Wondering what’s going on for the Fourth of July in Prince William County and Northern Virginia? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of events going on in the area:
Dale City
Dale City Independence Day Parade
Thousands are expected to line Dale Boulevard on Tuesday morning for the 47th annual Dale City Independence Day parade. The annual tradition in Dale City showcases scouting troops, churches, politicians, performing arts groups and other groups from throughout the area. The Family Fun Day festivities, including vendors, games and entertainment.
Manassas
Celebrate America with Old Town Manassas
The fun starts with children’s activities, food vendors and a red, white and blue hayride followed by a fireworks display at the Manassas Museum. Bring your lawn chairs and get there early to get the best spots!
The Freedom Museum in Manassas Open House
The Freedom Museum in Manassas will host an open house July 4 from 10 am – 4 pm to celebrate war heroes from Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park from the Spanish American War through the present day.
Fourth of July Celebration at Signal Hill Park
The Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department is hosting Fourth of July celebration at Signal Hill Park. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy fireworks display.
Woodbridge
Potomac Nationals Annual Fireworks Show
In Woodbridge, the Potomac Nationals are hosting its Fourth of July annual fireworks show after the baseball game at Pfitzner Stadium. It’s the ultimate Fourth of July picnic all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers and sides.
And of course, information on area firework shows:
Manassas: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Historic Downtown Manassas. Events at the train depot, Harris Pavilion and the Manassas Museum. Rides for kids, food concessions and novelty vendors. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and come early to get the best seats. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Contests include apple pie baking, bicycle decorating and watermelon eating. Tickets available for rooftop party on the top deck of the municipal garage.
Manassas Park: Park opens at 5:30 p.m. Signal Hill Park, 9300 Signal View Drive. Event includes a variety of food trucks. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Free shuttles from VRE and City Hall.
Woodbridge: 6:35 p.m. Pfitzner Stadium, 7 County Complex Court. Fireworks display follows baseball game. The Food, Fireworks and Fun! promotional package includes an all-you-can-eat picnic before the game.
And here is closure information:
Prince William County Landfill and Balls Ford Road Yard Waste Composting Facility will be closed Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
The facilities will resume normal operation on Wednesday, July 5. The landfill and compost facility are open every day of the year, except New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These facilities also close at 2 p.m. Christmas Eve.
And some safety tips from the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue:
Leading up to the Fourth of July, and throughout the summer, consumers purchase fireworks for their personal entertainment making a special holiday even more memorable. Rarely do we consider these pleasing effects as being harmful much less deadly; yet, fireworks are one of the biggest fire dangers to life and property.
There are more reported fires on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year in that 2 out of every 5 fires are fireworks-related. Annually, thousands of fireworks-related injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments throughout the U.S.; more than half (67%) of those injuries occur between June 20th – July 20th, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Although Prince William County permits the use of some fireworks, restrictions apply and for good reason.
No matter how breathtaking fireworks are or how easy they appear to use, they are potential fire starters. Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee encourages residents to leave fireworks demonstrations to trained professionals; check your local newspaper, website or social media platforms for a list of venues providing professional fireworks displays. However, should you choose to purchase fireworks, Chief McGee recommends purchasing from a fireworks stand that has been inspected and approved by the Fire Marshal’s Office. All stands in Prince William County are properly permitted to sell fireworks displayed. To view the list of 2017 permissible fireworks, visit the Fire Marshal’s Office at www.pwcgov.org/fire, and click on Fireworks.
In an effort to assist residents in preparation for the Fourth of July and additional festivities held throughout the summer, the Fire Marshal’s Office suggests the following safety tips:
Safety Tips
Fireworks should only be used under adult supervision.
Fireworks should only be used outdoors on a driveway, sidewalk or other fire-resistant surface. Remember, fires are caused by careless handling of fireworks in areas exposed to sparks or live fireworks.
Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
Never ignite fireworks during high winds where flying sparks can start a fire.
Keep a bucket of water handy in case sparks start a fire.
Be sure children around fireworks know to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches on fire. Deposit sparklers in a metal container as they may be stepped on while hot or lost in the grass and stepped on while playing.
Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
Never try to re-ignite fireworks that malfunction or fail to go off.
Do not wear loose clothing when using fireworks.
Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Pets may be frightened by the noise and lights of fireworks; keep pets inside or away from the area when in use.
