Bring on the pomp and circumstance! This year, America turns a ripe 238 years old as the bicentennial commemoration of its national anthem swings into high gear. Just like the last year, everyone can let loose with some good old-fashioned red, white and blue fun. Celebrate Independence Day in the Baltimore area by listening to live music, eating fresh-off-the-grill food and watching a few exhilarating firework displays that are sure to knock the socks off of Mr. Francis Scott Key himself.
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Havre de Grace Independence Celebration
Tydings Memorial Park
Commerce St.
Havre de Grace, Md. 21078
(410) 939-4362
www.havredegracejuly4.org
Date: July 1-5, 2014
History buffs and inquisitive minds alike will relish in the fancy of spending this 4th of July holiday on the same land that was burned by British soldiers just 200 years before in 1813. Set on the tucked-away historical gem of Tydings Memorial park adjacent to the Chesapeake Bay waterway, the annual Havre de Grace Independence Celebration commences with a carnival each evening and culminates on July 5 with a parade, live concert and fireworks on the marina. General admission to the entire event is free.
Credit: WJZ
Catonsville’s Independence Day Celebration
Downtown Catonsville
Baltimore, Md. 21228
(443) 840-9574
www.catonsvillecelebrations.org
Date: July 4, 2014 at 8:30 a.m., Parade at 3 p.m., Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Just outside of the city limits in nearby historical Catonsville, folks rise early to catch a whole day of patriotic-themed events complete with a morning bike ride, heaps of kids activities and games, an afternoon parade and, of course, a grand finale firework display at dusk. This year’s parade theme pays homage to the 200th anniversary of the national anthem. All events are free and open to the public.
July 4th Fest presented by Coca-Cola
Six Flags America
13710 Central Ave.
Upper Marlboro, Md. 20774
(301) 249-1500
www.sixflags.com/america/celebration/july-4th-fest
Date: July 4-6, 2014
Grab your swimsuit and head on over to Six Flags America for a three-day-long mega-party sponsored by Coca-Cola. Live music, rides and food vendors will be available for all to enjoy. There will be a fireworks display over Hurricane Harbor each evening at dusk. Standard admission prices apply for the park entrance and there is no additional cover for the event.
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(credit: viewbaltimore.org)
Picnic at the Top of the World
Top of the World Observation Level
401 E. Pratt St., 27th Floor
Baltimore, Md. 21202
www.viewbaltimore.org
Date: July 4, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
View Baltimore’s largest Independence Day fireworks display from the one of the best seats in the house. The appropriately named Top of the World Observation Level is located on the 27th floor of Baltimore’s World Trade Center in the Inner Harbor. Here you can behold panoramic views of the city through picturesque windows while enjoying delicious cookout fare and fun patriotic-themed activities for the entire family. Admission is $50 for adults and $25 for kids.
(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Dundalk Heritage Association Independence Day Fair, Parade and Fireworks
Dundalk Heritage Park
2717 Playfield St.
Dundalk, Md. 21222
(410) 284-4022
www.dundalkheritagefair.com
Date: The Fair – June 27, 28 and 29, 2014 at 12 p.m.; Parade – July 4, 2014 at 8:15 a.m., Fireworks at dusk
The Dundalk Heritage Association observes America’s birthday with four days of patriotic fun. The fair is a three-day event at the end of June that includes a petting zoo, bounce house and carnival rides and games galore to keep everyone smiling throughout the day. General admission to the Dundalk Heritage Fair is $7 per day; children 12 and under are admitted for free. On July 4th, the association will host an annual holiday parade in the morning that originates at Logan Village Shopping Center. The fireworks display will be held at dusk from the North Point government center on the same day.
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Keisha Oduor is a professional writer and entrepreneur who resides in Baltimore. She has a degree in Communications and French from New York University with work experience in publishing, nonprofits, healthcare administration and program management. Her work can be found on Examiner.com“