4th of July fireworks events in DC 2015: Best places to view in Washington DC

Fourth of July fireworks seen across the Potomac River at Washington, D.C., USA. Wikimedia Commons

A lot of food, friends, parties, and fireworks are expected for the Fourth of July celebrations.

According to the American Pyrotechnic Association, the country spends more $600 million for pyrotechnics at the event. It really does pay off in the end because millions of Americans always look forward to a good fireworks display during Independence Day.

Washington DC is one of the best hosts of the grand Fourth of July celebrations. In fact, seeing firecrackers light up the sky above the iconic Washington monument should be an event one would find hard to forget.

However, some viewing spots for the Washington D.C. fireworks may be off limits this year because of security and crowd concerns.

According to WTop, there's little space left for more visitors who want to watch the fireworks display at the National Mall. The National Park Service (NPS) has advised visitors to think of a way to get near the spot.

The report also cites an ongoing restoration of the Mall between the 7<sup>th and 14<sup>th Street, which means that prime spots for watching fireworks will be off limits.

"Use some of those other Metro stations besides Smithsonian — L'Enfant Plaza or Federal Triangle. It may just be a block or two further if you walk but you'll deal with less crowds," advised NPS' Mike Litterst.

Meanwhile, visitors can simply consider heading to other spots to watch the grand celebration.

The fireworks will begin at 9.15 p.m. and will be launched from Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. 

Prior to the fireworks, the annual A Capitol Fourth Concert will take place from  8 p.m. at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert is free and no tickets are necessary to watch live performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and other musicians.

In addiiton, D.C.'s Independence Day Parade will take place on from 11:45 a.m to 2 p.m., at Constitution Avenue, from 7<sup>th to 17<sup>th Street. Admission is free and the parade will be co-hosted by NPS.

The celebration will feature floats, live bands, giant balloons, military units and more.

The National Archives also offers great events suited for the family. Admission will be free on July 4, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be free family activities, patriotic music and other activities suited for all ages.

More details on various DC events for Independence Day can be found at WJLA-TV.

News
Wildwood Kin’s Meg Loney on how a 24/7 prayer meeting brought her back from the brink 
Wildwood Kin’s Meg Loney on how a 24/7 prayer meeting brought her back from the brink 

Meg Loney went from the depths of drug addiction to being a follower of Christ bringing hope and healing to others with her music.

How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better

In 2008, Wilson Femayi was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He had just graduated from Bible college. His arrest — the result of a personal vendetta — was a devastating moment. But even in that dark place, God was at work. Today, Wilson is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe, leading programmes that are restoring prisoners and reuniting families across the country.

Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds
Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds

A new report from International Christian Concern (ICC) has revealed a disturbing rise in violence against Christians across parts of Africa, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Kenya experiencing a surge in attacks, abductions, massacres and forced displacements.

Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab
Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab

A new policy brief released by Open Doors has exposed as a systematic campaign of repression against Christian communities in Nicaragua.