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An American tradition

Red, white and blue paraphernalia plasters the bodies and cars of citizens across the United States. The American flag, symbol of our country's heritage, waves bravely in the humid summer air. Traditional tunes including Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" and Martina McBride's "Independence Day" blare from car windows and resonate from boom boxes providing the entertainment for those choosing to host the traditional picnic. These timeless traditions can only mean one thing:the Fourth of July.

Tomorrow, American citizens will celebrate the 227th year of their countries independence.

For those of you who still have not made any plans for the holiday, have no fear. Both in Charlottesville, as well as the surrounding areas, there are tons of celebrations occurring, many of which are free and will provide a fun afternoon for varied interests.

First, right inside Charlottesville, McIntire Park will host a celebration from 5 p.m until the conclusion of a fireworks display that begins at 9 p.m. This year's annual festivities will include live bands each hour, featuring Mozley Roze with Kate Hanson, ZAG and Big Ray and the Kool Kats. Food vendors will also be available.

Due to the fact that there will be no parking at the park, buses will be running from 4:30 to 10 p.m. from the K-Mart parking lot and Albemarle County Office Building. Charlottesville High School will also be open for parking.More information on the event can be found at www.charlottesville.org.

For those wishing to travel a little bit more, Rhythm of the River will take place at Dorrier Park in Scottsville. Starting at 6 p.m., visitors can relax with a picnic dinner as well as the bluegrass music of Willow Branch and folk music of the Jan Smith Band.

Following the music presentation, the town of Scottsville will set off fireworks which can be seen from the park.

"It's a wonderful location because the fireworks are set off over the river which is right there," Jan Glennie-Smith, President of Rhythm on the River said.

As well as Rhythm on the River, the town of Scottsville will be putting on events all day long, including a parade and flea market, according to Glennie-Smith. Over 6,000 visitors are expected to be in attendance throughout the day.

Lastly, for the more adventurous celebrators, Washington D.C. provides an array of activities throughout the entire day in honor of our countries freedom. The nation's capitol is home of the annual Independence Day parade featuring over 100 groups. Beginning at 12 p.m. bands will march down Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th streets, and parade watchers are invited to grab a spot on the side-walks to observe. In the afternoon the Mall is packed with live music and entertainment, coming to a close with a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. Finally, the fireworks, closing ceremonies for the day's events, begin at approximately 9:20 p.m. showcased for approximately 500,000 viewers above the Washington Monument.

Due to the fact that there are so many visitors to the city for the holiday, traffic in the area can become a problem.

"If you take the metro to the city it is easy to get in and out," rising fourth-year engineering student Rachel Cooperman said. According to Cooperman, the trip into the city isn't too bad because people are going at their own times, however, after the fireworks, traffic on the interstate is at a stand still.

No matter what you choose to do tomorrow, be it smearing yourself in American colors and traditional holiday spirit, or having a relaxing evening while watching community fireworks, July 4th is a day that everyone can celebrate being an American.

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Ahead of Lighting of the Lawn, Riley McNeill and Chelsea Huffman, co-chairs of the Lighting of the Lawn Committee and fourth-year College students, and Peter Mildrew, the president of the Hullabahoos and third-year Commerce student, discuss the festive tradition which brings the community together year after year. From planning the event to preparing performances, McNeil, Huffman and Mildrew elucidate how the light show has historically helped the community heal in the midst of hardship.