The cherished Fourth of July firework show is back! At 9:09 p.m. on July 4th The National Park Service will set off 17 minutes of fireworks!
This year, as the pandemic is coming to an end and life is starting to get back to normal, America’s favorite firework show is coming to town! Since nearly 70% of DMV residents have had their first vaccine, health restrictions will be reduced and many accommodations will be put into place.
Mayor Bowser said that the city is ready for visitors to return: “D.C. is open and ready to welcome back visitors to celebrate the way we came together as a city and as a nation this year. We have shown once again that when we come together, there is nothing we can’t do.” Mask-wearing will not be enforced during festivities, but The National Parks Service recommends that unvaccinated people and children wear a face covering when interacting with people outside their bubble.
A couple of unfortunate cancellations this year are the Fourth of July Parade that goes through Consitution Avenue, is canceled for the second year in a row, as well as the Capitol Fourth concert. Crowds traditionally gather on the Capitol lawn for this concert, but due to the closure of Capitol Hill since January 6, this event was called off. Instead, the concert was prerecorded and will air on television.
Traditionally the firework show sets off near the Lincoln Memorial as spectators watch from the National Mall. This year The National Park Service is encouraging people to watch fireworks from various locations throughout DC and the Virginia area to avoid crowded streets in DC. Here are some locations they suggest:
- U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and Netherlands Carillon;
- Columbia Island/Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove;
- Gravelly Point, just north of Reagan National Airport;
- Washington Sailing Marina at Daingerfield Island.
Hand sanitizing stations will be placed around the Lincoln Memorial area, and security access points will be in place, where officers will be checking bags for restricted items. The usual security measures will be established as well.
The metro will be open and extra services will be set up to serve the expected crowds. Masks are required to be worn on all public transportation.
[Featured image: Shutterstock]