Where to see the fireworks

There's nothing more American than a good old-time Fourth of July parade, followed by picnics and sandlot ballgames, topped off with a grand display of pyrotechnics that light up the velvet night sky.

Like many things considered uniquely American, fireworks came from someplace else.

The Chinese created the first fireworks 900 years ago when alchemists accidentally stumbled upon the formula for black powder - and promptly blew themselves up. For centuries afterward, the Chinese would pack bamboo canes with the explosive powder and toss it into a fire to ward off evil spirits - and probably everyone else in the room.

The Italians weren't reticent about borrowing some noodles from the Chinese, then claiming they created pasta. They were less shy with the Chinese firecrackers. Italian experimenters developed many of the firework types still in use today, including aerial shells, rockets, fountains, wheels and torches. With tinkering, they learned that adding powdered metals and charcoal caused showers of sparks in the sky.

Pyrotechnicians later discovered that the addition of certain salts and potassium chlorate produced deep, intense colors of red, yellow, green and blue, instead of the Chinese palette of orange and white.

Over the centuries, the Europeans created displays that are rarely seen today - giant constructions of dragons loaded with rockets and shells that appeared to "battle" each other; castles built on river barges that lit up like a jewelry box, then burst into flames.

Beginning in the 1600s, the early American Colonists amused themselves with fireworks for every occasion.

The Colonials' Declaration of Independence from British rule was a big event. It became more important after surviving a traumatic year of war. On July 4, 1777, though the war's outcome was unpredictable (and six years distant), the revolutionaries let loose with celebratory volleys of fireworks that have marked Independence Day for 231 years since.

Fred Paone is an Annapolis alderman today, but from 1985 through 2001, the semi-retired state's attorney was known locally as "Mr. Fireworks." When then Mayor Dennis Callahan "volunteered" him to produce the annual July 4th fireworks display - and find the money for the show - Mr. Paone spent hundreds of hours each springtime coordinating the pyrotechnics and buttonholing potential donors.

"The fireworks are so much sweeter when the whole community is involved," he recalled. "I got a lot of $5 donations, and also a few $5,000 ones!"

(Since 2002, County Attorney Jonathan A. Hodgson has taken over the Mr. Fireworks mantle.)

Mr. Paone knows the Macy's July 4th display on New York City's East River is the country's largest display. He's aware that hundreds of thousands gather along both sides of the Potomac to watch the skies over Washington on Independence Day. But, he said, "The venue in Annapolis is one of the best in the country. The water, the city as a backdrop ... It's just terrific."

His favorite spots to watch the skyward sparklers are from the Spa Creek Bridge, at City Dock, the waterfront park in Eastport or aboard a boat.

"If you're in a boat, you don't have to be close up to where the shells are fired," he pointed out. "You can be quite a way back and appreciate what a good show it is."

Over the years, he became a fireworks connoisseur.

"Look for unusual patterns," he advised. "Pattern shells have been a trend lately. They're not just 8-inch and 10-inch shells thrown up in the sky. Some look like Saturn with all her rings or planets rotating around. There are things that almost - almost - look like a flag. Palm trees and chrysanthemum-shaped patterns are wonderful.

"The really good shows will feature dark colors - dark purples and dark blues. They are more difficult to produce," he explained.

This region is replete with Independence Day celebrations of every stripe starring celebrities, politicians, performers and just folks.

Area residents can get a jump on the hoopla with a patriotic concert and fireworks tomorrow night at Anne Arundel Community College featuring the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. The family-friendly event will be held at Siegert Field on the Arnold campus. Gates open at 4 p.m. (see Top Billing on Page 3 for details).

Another fireworks display will be held at 9:30 p.m. Sunday on the grounds of the Severn Christian Church, 8132 New Cut Road in Severn. The church will serve food starting at 4 p.m., with a patriotic "Let Freedom Ring" service at 7 p.m. and then the fireworks.

Paca House

The area will boast 50 new American citizens, who will be naturalized in a ceremony at 9:30 a.m. July 4th on the grounds of the William Paca House, 186 Prince George St. in Annapolis. The location is fitting as Paca was one of the three Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence.

And until 2 p.m. that afternoon, families can enjoy tours of Mr. Paca's home, live music performances and a Revolutionary War encampment. Children's activities include patriotic crafts and the opportunity to sign your John Hancock to the Declaration of Independence with a quill pen.

Downtown Annapolis

The Independence Day Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. as marchers, bands and floats step off Amos Garrett Boulevard onto West Street, heading towards Church Circle. The parade then flows down Main Street and ends in front of the Market House at City Dock.

In Susan Campbell Park at the end of City Dock, the Naval Academy Band's Electric Brigade swings into a bravura performance of patriotic and classic tunes at 8 p.m. Admission is free; bring your own lawn chairs.

The performance will be followed by fireworks over the harbor at 9:15 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from a barge off the academy's seawall.

If you would like to view the fireworks on the water but don't have a boat, Watermark Cruises (www.watermarkcruises.com) and the schooner Woodwind (www.schoonerwoodwind) are offering cruises to see the dazzling display up close.

For those who plan to see the fireworks from their boats, see the boating restrictions box on Page 27.

