Annapolis July 4th Fireworks, Parade and More: 2018 Guide

ANNAPOLIS, MD — As a way to acknowledge the deadly attack on the Capital Gazette office last week that left five employees dead, the city had the newspaper's staff lead today's Fourth of July parade.

The Annapolis Police Department has beefed up security with larger than normal crowd expected in the city for the parade and fireworks in the wake of last week's shootings. Officials said 56 additional officers would be patrol for the parade, which began at 6:30 p.m. and for the fireworks, which start at 9:15 p.m.

“We think that this particular Fourth of July is going to be different because it’s going to take a healing role for the community,” deputy chief Kevin Simmons, director of the Office of Emergency Management, told the Capital Gazette. “There will be a bunch more people coming out to support Annapolis. We think that folks want something that’s uplifting after the tragedy over at Bestgate Road.”

While the weather will be steamy for parades, concerts and other July 4 fun, the Maryland weather forecast looks favorable for events to go off as planned. The National Weather Service says there is a 20 percent chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon on Wednesday with a high near 92; it will feel like 100 degrees across much of the state.

On Wednesday night the 20 percent chance of rain lingers, with isolated showers and storm before 3 a.m. and mostly cloudy skies.

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We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Anne Arundel County so you can plan how you'll celebrate our country's 242nd birthday.

Here's what's in store for the July 4 holiday in the Annapolis area:

Annapolis Independence Day Parade and Fireworks

The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, with marching bands, fire engines old and new, cars and vans, service clubs and scouts. The route begins at Amos Garrett Boulevard and West Street, goes the wrong around Church Circle, down Main Street, left on Randall Street, and ends in front of the Market House. Anywhere along the parade route will provide a good view of the parade; there is no parking along the parade route. Then, visit Susan Campbell Park at 8 p.m. for a performance by the Naval Academy's Concert Band, followed by a 4th of July Fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. from a barge in Annapolis Harbor.

Main Street and the Spa Creek Bridge (from Eastport to downtown) will be closed to traffic beginning at 6 p.m. and remain closed until the fireworks end at roughly 10 p.m. The best viewing area for the fireworks will be City Dock and places along the harbor’s waterfront.

The city will run two buses, free of charge, from 4 p.m. to midnight from the State Parking Garage on Calvert Street to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Parking Lot off Taylor Avenue on Herbert Sachs Blvd. and then dropping off at Lawyer's Mall in front of the State House. Two Circulators, free of charge, will run from Park Place (Westin Hotel) along West Street and around Church Circle, dropping riders at the top of Main Street from 9 a.m. until midnight.

Parking information can be found at www.annapolisparking.com and you can reserve a parking spot in advance in City-owned garages.

Here is a list of city garages in the area:

• Hillman Garage - 150 Gorman St
• Park Place Garage – One Park Place
• Knighton Garage – 1A Colonial Avenue
• Gotts Garage – 250 Northwest Street

Additional parking available at:

• DNR Parking Lot on Herbert Sachs Blvd.
• State Parking Garage on Calvert Street - 19 St John’s Street

Parking Restrictions
Beginning at 4 p.m. and extending until about 10:30 p.m., parking will be prohibited and violators may be towed from the following areas:

• City Dock
• Main Street
• Randall Street
• Market Space

Prince George Street will be posted “Resident Only Parking” from Craig Street to Maryland Avenue from 2 p.m. to midnight. East Street will be posted “Resident Only Parking” from Prince George Street to King George Street from 2 p.m. to midnight. Randall Street will be posted “Resident Only Parking” from Prince George Street to King George Street from 2 p.m. to midnight.

In Eastport, beginning at 2 p.m. and extending until about 10:30 p.m., parking will be prohibited to RESIDENTS ONLY parking and violators may be towed from the following streets:

• Both sides of Severn Avenue between First Street and Severn Avenue
• East side of First and Third Streets between Severn and Chester Avenues
• Both sides of Third Street between Spa Creek and Severn Avenue and from Chester Avenue to Eastern Avenue
• East side of Second Street from Severn Avenue to Bay Front Avenue
• South side of Chesapeake and Chester Avenues between Riverview Avenue and State Street
• Bay Ridge Avenue between Sixth and State Streets

Travel Restrictions and Road Closures
In Eastport, vehicular traffic into the north side of the Eastport Peninsula will be restricted between 6 and 10:30 p.m. Pedestrian traffic will be permitted. Roadblocks will be set up at 6 p.m. at Sixth Street and Severn Avenue denying access to downtown via the Spa Creek Bridge.

