The Laurel 4th of July Committee needs to thank the Laurel Community and all its Visitors for their attendance and support of the 40th Annual Laurel Independence Day Celebration that was held on Saturday, July 7, 2018. Without your support, the Committee could not put on the wonderful event you all were witness to on Saturday! From the Parade to the Car Show to the Field Events to Oracle; all culminating in the Fireworks display that night, you are the Committee’s reason for putting on this event. So here is a big thank you from us to you!
We also couldn’t have done this event without the generous funding and in-kind support from the Business community! We ask that you visit the home page of this website and please support the businesses listed by patronizing their shops! Their generosity, along with your generous donations, allows the Independence Day Celebration to continue!
So we can’t say it enough, but Thank You! We hope to see you again next year! If you have any questions, please call 301-725-5300 ext. 2444.
Event Highlights
The Laurel Fourth of July Committee works hard year round to bring you the best Independence Day Celebration in the area! This section will help guide you through the day’s events from the Field Events to the end of the day’s fireworks. If you have any questions, please call the Committee at 301-725-5306 ext. 2444.
Car Show
The car show will be held on July 4, 2020, from 12:00pm until 3:00pm at Granville Gude Park (Laurel Lake) at 8300 Mulberry Street.
We invite everyone out to come see all of the Antique and Classic cars!
Be sure to stick around for the day and enjoy all of the entertainment, and conclude the evening with a fabulous fireworks display!
If you have a car that you would like to register for the show, please visit our Car Show Registration page.
Parade
The Laurel Fourth of July Committee invites you to the 42nd Annual Independence Day Parade. The Parade will begin promptly at 11:00am.
If you are a group and are interested in participating, please click here.
Thank you for your interest in the 42nd Anniversary of our Independence Day Celebration and we look forward to seeing you on July 4, 2020!y
Field Events
Please join us on July 4, 2020, from 3:00 – 5:00pm on the Granville Gude Park field.
Parks and Recreation will be hosting numerous FREE games and activities to keep the whole family entertained!
The activities will include the Giant Rainbow Parachute, Corn Hole, Bubbles, and Minute-to-Win-it style games as well as many others! Make sure you make it down to participate!
Fireworks
Fireworks Committee Members
The Laurel 4th of July Committee has four Maryland State Police, Office of the State Fire Marshal certified fireworks shooters. “Shooters,” as they are known, also attend annual training provided by Fantastic Fireworks, Inc. Fantastic Fireworks provides technical support in addition to the fireworks you enjoy every year. A word of caution, no visitors are permitted in the fireworks set up area which is located on the hard stand across the lake from Granville Gude Park.
Fireworks Fundraiser
The Laurel Fourth of July Committee is also hosting a Sponsor a Firework fundraiser. Here is a unique opportunity to show your support for the 2020 Laurel Fourth of July Fireworks display on July 4, 2020. Not only can you Sponsor a Firework, but we will also take donations for Dedications to someone you know and In Memory of a loved one. All Sponsors, Dedications and Memorials will be listed on our website and announced throughout the 4th celebration. If you would like to give your support, please complete and mail the form – link is to your right – along with a $20 check payable to the Laurel Fourth of July Committee.
Laurel Fourth of July Committee Fireworks – Behind the Scenes
The Laurel Fourth of July Committee (LFJC), an all volunteer group, organizes and promotes many activities for our Nation’s Independence Day celebration. Most are apparent as you enjoy the day’s activities anticipating the evening’s fireworks event. Some are less obvious. We spend nine months of the year preparing for the event but we cannot go it alone. We coordinate among city and volunteer services for support … the Laurel Police Department, the Department of Public Work, the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department and the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad all provide invaluable assistance and support to bring you the finest and safest show in the area.
Mid-week, before the celebration date, the LFJC post no parking signs along part of the parade route. We like to think of this as a warm up for the rest of the week. On Friday, we collect and assemble four purpose built barges from which we launch part of the fireworks display. This rather daunting task takes most of the day. On Saturday (event day) the fireworks are delivered by the production company – Fantastic Fireworks, Inc. – located at Maryland Line, Maryland. Now the real work begins. We inventory, sort and arrange the fireworks according to a choreographed script on the barges while set pieces (stationary displays) are placed and mortar tubes are assembled and strategically located. Needless to say, the work area is strictly off limits to bystanders and curiosity seekers.
