WASHINGTON - In celebration of America's 223rd birthday, thousands of visitors are heading into D.C. this weekend. But this Fourth of July, security for the festivities is going to be different. Learning from the massive inauguration crowds in January, police have cut down on some checkpoints with metal detectors.

But with more than 600,000 people expected on the Mall, officials say visitors should be prepared to wait in line.

"There is a lot of security, we've been going through a lot. So, i guess they're trying to keep it safe," said Ohio resident Danielle Sunberg.

Fans have already began to congregate outside the Capitol to get a glimpse of Barry Manilow, prepping for Saturday's July fourth concert on the National Mall.

Kolandis Barnes told her family of her wish to visit D.C. On Independence Day. "I'm going to celebrate with them when I'm cancer free, and guess what, me and my family came all the way from Detroit," Barnes said.

The centerpiece of the festivities is, as usual, the National Mall, where preparations are underway for the Independence Day Parade, the annual Capital Fourth concert and, of course, the fireworks show.


"It's getting very busy, but it's still wonderful. It's neat to be here with all the people," said Erin Scalefe, also from Ohio.

"I know it's going to be very crowded," acknowledged visiting tourist Martha Karki. "Its going to be neat to be -- within the spirit of the town and everything that's going on."

Tents and food stands are already being erected, and some families are picking out their picnic spot for the holiday celebrations early.


Jodi Phelps said her family is in town for the celebration. She said they are here "for the fireworks for the concert. Oh yes, we can't wait."

Kids like Micala Hammond are especially excited. "I'm so excited about the fireworks tomorrow that I really wish I could fire them off today," she said. 

While the events downtown are sure to be exciting, getting there will likely be a challenge. Most roads surrounding the mall will be shut down and parking is limited, so taking Metro may be the best bet for many, visitors and residents alike.

But there is good news for those hoping to get to the celebrations via Metro: the Smithsonian Metro stop will be open this Independence Day, for the first time in several years. Smithsonian station will be open from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday. 

"That's great. The more Metro stops the better," said D.C. resident Greg Strong.

» Click here for more details on Metro station schedules over the weekend. 

Barricades and metal detectors are already in place for the Mall events. The eleven checkpoints will open at 10 a.m. on the Mall, and officials ask that you leave the pets, alcohol, glass containors and fireworks at home. They also warn that all backpacks and bags are subject to search.

» Click here for further details about the events on the National Mall, as well as information on Independence Day events elsewhere in the area.

For those planning to head to the shore for the holiday, the traffic was already bumper-to-bumper Thursday on Route 50 headed for the Delmarva Peninsula. "I came here from work today, and it was packed with traffic, and that was at one o'clock. So it seems like everyone's getting off a lot earlier from work," observed one traveler.

AAA predicts a drop in holiday travelers this July Fourth, but 50,000 vehicles are still expected to cross the Bay Bridge by Sunday.

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