Vehicular traffic will be denied access to the downtown area beginning at 5 p.m. until about 10:30 p.m.

Road blocks will also be set up in the following locations:

• King George Street and College Avenue
• North Street and College Avenue
• Church Circle and Main Street
• Duke of Gloucester Street at Conduit Street, at Green Street, at St. Mary’s Street and at Compromise Street.

All of Main Street, City Dock and Market Space will be closed to traffic from 6 to 10:30 p.m.

Traffic will be allowed to flow down Duke of Gloucester Street from Church Circle and into Eastport via one lane (not into downtown Annapolis) until 9 p.m. At that time, the Spa Creek Bridge will be closed and Duke of Gloucester Street will be closed to ensure pedestrian safety and to facilitate the movement of foot traffic leaving the area after the fireworks display.

Boating Restrictions

The draw span of the Spa Creek Bridge (into Eastport) will be closed to boat traffic from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Because of the anticipated crowded conditions, boaters are urged to select their preferred viewing area anchorage early and are also warned to avoid the 1,000-foot Safety Zone around the fireworks barge. For questions about boat restrictions during the fireworks, contact the City Harbormaster’s Office at 410-263-7973.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages on the streets and sidewalks in Annapolis is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited at Susan Campbell Park. Fireworks (including sparklers) are prohibited at Susan Campbell Park along with the firing of pyrotechnics and flares.

Fireworks Cruises in Annapolis
July 3-4
Taking guests out on the water to watch area fireworks displays is one of Watermark's specialties. Every year brings several opportunities to view a dazzling fireworks show in Annapolis. It is recommended that you book your tickets early to guarantee the best seat in town for watching fireworks, as these cruises tend to sell out quickly. Depart from Annapolis City Dock. Call 410-268-7601 x100.

Times/costs: July 3, 7:30-10:30 pm; $50/Adults $25/Children 11 & under; July 4, 7:30 - 10:30 pm; $55/Adults $30/Children 11 & under

New Citizens Independence Day Celebration

Join Historic Annapolis in welcoming 40 new citizens into the American family at a naturalization ceremony at 10 a.m. on July 4. The free event, which has become an annual Independence Day tradition, will be held at the William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George St. in Annapolis. Seating for the ceremony will be reserved for the new citizens and their invited guests, with limited seating and standing room available for members of the general public. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., wander the garden paths and enjoy the living history at the William Paca House.

AROUND ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

Glen Burnie Improvement Association Fireworks

The Glen Burnie Improvement Association Fireworks will hold a fireworks display at dusk, around 9 p.m., on Tuesday, July 3, at Sawmill Creek Park. There is limited parking for viewing at Monsignor Slade Catholic School; overflow parking is at the Cromwell Light Rail Station.

Parking at the Sawmill Creek Park is for handicapped permit holders only. No alcohol, smoking or sparklers are allowed in the park. The rain date is July 5.

Fort Meade: The military personnel at Fort Meade will celebrate the holiday with a festival culminating in a fireworks display, and the public is invited to attend. The Fort George G. Meade annual Red, White and Blue Independence Day Celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 29, at McGlachlin Parade Field. Several thousand people are expected to turn out for this popular community event. Activities include a kiddie train, moon bounces, zip line rides and other inflatables. Guests are free to picnic or take advantage of many food and drink vendors. Please leave your pets at home.

Severna Park Parade: The Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce July 4th parade will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on the holiday. The parade begins on Benfield Road at St. Martin's in-the-Field Episcopal Church, 375 Benfield Road, and culminates at Sunrise of Severna Park on Cypress Creek Road.

Shady Side Parade: The community celebrates the holiday with a parade from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4. It begins at Cedarhurst Road and ends at the Shady Side Community Center on Snug Harbor Road. Floats, motorized vehicles, decorated bicycles, and walking groups are welcome. For information, call Eddy Boarman at 443-370-8720.

Mayo: The Cummings Behlke American Legion Post will hold a Fourth of July celebration from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 30. Events include live music, yard games, moon bounce, horseshoe and cornhole tournaments, food trucks, parade and fireworks. Music performances will be by DJ Mike Spies and the Wild Gray Hairs. The parade forms at 11 a.m. and starts at noon. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the city of Annapolis