🌱 Old Mill Park Free For City Residents + Illegal Fireworks Seized

Good morning, everybody! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Fredericksburg Patch newsletter, full of all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m. High: 89 Low: 71.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, hot and humid. High: 92 Low: 70.

Here are the top three stories today in Fredericksburg:

1. Stafford County's Old Mill Park, a prime location for viewing the 4th of July fireworks over Pratt Park, is being overseen by Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events this year. Residents of both the city and Stafford will gain free admission on July 4th upon proving residency, while non-residents will be charged $10 per vehicle or $5 for walk-in access between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. As per the event guidelines, attendees can bring lawn chairs and leashed dogs but must adhere to rules, including no tents, alcohol, marijuana, sparklers, or gas grills, with re-entry permitted but not guaranteed due to potential parking limitations. (Fredericksburg Today)
2. In the largest seizure of its kind, Stafford County's Fire Marshal's Office in Virginia confiscated over $600,000 worth of illegal fireworks on Thursday. Following an anonymous tip about suspicious activity in the White Oak area, a Deputy Fire Marshal was dispatched to a business on the 200 block of McCarty Road, where he uncovered a large cache of illicit fireworks in plain sight. The department has issued a reminder for residents to ensure their fireworks are legal this Fourth of July and is conducting further investigations, with charges pending against two individuals connected to the case. (WTOP)
3. A 26-year-old woman from Richmond was apprehended in Stafford County and charged with driving under the influence and three counts of hit-and-run following a series of vehicular collisions. The incident occurred on Friday, Jun. 30, around 4:37 p.m. at the intersection of Warrenton Road and Plantation Drive, where the suspect in a bright blue Jeep reportedly struck three vehicles and subsequently fled the scene. Officials discovered the woman, who exhibited clear signs of inebriation and aggressive behavior, remanded her into custody at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, reiterating a timely reminder for safe and sober practices over the Fourth of July weekend. (WRIC ABC 8News)

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Today and tomorrow in Fredericksburg:

Tuesday, July 4

• Fabulous Fourth At Ferry Farm (10:00 AM)
• Patriotic Palooza At Virginia Credit Union Stadium (4:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Wine, Women And Wealth At Park Lane Tavern (6:30 PM)
• FXBGHackers A 1419 Princess Anne St. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Today (Jul. 4), from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m., Chatham Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic on Route 3 Business at River Road and Sophia Street for a special event under permit. Local law enforcement will provide traffic control. (Fredericksburg Today)
• Calling all local house hunters! These gorgeous Fredericksburg properties have just hit the market, including 12609 Osborne Drive and 5720 Piney Glade Road. Get the property specs and list prices at the link. (Fredericksburg Patch)
• Jimmy The Greek, a family-owned restaurant on Lafayette Boulevard, recently announced it will be closed for the entire month of July so its staff can enjoy a well-deserved vacation. The local eatery will reopen its doors on Aug. 1. (Fredericksburg Patch)

That's it for today! See you soon for your next update. Have a happy Fourth of July!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.