Visitors may be surprised Saturday while strolling along winding gravel pathways at Mount Vernon. While admiring the woodwork and craftsmanship of George Washington's mansion, onlookers will see smoke--in patriotic colors, no less--filling the air behind the estate.
No need to grab the fire extinguisher. The smoke will be from the first-ever daytime fireworks show during Mount Vernon's annual Fourth of July celebration.
"It's a fun element to add to the celebration, and will help attract people who are looking to have a patriotic celebration during the daytime," Emily Coleman Dibella, director of marketing for Mount Vernon, said.
Daytime fireworks use little to no light and emit bursts of colored smoke.
"I tell people that when a jet plane goes across the sky and the contrail appears, that's what it's like," Coleman Dibella said.
The fireworks will explode across the sky behind the mansion, allowing visitors to look at the show and the view of the Potomac river.
"You can bring a blanket out here and enjoy the view of the river and hills, and of course the fireworks," said Melissa Wood, media relations manager.
Several-thousand blankets may be spread out on the back lawn, as Mount Vernon workers expect to match last year's Independence Day count.
"Last year we received 7,500 visitors. We hope to meet that number again this year," Wood said.
Red, white and blue, and perhaps other colors, will look somewhat like splatter paint against the afternoon sky as the 80-member National Concert Band of America performs its "Red, White and Blue Concert."
Another first for the Washington estate on the Fourth is a naturalization ceremony for the nation's 100 newest citizens.
Mount Vernon hosts a naturalization ceremony every May, but decided to move the welcoming to this Saturday.
"To have an event like this, to have what this country is about--a melting pot--at George Washington's home on such an important day, will be just wonderful," Coleman Dibella said.
Performances by the fife and drum corps, Revolutionary War demonstrations by the 1st Virginia Regiment, and wheat-treading demonstrations will happen throughout the day for guests to enjoy.
The "first" first family will also be at the estate. That's right: General and Mrs. Washington will be strolling about their property welcoming all who visit.
A huge American flag cake will be provided for hungry and sugar-happy stragglers--because after all, what is a party without cake?
"We're really excited to bring such a major event for the public on such an amazing day. You can easily do this and still get home in time for evening fireworks," Coleman Dibella said.
Jennifer Neff: 540/374-5000, ext. 5617
Email: jneff@freelancestar.com
| What: Mount Vernon's Fourth of July event: "An American Celebration" When: Saturday, July 4 8 a.m.-5p.m. Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria Cost: $15 adults, $7 children 6-11, free for children under five. Info: 703/780-2000 or 703/799-8697; visit.mount vernon.org |