Yesterday, I noticed a sure sign that summer — and the Fourth of July — is around the corner. The annual fireworks stand has arrived in front of Sweet Mango Cafe. I’m sure others in the area aren’t far behind. I’ve always been amazed at how many fireworks are sold at these stands each year.
While it is too early to know exactly how many people enjoyed the 4th of July at the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) yesterday, it was clear that it was a popular destination for residents in the surrounding communities. The event rand from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and was organized by the Friends of the Soldiers’ Home in cooperation with AFRH. It included food vendors, catch and release fishing, a bicycle clinic and a lot of open space for kids to play in. It also provided a fairly good view of the National Fireworks.
Below are some photos from yesterday’s event.
(Some of the many people who showed up to enjoy the day and watch fireworks)
(Food options included Captain Cookie, the Lemon Grass Truck, Sugar High Bakery, Los Verracos, and Humble Pie)
(The fishing was particularly popular with the children)
(One of the AFRH residents brought some fireworks of his own. For a short while, he enjoyed interacting with some of the children and showing off his cannon — which fired blanks beautifully)
Whether you are staying close to home or traveling to see fireworks tonight, have a happy and safe 4th of July! Options this year include spending time relaxing on the south grounds of the Old Soldiers’ Home, which will be open to the community from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Full details are here.
The following announcement came through my email last night. It sounds like an enjoyable opportunity to spend the Fourth of July relaxing, fishing, and watching the fireworks on the south grounds of the Old Soldiers’ Home. I’m sure many won’t want to miss it (a PDF flyer is available here)
Friends of the Soldiers’ Home in cooperation with the Armed Forces Retirement Home present:
Family Fun* Local Food Vendors* Children’s Fishing* Hiking* Biking* Picnicking* Jogging* Soccer* Touch Football* Kickball* Tug of War* Balloon Twisting*
Watch the fireworks on the National Mall from one of the best vantage points in Washington, D.C., on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., on the southern grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. (Entrance at Rock Creek Church Road and Randolph Street)
Carry in picnic food and drink or purchase from these vendors courtesy of Grey DC:
Trout Unlimited, the nation’s foremost organization for restoring fisheries, is supplying volunteers and donating 20 fishing poles and bait for children to use at the Soldiers Home fishing ponds stocked with fish. Catch-and-release fishing will occur from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
In addition to fishing we will have organized activities including soccer, touch football, kickball and tug of war. Thanks to Park View Kids Zone for helping supply equipment. Why go to the Mall when you can watch the fireworks from some of the high ground right here at the Soldiers Home? Fireworks begin shortly after 9 p.m.
Also featuring KazooTheBalloonMaker.com: Serving the DC metro area, Kazoo specializes in advanced, multi-balloon creations that are sure to make the kids smile and amaze the adults. No simple dogs or swords here. Available for parties and events of all kinds.
Friends of the Soldiers Home is a volunteer organization serving members of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Friends extends enormous thanks to the veterans and staff of the Home for inviting the community inside the gates for this very special July 4 celebration.
"The territory comprising Park View extends from Gresham Street north to Rock Creek Church Road, and from Georgia Avenue to the Soldiers' Home grounds, including the triangle bounded by Park Road, Georgia Avenue, and New Hampshire Avenue" (from Directory and History of Park View, 1921.)
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