Celebrate Independence Day at George Washington's Home with Spirit!

Citizenship Ceremony, Daytime Fireworks on Display and George Washington Rye Whiskey for Sale!
For Immediate Release
May 10, 2011
Digital images available

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

Celebrate Independence Day at George Washington's Home with Spirit!

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! Visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River.  New this year – Mount Vernon will have more than 400 bottles of the George Washington Rye Whiskey available for sale beginning at 10:00 a.m.! Each 375 ml bottle retails for $95. The whiskey will be available for sale in person only at The Shops at Mount Vernon and the Distillery & Gristmill site, located three miles from the Estate.

The special Independence Day event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens, 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. Please visit www.MountVernon.org for more information.

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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.

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

Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America.  Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.”  Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853.  A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital.

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Regular admission rates: adults, $15.00; senior citizens, $14.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $7.00; and children under age 5, FREE.  Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.