HdG Fourth Of July Preview From Mayor & Independence Day Chair: VIDEO

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Organizers are gearing up for a festive weekend in Havre de Grace with the theme "Hometown Heroes." The patriotic events begin on Saturday, July 1, and continue on Sunday, July 2.

A "Hometown Heroes Breakfast" will kick off the weekend at the Havre de Grace Community Center at 100 Lagaret Lane at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 1. It is hosted by Weedon-Elliott VFW 8126. Tickets to the breakfast are $8 and may be obtained at the Havre de Grace Visitor Center or at the door.

The Independence Day parade will start at 2 p.m. down Union Avenue on Sunday, July 2.

A block party will follow the parade at 4 p.m. with a "First Friday type atmosphere," according to Havre de Grace Independence Day Commission Chair Christy Silverstein. She said there will be family friendly entertainment downtown along Washington Street.

Following the block party, the city is hosting a special concert. Gates will open at 5 p.m. at Hutchins Park, where the Amish Outlaws will perform at 7 p.m. Tickets were free from the city but "sold out," officials said.

After the concert, fireworks will be launched at 9:15 p.m. near Concord Point and will be visible "all along the shoreline," Silverstein said.

This is the first year the fireworks will be launched from a barge rather than on the island near Tydings Park.

Part of the thought behind this year's configuration of activities was to center the celebration around the downtown area. In years past, Tydings Park was the Independence Day centerpiece since the carnival, which is on hiatus this holiday, was anchored there.

The "First Friday" type celebration that is planned for Sunday, July 2, will give people a reason to stay and shop downtown after the parade before the concert and fireworks.

"No need to leave Havre de Grace on Sunday," Havre de Grace Mayor Bill Martin said. "We have it all going on here for you."

Map and video courtesy of Explore Havre de Grace.