An effort to open up the Manassas City Parking Garage for the first time on July 4 fell flat this year.
Historic Manassas Inc., the city’s downtown promotional arm, was selling tickets for a rooftop party to take place on Independence Day. The event would coincide with the city’s annual fireworks show — the largest in the region.
However, low ticket sales forced the cancellation of the planned party.
Looking for more information on the new Celebrate America Rooftop Party? Check it out! https://t.co/owZRZZaURo
— Historic Manassas (@visitmanassas) June 8, 2016
We asked Historic Manassas Inc. Director Debbie Haight about the party’s cancellation:
PL: What was the thought process behind doing a rooftop party? The parking garage is usually closed on July 4.
Haight: This experience was to include front row viewing of the Celebrate America fireworks display, a catered dinner, drinks, a photo both, games and much more from 5 to 10 p.m.
PL: Was this the first time for this event? Was it going to be an annual thing?
Haight: It was the first time any thing of this kind has been done on roof top. It is our hope that with a full year to plan we can pull the party off in 2017.
PL: How many tickets needed to be sold to make the event successful?
Haight: We had a cap on the number that would be manageable for this event and it was 250 at the time of cancellation we had sold 16. tickets.
Tickets for the event sold for $99 each or $250 for a couple which included VIP parking, full catered dinner and drinks, games and a birds eye view to the fireworks.
The parking garage will remain closed this year. This is from a statement from City Manager Patrick Pate:
“Many have asked why the parking garage is closed to vehicle traffic during Celebrate America. It is to ensure pedestrian safety as the streets in that area are filled with families watching the fireworks.”
Recent Stories
A fiery crash on Interstate 95 southbound on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, caused significant delays overnight and into the early morning hours.
The Solid Waste division of the Department of Public Works operates the county’s landfill. [Courtesy of DPW]Many of Prince William County’s supervisors seemed wary of changing the county landfill’s hours…
Families and adventure seekers in Stafford County can gear up for a fun-filled outdoor experience this spring as Blue and Terrence’s Eggcellent Eggventure returns for another year. The event, which kicks off on April 1, 2025, encourages participants to explore local parks and tourism sites while hunting for hidden eggs and earning prizes.
Looking for a furry companion who loves both playtime and snuggles? Meet Montero, affectionately known as Monty! This lovable pup is available for adoption at the Prince William County Animal Shelter, and he’s ready to find his forever home.
McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Environmental Film Festival: Turtle Walker
DC Premiere.
In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India’s coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries
