By Adam Justice
Cavalier Daily Life Editor
It just wouldn't be the Fourth of July without fireworks and fun.
For students who can't make it out to Washington, D.C. or other major cities, the Charlottesville area has plenty to offer.
Here in Charlottesville, the traditional fireworks event at McIntire Park will begin at 4:30 p.m.
"It's been going on for 40 years, but this will be the most spectacular show ever in Charlottesville," said Gail Weekly, Charlottesville Downtown Foundation events coordinator.
Fireworks are set start at around 9:40 p.m. or "when it gets dark enough, Weekly said. But festivities will start long before then with the music performances of Metanoia, the Tim Martin Trio and the House Rockers.
Security will be doubled, and the officers "will be placed at more strategic locations," Weekly said.
"We want to do what our president says and get on with our lives, but we want to protect our people," she added.
The Charlottesville Downtown Foundation expects in excess of 10,000 people to attend, Weekly said.
Crozet also will be hosting events and displays for the holiday tomorrow. Fireworks displays there will brighten the skies around 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights.
Crozet Volunteer Fire Department chief Preston Gentry said he expects about 2,500 people to attend. The festivities - which also feature a carnival - are set to take place at Crozet Park.
In nearby Staunton, Va., students can celebrate an 1850's-style Independence Day at the Frontier Culture Museum. Seed-spitting contests precede the fireworks show.
At Wintergreen, festivities feature a Barbeque 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. followed by a large fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Scottsville's celebrations begin early on the Fourth, with a firefighters' parade at 11 a.m. Fireworks will follow an arts and crafts show at 9 p.m.
There's plenty to do - even for those who can't venture far beyond the bounds of central Virginia.
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