July 4th Holiday Weekend Events Guide

By Kristina Schnack Kotlus

Friday, July 1

• Fabulous Fridays at Waterworks Waterpark in Dale City will be feature a “Happy Birthday USA” theme and includes food specials, giveaways and games from 5 to 9 p.m. when the park closes.
• Not ready to be decked out in red, white, and blue quite yet? The Potomac Nationals 7:05 p.m. game will have a “Star Trek Night” promotion.

Saturday, July 2

• Leesylvania State Park hosts their monthly Kid’s Fishing Tournament beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the marina. Children do not need game licenses, but adults who plan to “help hold the rod” should be sure to have one. Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies.
• Kick back and celebrate early with the Arts and Stripes Picnic at the Lorton Workhouse. The picnic is a free event, but a $5 donation is suggested. Parking will be available on site to picnic-goers who are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. The event begins at 2 p.m. Entertainment will include interactive art demonstrations, the Navy Commodores, New Dominion Choraliers, and a keynote from Congressman Gerry Connolly.
• At 3 p.m., head to the Spotsylvania Courthouse for the “Spotsylvania Stars and Stripes Spectacular” which will feature live music, fire trucks, children’s activities, pony rides and more. Admission is free, but some activities have an additional fee. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and plan to stay late for the fireworks display at 9:25 p.m. once the sun goes down. Avoid the crowds at the courthouse parking lot and use the free shuttle from Courtland High School for the least hassle.
• Join the Potomac Nationals for their “History of Baseball” night featuring vintage jersey auction, bobbleheads for the first 1,000 fans and fireworks after the game, which begins at 6:35 p.m. Special tickets are available that include an all-you-care-to-eat picnic style dinner before the game.

Closed Saturday: Prince William County Neighborhood Libraries

Sunday, July 3

• It’s everyone’s favorite mascot’s birthday, and Uncle Slam plans to celebrate in style. Special tickets are available that include an all-you-care-to-eat picnic dinner before a 6:35 p.m. Potomac Nationals game, which will feature mascots from around the area. After the game, be sure to stick around for fireworks!
• The Village Anniversary Laser Show on the Spotsylvania Town Center Village Green will include patriotic music with neon light accompaniment and sneak previews of the upcoming shows at the Riverside Dinner Theatre. The events start at 6 p.m. and admission is free.

Closed Sunday: Prince William County neighborhood and regional Libraries

Monday, July 4

• The Dale City Independence Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. Dale Boulevard will be reduced from four to two lanes between Mapledale Avenue and Minnieville Road beginning at 8 a.m. Drivers should use alternate routes to avoid backups. The parade will feature between 150 and 200 floats and civic groups, and is being Grand Marshaled by hometown hero Marine Corporal Joshua Himan. Parking lots at Beville Middle and the Dale City Boys and Girls Club, and Center Plaza will be closed for event use, but any other plaza along the parade route may be used for parade viewing. The Center Plaza commuter lot will be the site of the annual Family Fun Day that follows the parade until 2 p.m.
• Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., celebrate our nation’s birthday at the home of one of its founding fathers! Ferry Farm in south Stafford will have period actors, games, food, live music and more including appearances by an actor portraying General George Washington who called Ferry Farm his home. Admission is $1 but military families with proper identification get in free.
• Celebrate America with Old Town Manassas. Starting at 2 p.m. at the train depot in Old Town there will be rides for children, food concessions and a “red, white, and blue hayride.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets starting at 4 p.m. to get seats at the Manassas Museum lawn for the 9:15 p.m. fireworks display –– one of the largest in Northern Virginia. Festivities also include Jay Henley and the Stone Brook Band at 4:30 p.m. at the Harris Pavilion.
• Stafford’s Pratt Park will have a “July 4th Spectacular” beginning at 6 p.m. and continuing until the conclusion of their fireworks display. Food vendors will be available, but picnic dinners are encouraged, so be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and plan to enjoy the evening full of music and fun.
• Join the Potomac Nationals at 6:35 p.m. for the largest game of the season! Special tickets are available that include a picnic meal before the game, and be sure to stick around after the final pitch for a large fireworks show in honor of the 4th of July.

Closed Monday: Prince William County Government Offices, Prince William County courts, Prince William County Landfill, Prince William County Libraries, Dale City Recreation Center, Stafford government offices, Stafford Regional Landfill, Stafford Departments and Facilities, Stafford County courts.

Open Monday: Prince William County Fire and Rescue, Stafford County pools, Aquia Landing, Historic Port of Falmouth, Stafford Fire and Rescue, Stafford County Magistrate.