Neighborhood news: July 4th just around the corner

The Fourth of July is just around the corner — next Saturday to be exact and it’s my favorite holiday.

Gotta love that Dale City Fourth of July Parade and Family Fun Day. Fireworks over at the Pfitz in the evening, some flag waving and some grillin’ and you’ve got yourself a great Fourth going on around here.

I just love seeing the way this area comes alive on that day. The fire trucks are all out around town. The school marching bands head down Dale Boulevard in the parade each year. People bring their little ones out dressed like little “walking flags” in their outfits, and everybody just seems a bit more friendly around here that day.

I love friendly faces going by in their cars down the main road, running into your neighbors along the route, the Scouts over in the commuter lot selling their refreshments, the goats from the Old Mine Ranch just hanging out waiting for a little petting from tiny hands of the children, lawn chairs out, coolers, and kids taking off their caps to catch the candy.

I’ll be there getting pelted with the candy from the giggling kids who toss it just a bit too hard at unsuspecting Moms each year. You know who you are!! Toss me a butterscotch drop or fireball.

Fireworks warnings

Along with all the fun and the traditions of parade day and the hot dogs and burgers — you’ll have too many — we must take a moment to remind you of fireworks safety.

Fireworks-related injuries and property damage are a very serious matter. Seventy percent of all fireworks related injuries occur between June 16 and July16.

Well, surprise, surprise to that. Hello, it’s the Fourth in between there and we like our fireworks displays. It’s an American tradition.

New beginnings

Dale City brides to be or the their friends might pick up last minute gift ideas, dream wedding ideas and the names of wedding professionals at Images Bridal Expo at Veterans Park on Featherstone Road this Sunday is from 3 to 8 p.m.

Admission is $10 admission at the door. Call 800-560-6327 ext. 104 for more information.

Blue Star banner salute

Members of the American Legion Post 364 family will host a Blue Star Banner Salute to America’s Heroes on July 4th from noon to 6 p.m.

Wounded Warriors and Blue Star families will be special guests and receive recognition for their sacrifices in a ceremony starting at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase, children's activities for all ages and a live concert featuring the Johnny Artis Band beginning at 2 p.m. This event will be made possible in part through donations from Harold L. Frank, DDS, PC of Woodbridge. For more info call 703-494-4304.

Jeanne Palomo reports your neighborhood news from the Dale City area every Saturday in the News & Messenger. If you have news, please send it to Jeanne at DaleCityNeighbor@aol.com.