If you are traveling to the Washington D.C. area, or spending time in Northern Virginia, consider spending the Fourth of July in the city of Fairfax. Located thirteen miles west of the Nation’s Capital, and just outside the Beltway, this city of 20,000 knows how to party on Independence Day. Named after Lord Fairfax, who taught George Washington how to be a surveyor, the 4th of July gives this place an opportunity to show off its history and heritage. There is no better place to be, and this great holiday is celebrated with passion and excitement. Start your morning at the corner of University Drive and Main Street, which is where the parade begins at 9 a.m.
Every year, 20,000+ spectators show up for this two hour event. Plan on being in the area by 8 a.m., so that you can find a parking spot in Old Town Fairfax. It is recommended to park at Fairfax High School, which is located at 3500 Old Lee Highway, and to take a CUE Bus to the parade grounds. These CUE buses cost 50 cents per person, and arrive every 15 minutes to pick up passengers. They are comfortable, and have excellent air condition systems, which are necessary for Virginia summers. Even when taking the bus, it makes sense to get to the area early, so you can find a good spot to view the parade.
This parade is incredible, and it is a family friendly event. It seems to get a bit longer each year, and it starts out with a color guard from the City of Fairfax Police Department. This traditional beginning is a reminder of why this day is important, and how great this country truly is. After this group of distinguished men and women pass, there are plenty of police cars and fire trucks to see. The fire crews and officers wave to the crowd, and do not be surprised if they seem to enjoy playing with their lights and sirens. It can be a bit loud, but it certainly is a lot of fun, and kids seem to respond well to this.
There are all kinds of organizations and musical ensembles participating in this parade. Every year, there is a professional music band marching, and high school bands from all over the country show off their talent. The Mummers were in it last year, and they were amusing with their unusual costumers and dance moves. The best group in the parade is the Kena Temple, and they are known for playing music, and for their miniature cars. Older gentlemen drive these cars at high speeds, and at each other, which generates a lot of smiles, laughs, and perhaps a bit of concern. A retired police organization does the same with motorcycles, and the equestrian riders deliver a similar display. The Fairfax County Public Library staffers are hilarious, as they have a choreographed dance with their carts and filing cabinets. If you like floats, there are about twenty to thirty each year, and classic car owners will love some of the cars in the parade. Expect to see a U.S. Senator or Congressman in a Corvette each time.
After the parade, it is always a good idea, to get a lunch from the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department. They are located at the corner of University Drive and Sager Avenue, and they sell hot dogs, burgers, and cold drinks for a few dollars. There is even beer for adults, and the fire fighters always enjoy showing children this fire station. The money raised helps to buy equipment, and they have been generous enough to help victims displaced from Hurricane Katrina with some of these funds. After enjoying this lunch at the firehouse, the firefighters have a “Old Fashioned Fireman’s Exhibition.” They have a friendly competition between other fire departments, using their hoses to knock partitions in large pieces of wood. For some reason, the City’s Department always seems to win.
There are events in the area all day, and a good place to take children afterwards, is to City Hall. It is located on the corner of Armstrong Avenue and Chain Bridge Road, which is a short walk from the firehouse. Here they have clowns and “family friendly” street performers, such as mimes and jugglers. In the afternoon, there is a magic show, and there are a few amusement style rides. They are not that exciting for adults, but kid friendly. You can buy fresh popcorn, and watch them tire out on these rides.
In the evening, at 7 o’clock, go back to Fairfax High School for the Fireworks Show. This event is popular as well, with lots of people in attendance at the football stadium. The ceremony begins with an Independence Day proclamation from the Mayor, and with a few remarks from selected city council members. Every year, the crowd is entertained by the Hubcaps. This band plays classic songs from the 1950’s and 60’s, and they are quite talented. Expect to hear lot of “Rock Around the Clock” and ” Blue Moon” types of selections. After they complete their set, the City of Fairfax Orchestra, plays patriotic songs. Immediately after they finish, the Mayor gets on the microphone again, and tells everyone that they can walk down to the field if they like. While the bleachers are comfortable for most, a lot of folks go down there, so they can lie down on the grass to watch the fireworks. At 9 p.m. they commence, and this is the best firework show around. It lasts for a half hour, and at the end, there is a “Grand Finale.” It is amazing how many fireworks they shoot off at this point, and I think this is much better than the display in the Nation’s Capital.
Due to its convenient location to D.C., I would recommend the City of Fairfax’s Fourth of July celebration to anyone. It is family friendly, and there are plenty of places to get a rest if needed. The volunteers who organize this event do an incredible job, as the parade and fireworks display are a great way to spend the day. Considering it is free, this makes it even better, and I will be taking my children here every year. It is a terrific tradition, and if you love America and small town patriotism, attend this event on Independence Day.
