Baltimore County Independence Extravaganza: Fireworks, BSO Show

COCKEYSVILLE, MD — The Independence Day Extravaganza delivered music and fireworks to Oregon Ridge Park the day before the Fourth of July. Despite the threat of storms Wednesday, July 3, the extravaganza went on, bringing patriotic sights and sounds to Baltimore County.

"A little bit of rain at Oregon Ridge, but the Independence Day Extravaganza featuring the BSO Musicians is STILL ON!" Baltimore County government spokesman T.J. Smith reported at 5:50 p.m.

As the skies cleared, the Lutherville Music School took to the stage.

The forecast from the National Weather Service called for a 40 percent chance of evening rain in Cockeysville Wednesday, with a high of 91 degrees and a low of 72.

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Independence Day Extravaganza Lineup

The main part of the program started at 8 p.m., according to organizers.

Under the leadership of music director Jacomo Bairos, the Baltimore Symphony Musicians were slated to perform patriotic-themed orchestral works by composers Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland and John Williams, officials say.

Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture was to end the evening, capped off with a fireworks display.

The event also featured food trucks, with beer and wine for sale too.

Admission was free but tickets were required to get in, except for children 3 and under; the event was full, so only those who reserved tickets were to be admitted.

Parking Info

Gates open at 5 p.m., and the festivities start at 6 p.m. with music from the Lutherville Music School. The free event filled up soon after registration opened online, and tickets are required.

Parking will be available on site at Oregon Ridge (13401 Beaver Dam Road) and at the Baltimore County Agricultural Center (1114 Shawan Road), with free shuttles to the event. A parking pass that was reserved in advance is required. Those without a pass will not be admitted to the parking area. Parking is free.

Accessibility parking at Oregon Ridge has "sold out."

There will be no parking at the Maryland State Fairgrounds this year, and there will be no rain date. Accessible shuttles will be provided from the two parking areas.

Those using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can be dropped off at the northeast corner of Shawan Road and the entrance to the Agricultural Center. "Instruct your driver to follow the GPS route to 1114 Shawan Road, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030, then follow the rideshare signs once you arrive," organizers said. "To avoid traffic congestion at the event, rideshare vehicles will not be allowed at Oregon Ridge Park."

Inclement Weather Status

Organizers say there is no rain date. If there is severe weather, people will find updates about the status of the Independence Day Extravaganza on the event website and on Baltimore County's social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter.

As of 7 p.m., the festivities were set to go on.

Those with children, people with respiratory or heart conditions and older adults should be aware that a code orange air quality alert is in effect Wednesday, July 3. This means that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for these sensitive individuals, and they should avoid strenuous activities, such as outdoor exercise.

Allowed And Prohibited Items

What to bring: People may bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. "You’re welcome to bring your own food, so feel free to pack a cooler," organizers say. "Weather forecasts indicate that it may be hot on Wednesday, so be sure to bring plenty of water."

What not to bring: Pets (except service animals), balls, canopies, drones, fireworks (including sparklers), grills, glass, kegs, tents, umbrellas and weapons (guns, knives, scissors, stun guns, tasers, brass knuckles, mace and pepper spray, among others).

What: Baltimore County Independence Day Extravaganza
Where: Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030
When: 5–10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3; main event starts at 8 p.m.

News of the concert came in June, two weeks after the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) canceled its summer concert season abruptly amid financial troubles.

"I’m excited and thankful to the Baltimore Symphony Musicians for their willingness to participate in this year’s event despite the current challenges," Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. said in a statement on June 13.

The BSO's board, CEO and president announced on May 30 that the shows slated for the summer would be canceled for the first time since 1973, The Baltimore Sun reported.

"This event is important to Baltimore County, and my administration was committed to making sure residents still have the opportunity to celebrate July 4th at Oregon Ridge," Olszewski said.

The Baltimore Symphony Musicians, Baltimore County Office of the County Executive and the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks are making the event possible in addition to grant funds for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

"The BSO has performed outdoor concerts at Oregon Ridge since 1977, and the Baltimore Symphony Musicians are honored to work with county officials to maintain a presence for 2019," Baltimore Symphony Musicians community outreach coordinator and oboist Michael Lisicky said in a statement.

"The Baltimore Symphony Musicians are committed to being the hometown band for our city, state and Baltimore County, and this year is no different," said Baltimore Symphony Musicians Committee co-chair and percussionist Brian Prechtl.

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