The village
Annual 4th of July Calendar
By david roffman
June 2008
“Taxation without representation!” That was the battle cry of the 13 colonies in America that were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III with no representation in Parliament. How very appropriate that we celebrate the Fourth of July here in the Nation’s Capital, the one city in America where we have no self government, no representation to speak of .... Sorry Eleanor Holmes Norton. Congress established Independence Day as a holiday in 1870, and in 1938 Congress reaffirmed it as a holiday. Today, communities across the nation mark this major midsummer holiday with parades, fireworks, picnics and the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner” and marches by John Philip Sousa. Here in DC, the weekend of the Fourth is the biggest day of the year for this fair city, so let’s highlight some things you may not have done yet:
FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
42nd Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall, June 25-June 29 and July 2-6, Open daily 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Evening events 6 p.m. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an annual event that celebrates the cultural heritage of our world. The themes this year are Texas, NASA, and Bhutan, so there will be some interesting selections for food. We urge you to go, see the exhibits, interact with the exhibitors, and try the food. It is a unique festival, free, and a thrilling cultural experience.
CULTURAL:
America’s 2008 Independence Day Parade
Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets, NW. Start Time: 11:45 a.m. sharp
The pomp and circumstance includes more than 3000 performers, dancers, giant balloons, floats, and military personnel from thirteen states.
A Capitol Fourth - 2008 Concert:
On the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol from 8 - 9:30 p.m. America’s premier Independence Day holiday concert features the National Symphony Orchestra and performances by some of the country’s best known musical artists. And the highlight of the evening is the finale which includes Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with live cannon fire provided by the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery. The National Park Service fireworks begin at 9:10 p.m. and finish at 9:30 p.m.
At the National Archives Building:
The National Archives is a perfect place to take the family to listen to the popular dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Later in the day there will be several family-friendly afternoon events. It all begins at 10 a.m. on the Constitution Avenue steps, and then moves inside for family activities. Lots of neat stuff. For more information: 202-357-5000 or public.program@nara.gov. Enter through the Constitution Avenue Special Events entrance; National Archives and Records Administration, 700 Constitution Ave. NW.
DINNER:
If you get real hungry and have time before the fireworks begin, we have the perfect view for you....Indigo Landing. And, their Potomac Dinner buffet has two seatings. The will include Chef Pabico’s popular Sliced Hickory Smoked Prime Rib, Chicken Melts, Grilled Salmon and Roast Pork Loin. And from the grill guests will enjoy Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken Breasts and more. Seating is on a first come, first served basis and a credit card deposit is required to guarantee a reservation and hold a table at this popular summer holiday destination. To reserve a table simply call (703) 548-0001.
Charlie Palmer Steak celebrates Fourth of July in true American style, (101 Constitution Ave., NW on Capitol Hill) with its focus on all things American. From 4:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m., Chef Matt Hill will serve a festive pre-fireworks celebration menu (think Kobe hot dogs, cotton candy and an ice cream sundae bar) steps away from the National Mall and the 4th of July fireworks extravaganza.
Throughout the night, guests will enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, like sliders and mini crab cakes, as well as several different stations including a carving station, ice cream sundae bar, and chocolate fountain.
Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 202-547-8100 or visit www.charliepalmer.com.
The Liaison Capitol Hill’s Independence Day Celebration on their rooftop patio (415 New Jersey Avenue, NW) from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Enjoy one of the city’s best views of the fireworks from their rooftop patio. Dine on made-to-order gourmet BBQ offerings created by the hotel’s celebrated culinary team.
For more information, visit http://www.liaisoncapitolhill.com or call 202-638-1616.
