Catonsville 4th Of July Parade, Fireworks: 2019 Guide

CATONSVILLE, MD — Lines of chairs and storefronts decked out with red, white and blue bunting have been set out on Frederick Road, signaling the Catonsville 4th of July Parade is coming up. This will be the 73rd year for the parade, and the theme is "Every heart beats true for the red, white and blue."

In addition to the parade, the day will be filled with activities like a bike ride to Fort McHenry, a hot dog eating contest, patriotic concert and fireworks. See the full list of events below.

For those worried about the weather, both parade and fireworks are rain-or-shine events.

The Catonsville Fourth of July Fireworks will take off from the Catonsville High School athletic fields on Rolling Road at Valley Road in Catonsville at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.

Valley Road will be closed between Rolling and Hilltop roads from 5 to 10 p.m.

Valley Road and Hilltop Road will be completely shut down at 7 p.m. and will reopen at approximately 10 p.m., organizers say.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely in Catonsville after 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, according to the National Weather Service forecast, which calls for a high of 89 degrees and a low of 74.

"Another hot and humid day is on tap with increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening," the National Weather Service reported Thursday morning. In fact, the agency issued a hazardous weather outlook for central Maryland, including Baltimore County, due to possible scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms that may cause isolated instances of flooding and damaging winds.

There are several road closures in Catonsville to be aware of for the festivities:

• Montrose, Ivanhoe, Idlewylde, Seminole and Ridge avenues will be closed at 1 p.m. No parking will be permitted along these roads after 1 p.m.
• Frederick Road will be closed between Dutton and Ingleside/Bloomsbury avenues at 2 p.m., and all side streets off of Frederick Road will be blocked.
• Bishops Lane will be closed to through traffic.
• Rolling Road will be open during the parade, but all traffic will be detoured to side streets and/or detoured back to Rolling Road.

Catonsville Fourth Of July Events

What: July 4th Bike Ride To Fort McHenry
Where: The Hub Bike Shop, 825 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228; meet in back
When: 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 is registration. Bike ride starts at 8 a.m.
Cost: Free, but a suggested donation of $10 to Catonsville Rails to Trails is appreciated.

What: 4th Of July Kids' Games (ages 2-13)
Where: Catonsville High School athletic fields, corner of Rolling Road and Valley Road
When: 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4
Sack races, a water balloon toss, leap frog, wheelbarrow races, ball on a spoon race, lollipop scramble, quarter hunt and decorated bike contest will be happening, with prizes for winners by age groups: 2–3 years, 4–6 years, 7–9 years and 10–13 years.

What: Patriotic Independence Day Concert
Where: Christian Temple, 5820 Edmondson Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228
When: 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 4

What: Hot Dog Eating Contest
Where: State Fare, 748 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228
When: 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4

What: Catonsville Fourth of July Parade
Where: Frederick Road at Montrose Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228
When: 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 4
The parade runs from Frederick Road at Montrose Avenue east on Frederick Road to Bloomsbury Avenue, where it ends south on Bloomsbury at the Community Center at 106 Bloomsbury Avenue. See a map of the route with closure information. The event is rain or shine.

What: Fireworks Family Fun Fest
Where: Catonsville High School athletic fields, Rolling Road at Valley Road, Catonsville, MD 21228
When: 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4
These food trucks will be on-site before the fireworks show, according to organizers: Beef on the Street, Greek on the Street, Kona Ice, Pasta La Vista Baby, MangiAmore, Wanna Pizza This, The London chippy, Funtastic Foods and Bistro Lunch Box. Live music starts at 6 p.m.

What: Catonsville Fourth of July Fireworks
Where: Catonsville High School fields, Rolling Road at Valley Road, Catonsville, MD 21228
When: 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4

The events are put together by the Catonsville 4th of July Committee. They are supported by donations from the community.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Catonsville Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

RELATED: Maryland July 4 Fireworks, Parades, Races, Concerts: 2019 Guide

See a list of approved fireworks displays, maintained by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. These are the ones that have been permitted.

Planning a celebration for the Fourth? Check out epic July Fourth essentials like red, white and blue swag, patriotic games and luminous LED lights to ensure your party is the best in the USA.