South County, Annapolis July 4th Fireworks, Parades: 2018 Guide

EDGEWATER, MD — It's time to fire up the grill, stock up on sparklers, and check out what Fourth of July fireworks and parades will be held near you this holiday. 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.

Several communities in the county held their events early with the annual Red, White and Blue Independence Day Celebration at Fort Meade set for Friday, June 29, and on Saturday, June 30, look for a parade in Mayo, while Glen Burnie holds its fireworks show on July 3.

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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Here's what is in store for the July 4 holiday in Anne Arundel County:

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 Wenesday, 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.

ANNAPOLIS EVENTS

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 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. 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.

Annapolis Fireworks viewing: The best viewing areas include public spaces Northeast of the Severn River, City Dock, along the Naval Academy Bridge (limited parking area), any of the street-end parks facing Spa Creek, and aboard a boat in the Annapolis harbor. The Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to traffic from Eastport into Annapolis beginning at 6 p.m. The bridge will remain closed until the conclusion of the fireworks, at about 10 p.m. The closer you get to downtown, the harder it will be to park and the more difficulty you will have getting out of town after the celebration.

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.

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