WASHINGTON - Independence Day celebrations will be held on Saturday across the region, from the outer suburbs to the nation's capitol.

You can check the National Park Service's Web site for details about events being held in Virginia, Maryland and the District's parks. Spots like the National Mall, the George Washington Parkway and Antietam National Battlefield, among many others, will be hosting special events.

» Check out the National Park Service's full list of park events here.

Possibly the biggest and most popular Independence Day celebration in the nation, the Fireworks on the Mall in D.C., which is scheduled to start at 9:10 p.m. on Saturday. Despite the troubled economy, a big Fourth of July celebration will take place this weekend on the National Mall.

From the Independence Day parade to the concert on the lawn of the Capitol to the fireworks main event, thousands upon thousands of people will pack the National Mall this Fourth of July, so officials warn if you are planning to attend, get here early.

Preparations are well underway for the annual "A Capital Fourth" concert. Singer Natasha Beddingfield treated passers-by to a preview performance, wowing Vanessa Berthard and her family - seven generations worth in town from all over the country to celebrate the big day in Washington.

The whole family admits they're a little lost about just how to get to the Mall to see the big Forth of July fireworks. "Everywhere you go they are saying be careful of the traffic, it's kind of scary, we might not make it," said

But Rhonda Kludt from South Carolina, honed by her first two Independence Day visits to the capital city, has a plan. "We get here early and join the crowd," Kludt said.

Barricades and metal detectors are already going up, and the Mall's 11 entry points open at 10am on the 4th.

"We designed these access points to provide the most security with the minimal inconvenience to your guests," said Chief Sal Lauro.

And don't expect to find parking nearby; most of the surrounding roads will be shut down. In fact, officials say plan to walk, bike or take Metro if you are coming to any of the festivities. Metro says the Smithsonian station will be open, one change this year that might make things easier.

Officials are also reminding visitors that no alcohol or glass containers are allowed on the Mall and backpacks and bags are subject to search. The Washington Monument will be closed all day Saturday and the World War ll Memorial will close in the late afternoon. But most of all, officials say, it'll be crowded so arrive early and be patient. 

The National Independence Day Parade is another big draw on the Fourth. It will kick off at 11:45 a.m. and head down Constitution Avenue from 7th Street.

Mount Vernon, the estate of the first American president, will hold a daytime fireworks display and will also host a naturalization ceremony welcoming 100 new citizens to the United States. More details are available at the Mount Vernon Web site.

 At Monticello, 66 people from 35 countries will be sworn in as U.S citizens at Monticello on Saturday. U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th, will be the guest speaker at the annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony at the home of Thomas Jefferson. Since 1963, more than 3,000 people have taken the citizenship oath at Monticello.

The event on the estate's west lawn is free and open to the public. Click here for more info.

There will also be some special activities at the White House Visitor Center. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Center will host games, crafts and other activities celebrating America's birthday.

The National Archives also sponsors an annual event on Independence Day, a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 10 a.m. followed by a day of special events just for families. Check out the National Archives Web site for further information and a complete list of events.

Those attending events or just getting around in the metro area should also take a look at the full list of road closings for weekend as well. Click here for the complete road closings list.

Here's a quick list of some of the July 4th celebrations and fireworks displays in communities around the region. Check back here for updates through Saturday.

MARYLAND
Bowie	Allen Pond Park, 3330 Northview Dr., Bowie, MD
Baltimore	Inner Harbor, Pratt and Light streets, Baltimore, MD
Annapolis	Annapolis Harbor, 1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD
College Park	University of Maryland - College Park, Baltimore Avenue and Rossborough Lane, College Park, MD
Frederick	Baker Park, Second and Bentz streets, Frederick, MD
Gaithersburg	Montgomery County (web | news) Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg, MD
Germantown	South Germantown Recreational Park, 18000 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD
Greenbelt	Buddy Attick Park, 555 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt, MD
Laurel	Granville Gude Park, 8300 Mulberry St., Laurel, MD
Takoma Park	Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, MD
Rockville	Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, MD
Kensington	Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road, Kensington, MD
VIRGINIA
Culpeper	Yowell Meadow Park, N Blue Ridge Ave. and Route 522 North, Culpeper, VA
Fairfax	Fairfax High School, 3500 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax, VA
Falls Church	George Mason High School, 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA
Fort Belvoir	Fort Belvoir, Belvoir Rd. and Route 1, Fort Belvoir, VA
Fredericksburg	Fredericksburg Area Visitor Center, 706 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA
Herndon	Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, VA
Manassas	Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince Williams St., Manassas, VA
McLean	Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA
Reston	Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston, VA
Vienna	Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA

 

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