On land, the prime viewing spots include the Naval Academy, the end of City Dock and street-end parks in Eastport. Don't forget the Spa Creek Bridge, but you'll have to grab a spot early.

If you plan to watch the fireworks from the academy, you must go through security. Bring a photo ID and lawn chairs, but leave backpacks, coolers and pets at home.

City officials urge you to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Use Gate 5 on Taylor Avenue. Parking costs $5 starting at 3 p.m. The city will run a free, round-trip shuttle from the stadium parking lot to Lawyers Mall from 4 p.m. to midnight.

For more details on the city's celebration, visit www.annapolis.gov or call 410-263-1183.

Severna Park

Severna Park has had one of the bigger parades in the area since 1975 with Cliff Dawson as the first grand marshal, according to Linda Zahn, executive director of the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce.

The town's parade, featuring the theme "Old Glory," begins at 10 a.m. on July Fourth. The parade, which has its first-ever corporate sponsor, local business Dynasplint, begins at St. Martin's-in-the-Field and Our Shepherd Lutheran Churches on Benfield Road and winds its way over to a festival on the grounds of Cypress Creek Park.

More than 80 units, including marching bands, floats, dance groups, Scouts and musicians on wheels, are expected to participate.

At Cypress Park, Gary Wright and Leah Weiss will perform American music, complemented by square dancers. There will be a softball match pitting Severna Parks' finest players against a team from the Broadneck Peninsula. Several riders and horses will present barrel racing demonstrations. There also will be a herd of miniature riding horses. If the temperature is mild, Kinderfarm will bring some agricultural critters over for a Petting Zoo. The Lone Ranger - or someone who looks a lot like him - will amble by after traveling the length of the parade route to sign photos and pose with all the little Kemosabes.

"A whole generation will be introduced to the Lone Ranger at our parade," said Ms. Zahn. The festival ends at 1 p.m. For more information, call 410-647-3900.

South County

Shady Side's Fourth of July Parade will start at 10 a.m. and will include floats, local celebrities and politicians, marchers, bicyclists and decorated vehicles. The parade starts at the Shady Side Post Office and ends at the Shady Side Kiwanis Club on Snug Harbor Road.

The Shady Side parade is a community event and all are welcome to participate.

And the Bay Winds Band will perform at noon July 4 at the Captain Salem Avery Museum, 1418 E.W. Shady Side Road in Shady Side. In addition to the parade and concert, children can enjoy free activities, and hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

For more information, call 410-507-3177 or 410-867-4486.

Galesville will hold its Fourth of July parade starting at 2 p.m. It begins at Anchors Way, heads down Main Street and ends again at Anchors Way. Unlike prior years, there will be no family picnic this year at the nearby athletic field. And again this year, there will be no fireworks display in Galesville.

For more information, call 410-867-3541.

At the Historic London Town and Gardens in Edgewater, experience life in the olde port town during the American Revolution with the town's own "interpreters of the past" from noon to 4:30 p.m. July 6.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children 17 and under are free.

For information, call 410-222-1919 or visit www.historiclondontown.org.

Glen Burnie

Fourth of July fireworks will return to Glen Burnie on Thursday, July 3, for the first time in 12 years.

The Glen Burnie Improvement Association will sponsor a fireworks show at Sawmill Creek Park on Dorsey Road.

The display by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale will begin between 8:45 and 9 p.m. depending on how dark it is. The fireworks can be viewed from Sawmill Creek Park or the Third Avenue Park.

Parking will be available in the parking lot of Monsignor Slade Catholic School, 120 Dorsey Road. Overflow parking will be available in the Cromwell Station light rail parking lot. Handicapped parking only will be available at Sawmill Creek Park.

Participants should bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. A concession stand will open at 6 p.m. at the Sawmill Creek Park.

For more information, call 410-766-6760.

Calvert County

Further South, the town of North Beach will celebrate Independence Day on July 3 with a music festival starting at 6:30 p.m. The fireworks follow at dusk. Come early and enjoy a walk on the town's boardwalk where you'll get a fabulous view of the bay.

Chesapeake Beach also is holding its fireworks display at dusk on July 3. Look for them over the bay in front of the landmark Rod 'N Reel Restaurant. You'll get a pretty good view of the fireworks from just about anywhere along the beach. Park at the Town Field or just about anywhere where you can find a legal spot. Go early as parking fills up quickly.

The Solomon's Island fireworks display on July 4th returns to the Solomon's Riverwalk in response to popular demand. The fireworks will be shot from a barge anchored in the Patuxent River at dusk. For details, including parking info, visit www.sba.solomons.md.us

Fort Meade

Fort George G. Meade will again hold a day-long celebration on the Fourth of July celebration.

Gates open at the Fort Meade Parade Field at 1 p.m. Bring blankets and coolers for picnicking but grills and pets are forbidden. You must show a photo ID to enter. Use the Reece Road entrance off Route 175.

Once again this year, there will be a play area for children with rides and games. There also will be food and novelty vendors. The day's festivities cumulate at 9:30 p.m. with a fireworks display.

