Having July 4th fall on a Wednesday makes it difficult for my family to do our usual tradition of traveling to spend the holiday with relatives. However, even with only one day off to celebrate, we're finding some great things to do in the area to make this July 4th a blast!

Independence Day Events

Dale City July 4th Parade and Family Fun Day: The 45-year-old tradition of the Dale City July 4th Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Kirkdale Drive, continues along Dale Boulevard and finishes at Gemini Way. The parade is followed by the Family Fun Day at the commuter lot between Comcast and Center Plaza until 2 p.m.

Celebrate America in Old Town Manassas: There will be a variety of concessions, rides, and live entertainment in the streets surrounding the Harris Pavilion. Rides for children start at 2 p.m., concessions and all other activities start at 4 p.m. and live music by Shake It Up, tunes from Motown, Oldies, and Classic Rock start at 4:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.  

Potomac Nationals vs. Frederick Keys: There are still tickets available for the game, which starts at 6:35 p.m. Concessions are serving up your American favorites: hot dogs, funnel cakes, etc. Fireworks after the game.

Due to the power outages, the P'Nats ticket office has some temporary phone numbers for you to order your tickets for this week's games, but the website states that it would be easiest to order tickets online to guarantee your seats, potomacnationals.com. A few of the temporary phone numbers are: (571)229-2428, (571)229-3483, or (571)247-2463.

Staying Cool

WaterWorks: A waterpark for all ages, WaterWorks offers pools, water slides, spraygrounds, obstacle courses, and more. Nearby, affordable and fun, WaterWorks will keep you cool on this steamy July 4th. Holiday hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult entrance fee is $7.00. Address: 5301 Dale Blvd, Dale City

Splash Down Waterpark: Located in Manassas, Splash Down offers rides  for the more adventurous such as four-story waterslides, two Cannon Ball and Tropical Twister waterslides, as well as activity pools, a beach, lazy river, and lap pools. Admission is $14.95 for adults. Holiday hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Falmouth Riverside Park: This is a pretty easy road trip dip and family friendly, too, according to SwimmingHoles.org. Just off of I-95 in Fredericksburg, spend a day in the outdoors and water, and still get home in time for hot dogs and fireworks.

For the more adventurous, SwimmingHoles.org offers over 80 swimming hole locations in Virginia with detailed hiking and driving directions. Bring your water shoes and take a dip in some of our country's natural water parks.

July 4th Food

For many, grilling hot dogs, potato salad and watermelon is the quintessential Independence Day meal, but for my family, it wouldn't be complete without some All-American Apple Pie. While hubby is cooking at the grill, I'll be in an air-conditioned kitchen making an apple pie. My latest favorite is by Miss Americana herself, Martha Stewart. For an amazing fresh apple pie, check out her recipe.

Not a baker? Head down to Mom's Apple Pie Company in Occoquan for a last minute pie purchase. They are out-of-this-world yummy! The store's July 4th hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you're on the go this July 4th, but still want to good ol' American fare, consider making a stop at Five Guys, located in Lake Ridge at 4109 Merchant Plaza, or in Woodbridge at 13580 Foulger Square, voted "Best Burger" by zagat.com, a national restaurant review website. Their hot dogs and fries make America proud!

Our community has lots of great offerings to celebrate our Independence, so check the weather forecast, pack some sunscreen and water bottles, and go have some fun!