Fourth of July fireworks are a summertime tradition in just about every corner of the Chesapeake Bay. Unfortunately, because of the risk of gatherings in the COVID-19 era, most municipal fireworks have been canceled.
There are still a handful of privately-run fireworks displays around Independence Day in the Bay region. As this pandemic has brought a spike in individuals lighting off fireworks in several parts of the Chesapeake, the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is encouraging people looking for a show to leave the explosives to the pros and watch an organized display.
Here is our list of shows (please email [email protected] if you have one to add). We remind everyone to follow the local social-distancing guidelines when you watch the sky light up. Even better, watch from a boat.
Maryland
Middle River: The Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County will host its annual Fireworks Extravaganza beginning at 9 p.m. on July 4. More information
Gibson Island: The Gibson Island Club will hold a private fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. on July 4, with a rain date of July 5.
Prince Frederick: Running Hare Vineyards hosts fireworks, live music, craft and food vendors on July 3. Gates open at 6 p.m. and tickets are $10 general admissions, with children under 3 free. More information
Chesapeake City: Chateau De-Bu Winery, Bohemia Manor Farm hosts a private fireworks show on July 4th with limited attendance. $10 printed tickets are required to enter. More information
Kent Narrows: The Queen Anne’s County Independence Day Celebration fireworks will take place on July 1, but people should stay in their cars and watch from the parking lot or in the Kent Narrows area. Free parking will be available at the “old outlets.” Fireworks will start around 9 p.m. and last 20 minutes. The rain date is July 2. More information
Easton: The Fourth of July Fireworks from the Avalon Foundation and the town of Easton will take place on July 4 at the field at Marlboro and St. Michael roads. Fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m., people are asked to arrive no earlier than 8:30 p.m. More information
Crisfield: A fireworks show launched from Somers Cove Marina, sponsored by Crisfield American Legion Post #16, is set for July 5,at 9 p.m. More information
Ocean City: The town’s 4th of July celebration is postponed. but Ocean City holds a fireworks show every Thursday at Talbot Street Beach, including July 2 and July 9. More information
Washington, D.C.
The White House will hold a scaled back version of President Trump’s Salute to America on the South Lawn and Ellipse on July 4 with fireworks over the National Mall. A detailed schedule hasn’t been released. More information
Delaware
Dewey Beach: A privately-run fireworks display will be launched from a barge on Rehobeth Bay on Saturday, July 4 at dusk (around 9 p.m.), visible from any restaurant or bar on the bay side of Dewey Beach and the one-mile stretch of beachfront. The show is being held by Highway One Group, owner of The Rusty Rudder, Bottle & Cork and other local businesses. More information
Virginia
Reedville: Co-sponsored by Omega Protein and Reedville Fisherman’s Museum Sunday, the fireworks display will be held on July 5 shortly after dark. That should fall between 9:15-9:30.
Powhatan: The Powhatan Freedom Festival will include a drive-in fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. on July 4 at the Powhatan County Fairgrounds, hosted by the Powhatan Dental Outreach Foundation for Children. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the festival also includes a children’s movie played on an inflatable big screen. People may sit around their vehicles but are asked to social distance. More information
Isle of Wight: Isle of Wight County will hold a drive-in fireworks display at Heritage Park Fairgrounds in Windsor, Va. at 9:30 p.m. Guests are required to stay in their vehicles and there are no on-site restrooms available. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. More information
