As the United States celebrates the first Fourth of July in the COVID-19 era, the Washington DC region has ornamented itself with holiday events for everyone to enjoy. All weekend long. America’s Independence Day has been a designated federal holiday since 1941. However, the tradition of celebrating Independence Day dates back to the American Revolution and 18th century.

The Continental Congress voted in favour of independence on July 2, 1776. Two days later, officials from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence that was drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

Here is the list of events that are scheduled to take place.

DC

The 4th of July fireworks start at 9:09 pm (local) and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Capitol Hill Community Parade

The parade will be held on Barracks Row this year. The site is placed by the Eastern Market Metro station. The parade starts at 10 am (local time) on Sunday.

Palisades 55th Parade and Picnic

The parade begins at noon (local time) on Sunday in Northwest DC. It will come to a halt with a community cookout at the Palisades Recreation Center. The parade will start from Whitehaven Parkway, down MacArthur Boulevard, to Edmunds Place, and then to Sherier Place and will end at the rec center. The participants will be avail free picnic with live music and moon bounces.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals are hosting the Dodgers. On Saturday, the 7:05 pm (local time) game will have Freedom Fireworks. The game starts 11:05 am (local time).

Maryland

Ocean City will witness fireworks events at Northside Park, 125th Street and the bay. The event starts at 8 pm (local time) followed by fireworks starting at 9:30 pm (local time)

Charles County Fair

The fair will have food, fireworks, live music and even pony rides. Admission is free and the event runs from 3 pm to 10 pm (local time)

Downtown Columbia Lakefront Festival

The festival will have fireworks, food trucks and entertainment. Blankets for picnics can be put in place in the area starting at 3 pm (local time). The fireworks show starts at 9:20 pm (local time).

Also Read | 5 easily accessible weekend getaways for the 4th of July

Virginia

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

You can visit Mount Vernon and indulge in daytime fireworks, a chance to meet “George Washington” and watch a performance by the National Concert Band.

Also Read | Fourth of July: A look at the ‘Founding Fathers’ of America

City of Fairfax

The city’s annual parade starts at 10 am on Saturday. A fireworks show will start from 6:30 pm on Sunday at at Fairfax High School.

Fireworks display at Signal Hill Park

Manassas Park Community Center will be hosting a free fireworks show with food trucks on July 4. It starts 9:15 pm (local time).