New - Daytime Fireworks at Mount Vernon on July 4th!

Celebrate Independence at George Washington’s Home: Saturday, July 4, 2009 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                         
June 4, 2009                                                                                                                                            
Digital images available

Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org

New - Daytime Fireworks at Mount Vernon on July 4th!

MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Historic Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, salutes our first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event! For the first time ever, visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired during the finale of the National Concert Band of America’s performance.  The event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens (also new this year), military reenactments, a special wreathlaying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last), and a visit from the “first” first couple, “General and Mrs. Washington.”  All events are included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free. Go to Visit.MountVernon.org for more information.

All day:  “General and Mrs. Washington” will be on hand to greet and take photographs with visitors.  In the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, visitors can cool down in the Revolutionary War Theater where “snow” falls on the audience as Washington is crossing the Delaware River.

9:30 a.m:  Re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment assemble for inspection by “General Washington” on the Bowling Green, where the Declaration of Independence will be read by the First Virginia Regiment.

10:00 a.m:  Visitors may join the George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in a procession to George Washington’s Tomb for a special wreathlaying ceremony.  

11:00 a.m:  A special Independence Day naturalization ceremony for America’s 100 newest citizens with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

12:00 p.m:  The annual “Red, White and Blue Concert” takes place featuring patriotic favorites by the National Concert Band of America, an 80-member company of retired musicians from each of the United States Armed Services’ bands.

12:45 p.m – 12:50 p.m:  A pyrotechnic salute to America from the home of George Washington! Watch as a colorful display of made-for-daytime smoke fireworks are fired over the Potomac river.

1:00 p.m:  Mount Vernon’s all-American birthday cake will be offered to visitors (while supplies last).

1:30 p.m:  Fife and drum corps will perform military music and drills.

2:30 p.m:  Revolutionary War military demonstrations by the First Virginia Regiment take place on the Bowling Green.

Summer Farm Life:  July has always been a time of celebration at George Washington’s farm as it marks the beginning of the wheat harvest season.  To celebrate Washington the farmer, field hands will kick-off the season on Independence Day with wheat-treading demonstrations at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site.  Costumed staff will lead Mount Vernon’s horses as they tread wheat in the 16-sided barn at 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.  Visitors can witness Washington’s innovative treading process, learning first-hand how Washington separated grain from straw.

###

Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.

Public Information:
703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); Visit.MountVernon.org