Takoma Park Fourth Of July 2017 Fireworks, Parade, Weather

TAKOMA PARK, MD — This is one of those classic Fourth of July celebrations. It includes a parade. It has live music. And, of course, it has fireworks.

It's the 128th annual Takoma Park Independence Day celebration. It begins at 10 a.m. and ends sometime after the sun sets, but not before the grand fireworks display.

The weather forecast is a bit dicey. The National Weather Service calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Look for mostly cloudy skies with a high near 93. The chance of precipitation is 40 percent. The chance of scattered rain showers before 2 am creeps up to 50 percent. Skies tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

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The parade begins at 10 a.m. at 4100 at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues, rain or shine. It'll travel South on Carroll Avenue, turn right on Maple Avenue and continue to Ritchie Avenue where it will disband.

After that, the celebration moves to Takoma Park Middle School, at 7611 Piney Branch Rd., for evening events beginning at 7. There will be dancing and music provided by the bilingual folk-rock band Elena & Los Fulanos and the Takoma Park Community Band. The AcroAirs from Washington Adventist University will perform, Mayor Kate Stewart will speak and raffle prizes and parade winners will be announced. Following that comes the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m., with a rain date marked as the next clear evening.

Here's some important information:

• Dogs, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed at the evening fireworks show for health and safety reasons.
• Limited parking is available in the parking lot of the Takoma Park Middle School, and on nearby side streets. Takoma Park residents are encouraged to get to the event early so that they can park close by.
• Raffle tickets will be available at the Committee stand and from Committee members and volunteers out in the crowd.
• There will be food vendors along the fence at the Piney Branch Road end of the field, and at the top of the hill by the school. Vendors can apply here.
• Public rest rooms will be available in the Takoma Park Middle School at the top of the hill, at the entrance to Lee Jordan Fld (portable) and at the north perimeter of Lee Jordan Fld (portable).
• Takoma Park and Montgomery County Police officers will be on hand to ensure public safety, direct traffic and prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas. Likewise, the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department will be present with emergency equipment and personnel in case of fire or medical emergencies.
• All fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Montgomery County.

>> Don't drink and drive this holiday. Find out how you can get a free Lyft Ride in Montgomery County this Fourth of July.

For more information, email ContactUs@TakomaPark4th.org.

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