CAAR Real Estate Weekly
Fireworks Highlight Local Independence Day Celebrations
By Thom Canalichio
In times of great turmoil and national strife, a holiday like Independence Day takes on a certain significance. The United States creeps ever-so-slowly out of recession, unemployment remains at a record-testing high, and a contentious mid-term election looms. On top of all that, an unprecedented environmental disaster continues into its third month in the Gulf of Mexico, as millions of gallons of oil gush into the sea, a mile below the surface.
In this era marked by an apparent paucity of national unity, the 4th of July becomes, if just for a weekend, a vital moment of healing. Forgetting, for a moment, who is on which side of what debate, Americans everywhere will take respite from the monotonous discord of political life in our nation and pause to recognize what it means to be a citizen of the greatest country in the world. One weekend to celebrate ourselves.
Charlottesville Fireworks
The City of Charlottesville proudly hosts a day of celebration on Sunday the 4th of July with a festival atmosphere at McIntire Park, all culminating in the obligatory fireworks display immediately after dark. "Celebrate the 4th" is brought to you this year by the Charlottesville Newsplex, generously taking over sponsorship of the event from the not-for-profit Save the Fireworks Foundation.
“The show will go on,” the Charlottesville Newsplex announced last July, after the Save the Fireworks Foundation had put on their last 4th of July event. The media company, now in their 6th year and going strong, combines three local affiliate stations. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to give back to Charlottesville and Albemarle County,” said Newsplex General Manager Brad Ramsey at the time of their announcement in 2009.
The 4th of July celebration at McIntire Park is also made possible by Charlottesville-based bank, StellarOne, and Century Link, a local Internet, television, and telephone service provider.
Event Details:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
;Event will include food vendors, live music from local bands, and games for kids of all ages
Parking available at Charlottesville High School
Handicap parking available at Walker Upper Elementary School, with shuttles running from that location as well as the Albemarle County Office Building
Fireworks begin after dark
Pets, outside fireworks, drugs, and alcohol are prohibited
More information available at www.newsplex.com/fireworks
Monticello Naturalization
On the west lawn of Monticello, overlooking the gardens facing back toward Charlottesville, a group of fortunate immigrants will get to participate in a special naturalization ceremony confirming their full citizenship as Americans. And what better way to contemplate and celebrate what it means to be an American than witnessing the annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony at Monticello, the historic home of President Thomas Jefferson? Each 4th of July, Monticello hosts this swearing-in ceremony for new U.S. citizens, with the appropriate fanfare of patriotic music and remarks by a special guest speaker. Past speakers have included famed historian and documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, and former President George W. Bush.
This year, the ceremony is likely to take on a more whimsical air, with actress and comedienne Tracey Ullman as the featured speaker. Ullman is best known as the creator and star of “The Tracey Ullman Show,” which ran from 1987 until 1990. She became an American citizen herself in 2006 and holds dual citizenship with the United States and the U.K.
"We are delighted to have Tracey speak at this year’s ceremony," said Leslie Greene Bowman, President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. "As a naturalized citizen, she has a firsthand understanding of the journey to become an American citizen, and appreciates the importance of civic engagement in American society."
The annual citizenship ceremony at Monticello dates back to 1963, with over 3,000 new Americans sworn in at the estate of Founding Father Thomas Jefferson.
Winery Events
With the Fourth coming on a Sunday this year, many lucky revelers will have a three-day weekend to commemorate Independence Day. Many area wineries are hosting events throughout the weekend for a perfect way to spend the holiday drinking some great Virginia wine and celebrating together with friends and family.
Gadino Cellars
Gadino Cellars, the little Tuscany of Rappahannock County, hosts a 4th of July celebration on Saturday the 3rd, complete with their award-winning wines, and live entertainment by singer-songwriter and acoustic blues guitarist Pops Walker. Enjoy a snack and a glass of vino on their beautiful deck, or play a game of bocce ball on the regulation courts near the vineyard.
Sweeley Estate Winery
Sweeley Estate Winery in Madison County also hosts a 4th of July celebration with an outdoor BBQ festival on the sprawling lawn of their impressive estate. Live music provided by local bluegrassers the Possum Ridge String Band, and the grilling is courtesy of Mill Valley Barbecue.
DelFosse Vineyards
DelFosse Vineyards hosts a 4th of July BBQ at their magnificent tasting room and plaza in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Faber. The menu for the feast includes kebobs of chicken, shrimp, lamb, and grilled vegetables, with several side dishes and desserts. Enjoy their excellent wines, or try some sangria. Reservations are required, so check out their Web site for more information: HYPERLINK "http://www.delfossewine.com/"http://www.delfossewine.com/
Afton Mountain Vineyards
Afton Mountain Vineyards' 4th of July celebration includes music from Norfolk-based group Ampersand. Bring a picnic and enjoy the wines with a view from the deck at the tasting room. Afton Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the area with a breathtaking vista of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Fireworks on the Mountain
Wintergreen Resort in nearby Nelson County offers a full three-day weekend's worth of activities for the whole family with their 4th of July Jubilee from July 2-4. Live music, arts and crafts, and a variety of family activities Friday through Sunday make this the best Independence Day celebration at 3,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy the spectacular views by day with a chairlift ride, or watch the night sky light up with fireworks on the 4th. More information can be found at www.wintergreenresort.com.
A Note About Safety and Law
As you gather your friends and family for your own Independence Day celebrating, it's a good idea to consider some basic safety guidelines and legal issues. It will help to ensure that your loved ones are here to celebrate many more holidays together, and do not wind up in a hospital bed or behind bars.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers some simple advice on their Web site, HYPERLINK "http://www.fireworksafety.com/"www.fireworksafety.com:
Use fireworks and sparklers only outdoors.
Since many youngsters get burned by sparklers, only persons over 12 years of age should handle sparklers of any type.
Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you are, don’t use them. If drought conditions mean a ban on fireworks, follow the law.
Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
Fireworks and alcohol do not mix. Have a designated “shooter.”
When all else fails, use common sense. Respect fireworks and sparklers as the great American tradition they are, but also respect the fact that they must be used with caution.
Virginia fireworks laws distinguish clearly between consumer and display event products. Items you are allowed to purchase and use at home are known as sparklers, fountains, pharaoh’s serpents, pinwheels, and whirligigs. Items that Joe Sixpack is not allowed to purchase and use are known as firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes, or any other fireworks which explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fire projectiles into the air. Even though those products might be available, say, in neighboring states, they're just not allowed. Don't risk a fine, or more importantly, anyone's safety, by using these prohibited devices.
All other fireworks products must be used with a legal permit, obtained at least 15 days before an event, from the local enforcing authority. Contact the department of the fire marshal for more information.
The Big Bang: Where Did All the Fireworks Begin?
The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 12th-century China. The explosions were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity.
The biggest fireworks event in the world is in Madeira, Portugal, at the New Years' Eve celebrations, as referenced in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Americans have always incorporated their love for fireworks into celebrations of all kinds. The very first celebration of Independence Day in 1777 featured colorful explosions in the sky. George Washington's inauguration in 1789 also featured a fireworks display, thus solidifying our official inclusion of fireworks in all official patriotic events.
So, light up a sparkler, throw some burgers on the BBQ, and have a safe and happy 4th of July!
