Celebrate Independence Day at Mount Vernon

The Mount Vernon Estate has big plans to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Next Friday, Mount Vernon will celebrate the holiday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including letting loose with colorful smoke fireworks fired over the Potomac River.

"General Washington" will inspect the troops and read the Declaration of Independence, and 100 new citizens will take part in a naturalization ceremony. General admission will include a slice of "Happy Birthday America!" cake (while supplies last). Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available in the Mount Vernon Food Court.

Schedule of events

9:30 a.m: Re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment assemble for inspection by “General Washington.” The Declaration of Independence is read.

10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m: Annual Independence Day wreath-laying at the tomb of George Washington.

11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m: A special naturalization ceremony for America's 100 newest citizens near the Mansion.

12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Patriotic music performance by the National Concert Band of America on the Bowling Green.

1 p.m. – 1:15 p.m: Unique daytime fireworks display over the Potomac River.

1:15 p.m: "Happy Birthday, America!" cake. Birthday cake on the Bowling Green (while supplies last).

1:30 p.m: Revolutionary War military music.

2:30 p.m: Revolutionary War military drills.