The city is giving residents two ways to celebrate Independence Day this year: a new community-focused event on Friday, July 3 and the annual fireworks celebration at Buddy Attick Park on Saturday, July 4 as part of the nationwide commemoration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Chill-ebration Friday
The festivities begin on Friday with the city’s inaugural Independence Day Chill-ebration, a quieter alternative designed for families with young children, individuals with sensory sensitivities, nervous pets and anyone who prefers celebrating without fireworks. The event will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. at Roosevelt Center and the Greenbelt Cinema.
Activities include art projects at 3 p.m., a 4 p.m. film screening, a community drum circle from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., a performance by local favorite Honk! Situation at 5:30 p.m. and a live DJ with community mingling from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Captain Gulledge of the Greenbelt Police Department said the city created Chill-ebration after listening to residents’ feedback and looking for ways to make Independence Day more inclusive.
“We wanted to provide an alternative for people to enjoy the celebration,” Gulledge said. “It gives people a familiar, comfortable place where they can celebrate without the large crowds or fireworks. We’re opening up our offerings to people who have different needs or wants.”
The addition also celebrates Roosevelt Center businesses by encouraging visitors to spend time in Greenbelt’s historic district before Saturday’s festivities move to Buddy Attick Park.
Cam Crossett is a University of Maryland graduate student at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism interning with the Greenbelt News Review.