It’s the 4th of July — time to roll out your picnic blanket, slice up the watermelon, and enjoy some patriotic fireworks celebrating America’s birthday!

If you live in or around Leesburg, festivities at Ida Lee Park start with a parade at 10:00 a.m., food and music at 6:30 p.m. and big fireworks at around 9:30 p.m.. Richmond is putting on a 2-day “Rocketts Red Glare” celebration at Rocketts Landing, featuring the Richmond Volleyball Club Sand in the City Pro Beach Volleyball Championship, and culminating with a fireworks extravaganza at sunset on the 4th. In Culpeper you can start the day with a 5K race leaving from the Culpeper Baptist Church at 9am, enjoy kids activities and food at Yowell Meadow Park starting at 5pm, and finish the day off with fireworks at 9:15 over Col. Jameson Boulevard and all around town. And for folks in Hopewell, Petersburg and Fort Lee, the annual Fourth at the Fort festivities will kick off at 5:00 p.m. with music, food, and fun for everyone in the family.

If you choose to create your own sparkle with fireworks of your own, remember to do so safely. While many fireworks and sparklers are legal in Virginia (but not all), be sure that you have a source of water — a hose or bucket of water — at the ready. One ember from a firework can spark a wildfire in dry brush. And keep children and animals at a safe distance, to avoid the potential of any burns and eye injuries. 

From all of us here at Burnett & Williams, we hope that you enjoy the day celebrating America’s independence and unity with your family and friends!