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Set Off the Fireworks!

No matter if you're at a backyard barbeque, the beach, an amusement park or a baseball game for Independence Day, the celebration just isn't complete without the traditional display of fireworks.

As a kid, my dad would casually ignore the firework laws in Virginia and set off rows of them every Fourth of July in our backyard. He would smuggle in a few "illegal" firecrackers from the Carolina's and create a launching pad from two planks of old wood.

Mom was less rebellious with her red, blue and Cool Whip Jell-O treats.

But there are two distinct memories I have of those days. One is of the 20-plus kids that would gather around our fence to watch the spectacle. The other is of a bottle rocket landing on our neighbor's house two doors down.

Nothing caught on fire, but I think I saw my dad's heart stop for a brief moment.

To help the rest of you avoid a potential pyromaniac charge, the loss of an eyebrow or the trouble of buying and finding a place to set off your own fire crack-a-lackers, Richmond.com has your guide to the city's best places to find fireworks.

July 3

 

Genworth Financial Celebrate Freedom Event

The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band will perform for an evening of music, children's activities and of course, fireworks. Begins at 6:30 p.m. No pets, parking is free.

Firework launch time: 8:45 p.m.

6620 W. Broad St., (804) 281-6699

July 3-4

 

Colonial Downs "Racing to the Stars and Stripes"

Combine a horse racing with fireworks and you have a great way to celebrate the 4th. Races start at 5 p.m. followed by a patriotic band concert.

Fireworks launch time: 9:30 p.m.

10515 Colonial Downs Pkwy, (804) 966-RACE, colonialdowns.com .

July 4

 

Brandermill Fireworks Patriotic Festivities

(Updated: The Brandermill celebration is for Brandermill residents ONLY).

Comcast Fourth of July Celebration

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join the Comcast family for plenty of children's activities and fireworks at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds on Independence Day. Alcohol, glass, pets and personal fireworks will not be permitted. Gates open at 5 p.m., admission is free.

Fireworks launch time: After dark

10300 Courthouse Road, (804) 748-1132

Dogwood Dell Fourth of July Celebration

What better way to celebrate your independence than with free music and fireworks? Among other live entertainment, the Richmond Concert Band will perform the 1812 Overture, complete with artillery and bells. Celebration begins at 5:30 p.m.

Fireworks launch time: After 7:30 p.m.

Byrd Park, 1300 Blanton Ave., (804) 646-DELL

Fourth at the Fort

Celebrate the Fourth and the Fort Lee Williams Stadium and enjoy food, music and of course, plenty of fireworks. Also enjoy the arts and craft festival and famous KidZone complete with a climbing wall, airplane slide and other inflatables. Meet the Richmond Renegades and throughout the day enjoy live entertainment by Casper and the Fort Lee Army Band. Festivities will be held from 2 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is free. Be prepared to show driver's license, current vehicle registration and proof of insurance at the gate. No pets, personal fireworks or coolers larger than 6 x 6 x 12 inches permitted.

Fireworks launch time: 9:45 p.m.

Lee Ave., (804) 765-3076, leemwr.com

Henrico Independence Day Celebration

The Tuckahoe Jaycees will be hosting an all-day celebration at the Richmond Raceway Complex. Register to run in the Firecracker 5K or the One Mile Fun Run. Also enjoy food, games, live music from Chicago Cy and Ron Moody and the Centaurs and a huge fireworks finale. Register for the race online. Entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. No coolers are pets permitted. $15 per carload, tickets sold at the gate.

Fireworks launch time: 9:30 p.m.

600 E. Laburnum Ave., (804) 228-7500, tuckahoejaycees.com .

July 4-5

 

Richmond Braves vs. Norfolk Tides

This Richmond family tradition allows you to catch a game and enjoy a tremendous fireworks display the Diamond. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., followed by the game at 6 p.m. and fireworks shortly after. Tickets are $8-$18 and may be purchase online or at the gate.

(Updated: The July 4th game is sold out.)

Fireworks launch time: After the 6 p.m. game.

3001 N. Boulevard, (804) 262-8100, rbraves.com

 

Did we miss one? Let us know by e-mailing us at editor@corp.richmond.com or leave a comment below. Thanks!