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Make this July Fourth an occasion to spend time with family without spending a lot of cash.
Free fireworks and Independence Day celebrations are taking place across the county with a variety of entertainment. Games and children's concerts are planned for the kids and music for the adults.
Organizers are hoping for better weather after rain dampened the fun last year.
"We're hoping for a better turn-out, hopefully the weather will cooperate. Mother Nature has to be on our side at least once," said Trish Gill, special events coordinator for the Montgomery County Department of Recreation.
‘Germantown Glory'
Despite last year's budget cuts, the Germantown Glory festivities will be something to celebrate. Events will be held at the SoccerPlex in the South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle.
In its fourth year, the event kicks off with a concert by Bobby and the Believers at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Vendors will have food for purchase, such as hamburgers, hotdogs and ice cream, and picnics are permitted. Rain date is July 6 for fireworks only.
The park's pool, splash park and miniature golf course will close before 7 p.m.
The budget for this year's festivities did not change from last year's $54,000, said Catherine Matthews, director of the Upcounty Regional Services Center. In 2008, the event's budget was cut from $68,000.
"The way the economy is going and the challenges people are going through, everyone just needs to take a day to enjoy and be grateful," said Matthews. Between 8,000 and 10,000 people attended last year's fireworks, Gill said.
Big bang in Gaithersburg
The city of Gaithersburg‘s celebration, sponsored in part by 97.1 WASH FM, is a five-day event packed with family fun.
The celebration kicks off Thursday with a 10:30 a.m. children's concert by dancer and storyteller Arianna Ross at the City Hall Concert Pavilion, 31 S. Summit Ave., followed by a screening of the movie "Madagascar" at dusk in Robertson Park, 801 Rabbitt Road. Donations of nonperishable food will be accepted.
Friday features a concert by the National Institutes of Health Community Orchestra at the City Hall Concert Pavilion.
Fireworks are at 9:25 p.m. Saturday at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St. Gates open at 5 p.m., followed by a concert featuring Free Spirit at 7 p.m. and a ceremony at 8 p.m.
No cars are allowed on the fairgrounds and the Perry Parkway entrance, as well as Perry Parkway itself, will be closed.
Two more free events are scheduled at the Concert Pavilion: a 5 p.m. Sunday concert by English Channel, and a 10:30 a.m. Monday children's concert by Alden Phelps.
Poolesville's tradition
The fourth annual Traditional Fourth of July Celebration in Poolesville will take place at 6 p.m. Friday at the soccer fields on Hughes Road.
A concert by the Jim Bowie Band is planned, and the Poolesville High School spirit bands and a climbing wall will provide more fun.
Fireworks are expected to start at 9 p.m. The Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department will have barbecue, pizza, funnel cakes, kettle corn and beverages for purchase, said coordinator Jeffrey Eck, volunteer firefighter.
People are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs. 3-D glasses to view the fireworks will be available for purchase to benefit the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department and the sale of glow-in-the-dark rings will benefit Poolesville High School.
Parking is $5 per vehicle. The rain date is Sunday at 6 p.m.
Party in the Village
The theme of the Montgomery Village Fourth of July celebration is "Going Green for the Red, White and Blue" as the Village community encourages recycling and the use of renewable energy, said Ed Kallas, program manager for the Montgomery Village Foundation's Department of Recreation, Parks and Culture.
The event kicks off at 7 a.m. Friday with a 5K/1-mile fun-walk at Lake Marion, near the Lake Marion Community Center, 8821 E. Village Ave.
At 10 a.m., a parade will begin at the corner of Apple Ridge Road and Montgomery Village Avenue.
The festivities will continue at the Apple Ridge Recreation Pool Area, 10101 Apple Ridge Road, until 2 p.m. Activities include inflatable amusements, games, bingo and the Montgomery Village Community band. Children will be able to make patriotic crafts and food will be available for purchase.
There is limited parking in the Montgomery Village Foundation Administration, auxiliary lot, Kehilat Shalom and on Apple Ridge Road after 11 a.m. but additional parking will be available at Watkins Mill High School. Events are rain or shine unless weather is severe.
More fourth festivities
Rockville's Independence Day Celebration at Montgomery College in Rockville, 51 Mannakee St. Concerts at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Parking is available on all college lots and on corner of Mannakee Street and Route 355. Rain date: Sunday. Call 240-314-8620.
Takoma Park's 120th annual Independence Day Parade and Celebration will be held Saturday, with the parade starting at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen avenues. Concerts at 7 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Food. Parking is available at community center at 7500 Maple Ave.
Midcounty Sparkles, Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington. Concert and walk-around magician at 7:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Food. No on-site parking. Ride-On shuttle will transport from Westfield Wheaton and Wheaton Metro station starting at 6:15 p.m. Football stadium will be open for seating. Rain date (fireworks only, no shuttle): Sunday. Call 240-777-8115.
