The McLean Community Center will host their annual Fourth of July fireworks show at Langley High School. Photo by Alex McVeigh.
After a few months of uncertainty, the annual Fourth of July fireworks will return to Langley High School for the 30th year this summer. Uncertainties due to the renovations to the field led to questions about whether the McLean Community Center could host the event in the same location, but arrangements were made.
“I’m glad we’re able to go back to Langley this year, it’s a great venue with the bleachers, open space and great lines of sight,” said David Getty of McLean, who has gone the past 10 years with his family. “Last year we were told we weren’t going to be able to come back, so it’s a nice surprise to be able to return.”
Gates to the stadium will open at 8 p.m., with just enough sunlight for people to set up on the stadium grounds. American Legion Post 270 will be on hand distributing free American flags.
“I always make sure my kids get an American flag, because I want them to know that’s an important part of what the Fourth of July is about,” said Danny Trang of McLean.
Admission and parking at Langley is free, the McLean Community Center will also provide free shuttles from the facility at 1234 Ingleside Ave., as well as from St. John’s Episcopal Church, 6715 Georgetown Pike, McLean.
July will also feature McLean Central Park’s annual Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park, a series of four free concerts. The bands will set up at the park’s gazebo.
“McLean Central Park is sort of a hidden treasure in McLean, though it’s hard to call something at the intersection of two major roads ‘hidden,’” said Melissa Schram of McLean. “But I don’t think many people think of it as a venue, and certainly not a concert venue, but it’s an amazing one. The gazebo and surrounding lawn make for a great viewing and listening experience, with plenty of space to spread out.”
Last year’s concerts featured a variety of music from around the world. This year’s will be more of an exploration of American and British music, from the jazz and swing of the 1930s through the rockabilly of the 50s, the classic rock of the 60s to the rock and roll and pop of the 70s, 80s and beyond.
“I like how the concerts at McLean Central Park have a theme each year, it makes people more likely to come to multiple shows,” said Allen Dreyer of McLean. “I’m very interested in this year’s series to hear each artist’s interpretation of some of the music I’ve grown up with.”