For additional details and inclement weather information, go to www.ftmeademwr.com

Bowie

Just across the county line in Bowie, celebrate July 4th with baseball and a barbecue.

The Bowie Baysox take on the Erie Seawolves at 6:05 p.m., but starting at 5 p.m. there will be a buffet barbecue, which will continue through the first hour of the game. After the game, the kids will get to run the bases and everyone will enjoy a fabulous fireworks display.

For details, call 301-805-6000 or visit www.baysox.com

Just up the road, the city of Bowie's Allen Pond Park will be the site of the Fourth of July celebration starting at 4 p.m. Enjoy food and live entertainment with a fireworks celebration at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free. No pets allowed. The rain date is July 5th.

Check www.cityofbowie.org or call 301-809-3011 for more information.

Six Flags

A little farther down Route 301 just past Bowie, there will be a fireworks display at the Six Flags America Theme Park. Catch the fireworks extravaganza at dusk on July 4th over Hurricane Bay in the park's Hurricane Harbor. The fireworks display is free with paid park admission. For ticket prices and more information, call 301-249-1500 or visit www.sixflags.com/america

Eastern Shore

The Queen Anne's County Historical Society and the Aspen Institute will present an 11 a.m. Independence Day Ceremony at Houghton House on the Aspen Institute grounds near Wye Island in Queenstown.

The ceremony at the gravesite of William Paca will be followed by a lecture in the garden. Both events are free. Take Route 50 to Carmichael Road and follow signs to the Aspen Institute. For information, call 410-820-5424.

The night before, on July 3, there will be a fireworks display at Kent Narrows after an evening of family entertainment, music, food and lots of kid-friendly activities beginning at 6 p.m. at the Chesapeake Exploration Center at 425 Piney Narrows Road in Chester. The rain date is July 5.

Rock Hall Harbor and Chestertown residents will enjoy back-to-back nights of fireworks. The fun begins a day early, at 9 p.m. July 3 at the Rock Hall Harbor, thanks to the efforts of organizer Art Willis and the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Department. A patriotic parade will be held starting at 10 a.m. on July Fourth.

In Chestertown, there will be daylong special events on July 4, beginning with the 27th annual Flat Five Foot Race at 8:15 a.m. and then a community breakfast at the American Legion Hall. And then head to Fountain in the Park at High and Cross streets for a community celebration.

Later, from 5 to 8 p.m., enjoy free, live traditional and contemporary bluegrass performances by The Shoremen in Chestertown's Fountain in the Park.

Cap the day off with a fireworks display in downtown Chestertown. For information, call 410-778-1342.

Farther north on the Shore, Georgetown will host a decorated boat parade on the Sassafras River at Georgetown Harbor at 5 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk on July 4. For details, call 410-275-1200.

Ocean City

If miles and miles of wide, white sandy beaches weren't enough, Ocean City is having a long weekend par-tay, culminating at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 6, with a Beach Boys concert at the Convention Center on 40th Street. For the $50 or $35 tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-551-7328.

On the Fourth of July, the fun begins with a free, patriotic concert on the beach at North Division Street and the beach at 8 p.m. Fireworks follow the performance.

And for those living in northern Ocean City, there will be a free, day-long jamboree at Northside Park on 127th Street starting at 11 a.m. and ending with a fireworks display at about 9:30 p.m.

With limited parking at both locations, Ocean City officials are urging visitors to take the bus for just $1.

For info, call 1-800-626-2326.

Baltimore

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July Fourth, street performers will entertain at the HarborPlace Amphitheater in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, located at Light and Pratt streets. A cappella performers Smooth Teaze perform from 3 to 5:30 p.m., followed, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., by Uptown East, a group with a Top 40s sound. At 8:30 p.m., the U.S. Naval Academy Band performs - a sort of apertif before a magnificent fireworks display created by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale.

The fireworks can easily be viewed downtown, and points farther out including Federal Hill, Fell's Point, Rash Field and Canton. For more information, call 410-752-8632.

Washington, D.C.

The General and his wife are busy on the 4th. Their next sighting will be at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., at 10 a.m., along with friends Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. There also will be a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.

After that, visit the 42nd Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the Mall from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Also at 11 a.m., there is a free, family-friendly concert of classical and popular selections at the Washington National Cathedral, featuring organists Scott Dettra and Christopher Jacobson.

The massive Washington, D.C., Independence Day Parade starts at 11:45 a.m. at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street N.W. It includes 25 marching bands, military and specialty units, 15 floats, giant balloons and lots of VIPs.

Later on, listen to a free, 90-minute concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capital, spotlighting Grammy-Award-winning Huey Lewis & The News, "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, rock 'n' roll super-legend Jerry Lee Lewis, classical superstar Hayley Westenra, Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, soprano Harolyn Blackwell and the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel. The "1812 Overture" is concluded with real cannon fire.

The fireworks near the Washington Monument will begin at 9:20 p.m. and can be seen clearly all the way down the Mall, and across the Potomac in Rosslyn, Arlington and Alexandria.

For more information about all the Fourth of July events in Washington, D.C., call 202-357-5000 or visit www.washington.org

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Wendi Winters is a freelance writer who lives on the Broadneck Peninsula.