It is time for a few definitions. Firework cakes contain multiple colorful fireworks – up to 600 or as few as 16. They are as the name implies packed in boxes using small diameter cardboard launch tubes. These are placed on the barges and for our event, display no more than 300 feet above ground. Firework shells are sized in inches up to three inches for our event. A shell contains at least two parts. The lift charge which propels the projectile aloft and a colorful firework break which is sometimes accompanied by a salute or report (loud bang). These are launched from mortar tubes arranged in racks, typically of eight. Set pieces are stationary and convey a message or theme while they ignite.
What’s next is the wiring of the firework to the command detonator. This is the most time consuming and tedious part of the process. Get it wrong and the firework will not “fire” so this work is done very carefully and quality controlled under the supervision by our lead pyrotechnician. We have four Maryland State Police, Office of the State Fire Marshal certified “shooters” active on the committee.
Once the work described above is completed and the commercial crane used to lift each barge with its precious cargo into the lake has arrived. An hour later, the crane has departed and the barges are being towed to anchorage and their final resting place on Gude Lake. Meanwhile, last minute checks are being preformed, the area is being policed up and volunteers can be seen taking a much needed break.
It is 9:15 PM and show time is announced by a single shell being fired. Well, the real reason we do this is to determine if wind conditions are acceptable to avoid “fall out” debris reaching the spectators or nearby structures. If it is precipitating, the “go” or “no go” call is made on the spot. If we postpone, we shoot on Sunday at 9:15 PM. During the fireworks shoot “Observers” are strategically located around the fireworks area to determine fallout conditions, based on wind direction and speed to ensure that the public is safe during the show. If fallout conditions are determined to be unsafe the show is stopped until more favorable conditions are met.
The show lasts over thirty minutes but the work isn’t finished yet. We have to allow an additional thirty minutes to ensure all unexpended ordinance is unlikely to misfire. When the all clear is signaled, the fire department douses all cakes boxes while we inspect for duds. When the area is declared clear, we dismantle the hardware, neutralize any duds found and pack the material for shipment. But we aren’t finished yet.
Sunday morning we assemble once more to police the area of debris (what a mess!), crane lift the barges from the lake, disassemble them and return same to storage for next year.
We can’t wait to see you on July 4, 2020, for the event!
Directions to Laurel
From Baltimore
Take Interstate 95 South to Exit 33A, Merge onto State Route 198 East.At the 6th light turn right onto Route 1 South. At the 5th traffic light, you will turn right onto Mulberry Street, then take the first right. Drive half a mile and you will see Laurel Lakes on your left.
From Washington
Take the Capital Beltway (Route 495/I-95) North to Exit 33A, Merge onto State Route 198 East, At the 6th light turn right onto Route 1 South. At the 5th traffic light, you will turn right onto Mulberry Street, then take the first right. Drive half a mile and you will see Laurel Lakes on your left.
From Route 1 North/South
Take U.S. Route 1 North or South into Laurel proper. If you are heading Route 1 North, you will make a left onto Mulberry Street from the traffi light. If you are heading on Route 1 South, then you will turn right onto Mulberry Street, then take the first right. Drive half a mile and you will see Laurel Lakes on your left.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, July 4, 2020
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
9:00am – Parade Lineup @ 6th and Montgomery Streets
– Antique & Classic cars line up in parking lot behind McCullough Field
11:00am – Parade Begins, Judging Stand on Domer Ct.
– Various Food & Craft Vendors Open for Business through conclusion of the Fireworks;
– Car Show Registration at Mulberry Street between Lowes and Holiday Inn Express
12:00pm – Car Show Begins
2:00pm – Reading of Parade Awards and Acknowledgements;
3:00pm – Field Events begin hosted by Laurel Parks and Recreation;
3:15pm – Grand Opening, Flag Raising, Pledge and National Anthem sung by
– Invocation by
3:30pm – Registration for Hot Dog Eating Contest begins
– Car Show Ends
4:00pm – Hot Dog Eating Contest
5:15pm – Music by Oracle
7:00pm – Welcome & Introduction of Mayor and City Council
7:15pm – Acknowledgements & Committee Awards
7:30pm – Music by Oracle
9:15pm – Fireworks from the Lake
**All times are approximate**
NO ALCOHOL PERMITTED!
NO SPARKLERS or FIREWORKS!
NO PETS! Service Animals Permitted!
