Celebrate the Fourth with a bang
By: Nancy Dunham
Special to The Examiner
July 2, 2009
The toughest part of Fourth of July events in Washington, D.C., is choosing which to attend. Consider some of these top events to make your holiday sparkle:
» The National Mall. As everyone knows, that’s the area’s main gathering point to watch the fireworks display over the monuments and reflecting pool. Details: Gates open at 10 a.m. and fireworks start at dusk, usually about 9 p.m. Metro will run from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. and the Smithsonian station will remain open this year (It’s been closed on July 4 every year since the 2001 terrorist attacks). Rain date: July 5
» Attend the National Independence Day Parade. It starts at 11:45 a.m. and runs along Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17th streets.
» Reading of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy this reading from 10 to 11 a.m. at the National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Family events follow.
» Enjoy “A Capitol Fourth Concert.” Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits hosts this concert that is presented and broadcast by PBS from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Gates at the event on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol open at 3 p.m.
» Smithsonian Folk Life Festival. The annual festival celebrates various cultures — with a special focus on Wales — by way of performances, demonstrations, a global village and more. This week until the show closes Sunday, there are also evening events and concerts. For more information, call 202-633-7484 or visit wales.com/smithsonian.
» Independence Day Organ Recital. This year the National Cathedral’s two organists, Scott Dettra and Christopher Jacobson, entertain the audience with a program of organ pyrotechnics that is as patriotic as it is nostalgic. General admission tickets are free, but reservations are required. The recital begins at 11 a.m. at Washington National Theatre, 101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Visit tickets.cathedral.org/public/show.asp to make your reservation.
