at 5 p.m. in the pavilion where hungry celebrators will chow down till there’s only one winner left.
For kids less interested in the sweets or fruits, they can decorate their bikes in red, white and blue and prizes will be given out for best decorations.
With a great, open area historical Manassas will light up just right to show off its beauty as the nation celebrates the Fourth.
Old Town Manassas Fireworks
9431 West St.
Manassas, 20110
From pooches to antique car, the Vienna Community Center will be full of activities as they ring in the Fourth. Starting at 11 a.m., the festival will feature the Vienna Community Band, arts and crafts, chili cook-off, a car show, one-ring circus and not to mention the Pooches on Parade. Pets will be dressed in costumes and paraded proudly through Caffi Infield. This will only be the second year the puppy parade has come to the festival, but the parade will offer a wading pool and sprinkler set up specifically for the pooches.
The Old Bay Circus Show will be performing for the first time at the festival. A great family-oriented show, the circus was brought to the festival with the children that attend in mind.
The fireworks scheduled to set off at 9:15 p.m. will be located at Southside Park, a short bike ride or drive from Vienna Community Center.
July 4th Festival and Fireworks Show
120 Cherry St SE
Vienna, 22180