Road Closures
All roads along the Parade route will close just before 11:00am, as the contestants begin their procession through the parade route:
* The parade route begins at 6th and Montgomery Streets.
* Heads east on Montgomery Street.
* Turns south on 4th Street.
* Crosses over Routes 198 East Bound and West Bound.
* Passes the Judges’ Stand at Domer Court (best place for viewing).
* Disperses at Cherry Lane.
The following will be the times and street closures for the Fireworks:
* At 1:00pm, East Bound Cherry Lane from Ashford Boulevard to Laurel Place will close for the arrival of the fireworks.
* At 5:00pm, West Bound Cherry Lane from Laurel Place to Fourth Street will close. This closure is required by the State, County, and City Fire Marshals Offices due to potential fallout from the fireworks display at Laurel Lake.
* At approximately 6:00pm, South Bound Laurel Place will close and vehicles will ONLY be allowed to turn onto East Bound Cherry Lane from North Bound Laurel Place.
* No vehicular or pedestrian traffic will be allowed into the area until after the fireworks display is over and the area is policed for fallout debris, which will be approximately 11:00pm.
Fireworks spectators are encouraged to arrive early and leave by alternate routes. For more information, please contact the Laurel Fourth of July Committee at 301-725-5300 ext. 2444.
Meet the Committee
Committee Officers
Chairperson………….Carreen Koubek
Vice Chairperson……Traci Crouse
Treasurer……………..VACANT
Secretary……………..VACANT
Sub-Committees and Members at Large
Fireworks Chair – Jim Kronmeyer
Parade Chair – Bill Allen
Vendor Chair – Traci Crouse
Car Shoe – Mike Templeton
Entertainment
Publicity
Fundraising
Judy Miller, Eddie Souder, Kristi Leigh, James Agabi, Sam Crouse, Hailey Crouse, Beth Varnau
Rules and Regulations
To ensure everyone has a safe and fun filled day, the Laurel Fourth of July Committee asks that all attendees adhere to the following Rules and Regulations:
1. PLEASE DO NOT bring any animals to the field – the day could get very hot and with all the people walking around they could get stepped on or injured. Unless they are Service Animals, there is no need for animals to be on the field the day of the event.
2. PLEASE DO NOT bring Alcohol to the field. Alcohol and heat are not a good mix and we do not want anyone getting ill or worse.
3. PLEASE DO NOT bring any sparklers or other types of fireworks to the field. This is illegal in Prince George’s County as well as could cause injury and burns and we want everyone going home safe and remembering a funfilled day.
4. PLEASE REMEMBER to keep a close eye on your children. In case you do become separated, all children will be taken to the Lakehouse where their parents can come to pick them up.
5. PLEASE REMEMBER to be safe and responsible while enjoying the festivities. For minor injuries, first-aid will be located in the Lakehouse.
6. PLEASE bring family and friends. The more the merrier and we want everyone to enjoy the day’s festivities.
7. PLEASE bring blankets and chairs to get comfortable for the evening’s events.
8. Most important, PLEASE bring your FUN factor! It is most important that everyone come and enjoy themselves. Celebrating our Nation’s Birthday is first and foremost the reason we all volunteer the day to bring you this event.
We thank you again for your support and look forward to seeing you all July 4, 2020!
History
Article excerpts from the Gazette, June 26, 2006. “Laurel Prepares for Independence Day” Written by Steve Earley
“Almost three decades after a young girl asked then-mayor Robert DiPietro why Laurel didn’t have an Independence Day celebration, the city’s daylong festival of contests, music, food and of course fireworks, has solidified itself as one of the region’s largest July 4th events. DiPietro formed The Laurel Fourth of July Committee in 1978 shortly after the inquiry. The panel now includes about 40 volunteers who work year round holding fundraisers and organizing the event…The fireworks regularly draw more than 50,000 spectators, according to Harrison, who’s counting those who take in the display from their porches or city hilltops as well as the masses who converge on Laurel Lakes…a 45-minute firework display accompanied by patriotic music set to begin 9:15 p.m. City Council President Frederick Smalls said the celebration has, despite its growth, managed to maintain a small-town feel. ‘‘For me the Laurel celebration is a celebration of community,” he said. ‘‘It’s definitely a very anticipated city celebration that brings together not just the volunteers who put this event on, but the city as well as the citizens in the city and outside the city.”