Lorton: Fireworks Set to Explode over Workhouse Arts Center Again July 2
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Lorton: Fireworks Set to Explode over Workhouse Arts Center Again July 2

A patriotic display of fireworks at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.

A patriotic display of fireworks at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. Connection file photo

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Ava Spece, president and CEO Workhouse Arts Center.

A fireworks display will once again be the highlight of a Fourth of July weekend evening program at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.

The colorful showcase is scheduled (more or less, depending on sunset) for around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 2.

Prior to the fireworks, beginning at 5 p.m., visitors are being encouraged to visit open galleries and artists buildings around the 55-acre campus that was once home to convicted criminals from Washington D.C. and later the metropolitan area.

Following are a Highlands Dance demonstration, Mt. Vernon Nights concert featuring Peter Mawanga and the Amaravi Movement, and the PBC Vocal Band.

Fireworks are one of several large-scale events including the also popular Springfest held at the nonprofit-managed Workhouse annually to establish it as a cultural and social hub in Lorton.

More than just a space for artists-in-residence to practice their craft, Workhouse CEO Ava Spece said the vision for the Workhouse is for a multimedia collection of spaces, for in-house productions, touring music groups, classes and other activities.

That model has helped the Workhouse rise from struggling financially to covering about 75 percent of its $2.2 annual operating costs with earned revenue and the other quarter from contributions.

Admission is free for fireworks, however parking for vehicles is $10. A complimentary shuttle will run to and from the Vulcan Materials lot.

For more information, visit www.workhousearts.org/event/fireworks-at-the-workhouse. The Workhouse Arts Center is located at 9518 Workhouse Way in Lorton.