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Happy almost-Fourth, neighbors!

This issue is bursting like a firework. We have your complete guide to celebrating America's 250th across Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania, plus where to cheer on Team USA in the knockout round, a brand-new smoothie spot opening in Stafford, the return of Dinner Club, and a look at the incredible young leaders coming out of GAD Youth Center this summer.

Grab your coffee, find a comfy seat, and let's dive in.

Dori

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The sparklers are calling, neighbors! This is not just any Fourth, it is America's 250th birthday, and our corner of Virginia is celebrating in style. From Marines lighting up the sky to rubber duckies racing down the Rappahannock, we rounded up the best ways to celebrate across Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania. One heads up: the Fourth lands on a Saturday this year, so crowds will be big and parking will fill fast. Arrive early, stay late, and soak up every sparkle.

Thursday, July 2

🎆 Independence Day Celebration at Marine Corps Base Quantico
Location: Lejeune Field, Marine Corps Base Quantico
Time: 5pm, fireworks at 9:15pm
Celebrate 250 years of freedom with food trucks, yard games, a performance by the Marine Corps Band, and a fireworks show.

🎆 Revolutionary Pub Tour
Location: Downtown Fredericksburg (Rising Sun Tavern, Richard Johnston Inn, and Billikens)
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Take a walking tour through some of downtown's 250-year-old buildings with a complimentary glass of wine along the way.

Friday, July 3

🎆 Libations and Liberty: A Toast to Independence
Location: Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline Street
Time: 10am to 4pm
Enjoy a free, history-filled celebration with beer and wine tastings, tavern tours, hourly toasts, and colonial activities (suggested donation of $2.50 for the 250th).

Saturday, July 4: Daytime

🎆 Fallen Heroes 5 Miler
Location: Starts at James Monroe High School
Time: 7:30am
Run a patriotic 5K through downtown that supports local veterans and first responders.

🎆 Children's Roll N' Stroll
Location: Line up at the VRE parking lot, Caroline Street and Frederick Street; procession to Market Square
Time: Line up at 9:30am, rolling out at 10am
Join a festive costume and decorated-bike parade hosted by the Blue Star Mothers, with prizes and leashed dogs welcome.

🎆 A 250th Fourth of July at George Washington's Ferry Farm
Location: 268 Kings Highway
Time: 10am to 4pm
Step into hands-on history at George Washington's boyhood home (entrance fee may apply for non-residents).

🎆 Fourth in Fredericksburg Festival in the Streets
Location: Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street
Time: 10am to 4pm
Browse an art and craft show with children's activities, food vendors, and live music, plus a noon Presentation of the Colors and welcome from Mayor Kerry Devine.

🎆 FXBG Rubber Ducky Derby
Location: Riverfront Park
Time: 12pm
Cheer on 2,000 rubber ducks racing down the Rappahannock to benefit Friends of the Rappahannock.

🎆 Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Location: In Front of Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020, Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg
Time: 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Hear the words that started it all read aloud in historic downtown.

🎆 Downtown Sounds Concert featuring LADIA
Location: Market Square
Time: 3pm to 5pm (bar opens at 2:30pm)
Enjoy live music from LADIA in the heart of Market Square.

Saturday, July 4: Evening and Fireworks

🎆 4th of July Spectacular in Stafford
Location: Pratt Park, 120 River Road
Time: Gates at 6pm, fireworks around 9:15pm
Settle in for food trucks, lawn games, and live music by the Fredericksburg Concert Band leading into a riverside fireworks display.

🎆 FredNats Patriotic Palooza
Location: Virginia Credit Union Stadium
Time: Gates at 4pm, fireworks after the stadium closes at 8pm
Enjoy family fun, vendors, and live music headlined by Virginia Man, capped by the biggest fireworks show of the year (general admission $5, parking $8).

Since details can change, we recommend visiting each event's website to confirm times, locations, and any last-minute updates before you head out.

However you celebrate, we hope your Fourth is full of sparkle. Which event are you most excited for? Hit reply and let us know!

A big thank you to our sponsors for keeping this newsletter free for the community🙏 Want your business in front of 41,000+ Fredericksburg-area neighbors? Become a sponsor. [email protected]

The US Men's National Team is headed to the knockout round, and local spots are staying open late so you don't miss a minute. Grab your jersey, grab your crew, and let's pack these places with red, white, and blue on Wednesday, July 1st!

⚽ Laudenbach Brewing
Open until the match concludes. Come early, grab some grub from Maria Cheryl's, and settle in.
📍 45 Centreport Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22406
🌐 laudenbachbrewing.com

⚽ Full Distance Brewing
Open late so you don't miss the action. Grab a pint, settle in, and catch the match on the big-screen TVs.
📍 650 Corporate Drive, Suite 101, Stafford, VA 22554
🌐 fulldistancebrewing.com

⚽ Park Lane Tavern
America's home pub for the match. Bring the energy, bring the pride, and yell at the TV with people who get it.
📍 1 Towne Centre Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
🌐 parklanetavern.com

⚽ Highmark Brewery
Watch party starts at 7:30 PM, with Matteo's food truck on site from 4 to 8 PM. Grab a bite and a brew and cheer Team USA on.
📍 390 Kings Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA
🌐 facebook.com/Highmarkbrewery

However you watch, let's cheer Team USA into the next round!

Six people. One table. A great meal and meaningful conversation. Here's how it works: take a short personality quiz, get matched with 5 compatible guests, and we choose the restaurant and handle the logistics. You just show up.

One past participant said it best: "Such a great idea! I was happy to see this come to FXBG. The conversation was genuine and natural!"

📍 Downtown Fredericksburg
🗓️ July 15 at 6:30 PM
🪑 Book your seat: fxbgneighbors.dnnr.io

Can't make it this time? Sign up at the link to get updates on future dinners. Here's to breaking bread and building something real.

Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe is celebrating the grand opening of its brand new Stafford location, and everyone is invited! Enjoy FREE select items on Saturday, up to 50% off select menu items all weekend, and a LIVE DJ. Come for delicious treats, great deals, and an even better time.

📍 296 Garrisonville Rd, Stafford, VA 22554
🗓️ Saturday, July 11th at 6:30pm
🌐 boraborausa.com

Here are some of the top events happening soon. Always check with the venue for the latest details. Got an event coming up? Add it to our calendar.

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