The streets of D.C. offer plenty of Fourth of July fun
By: Nancy Dunham
Special to The Examiner
July 2, 2009
ngton, D.C., it’s tough to imagine it shining brighter — literally and figuratively — than it does each Fourth of July when residents, visitors and the world celebrate the founding of our country.
Sure, that sounds sentimental, but what keeps it from becoming corny is the variety of events that abounds not just for residents but visitors, too.
“[I was visiting my brother, and he and I] grabbed something to eat in Adams Morgan with no plans,” said Becky Auslander of New York of her July 4, 2005, holiday. “We were quickly invited to a house party going on in one of the apartments on 18th Street. There my brother and I stood on a rooftop of his soon-to-be business in Adams Morgan with a group of strangers enjoying an incredible view of the landmarks and fireworks.”
It’s often said that New York is made up of a series of small neighborhoods, each with its own distinct flavor. That’s arguably not as apparent in Washington except during certain times including Independence Day.
For those who want to absorb all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, this year’s 29th annual broadcast of “A Capitol Fourth” from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on PBS from the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol is hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits. A fireworks display over the Washington Monument and National Mall will follow.
Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, pop and adult contemporary singer/songwriter Barry Manilow, and pop star Natasha Bedingfield are among the artists who will entertain at the event, which includes family-friendly entertainment such as visits by Sesame Street characters Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and others.
Scott Rower, who has lived in Washington since 2003, knows firsthand that the energy of crowds at such shows is electric. In 2004, Rower was recruited to participate in “A Capitol Fourth.”
“As part of the show, I was a member of the flag corps that performed with the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps. I actually ended up choreographing the routine for the show, teaching it the same day to individuals of all ages,” he said. “It was a great way to spend my first Fourth in D.C. I experienced the thrill of live TV, the energy of the crowd watching the show live on the lawn of the Capitol, and meeting stars like Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Clay Aiken.”
What’s interesting about D.C., of course, is those who don’t have parties to attend, burgers to grill or concerts to attend may well have the most heartening holiday, said Sam Arora of Rockville.
“[They] should try to catch the reading of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives in the morning,” he said, of the event held from 10 to 11 a.m. July 4 with family activities following. “It’s never too crowded. It is stirring and a great way for families to remind their children what this hallowed holiday truly is about. In other words, don’t let your children grow up thinking the Fourth of July is about [pitchmen on] commercials barking about furniture sales.”
