Celebrate the 4th of July at Mount Vernon

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- George Washington’s Mount Vernon salutes our first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event.

Visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River at 1 p.m. Mount Vernon’s Independence Day event July 4th also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens, military reenactments, a special wreathlaying ceremony, free birthday cake for all guests (while supplies last), and a visit from the “first” first couple, “General and Mrs. Washington.” Watch Mount Vernon’s moving naturalization ceremony at 11 a.m. live online:www.mountvernon.org/newamericans.

Want to celebrate early? Mount Vernon will also be hosting a celebration on Saturday, July 2. Greet “General and Mrs. Washington” in the historic area before trying your hand at bocce ball. Dust off your dancing shoes for 18th-century dancing demonstrations. Mount Vernon’s colonial artisans will reveal how 18th-century ice cream was made in the days before freezers. Enjoy a performance by Yorktown Fife & Drum and the National Concert Band.

Think you can strike a pose better than George Washington? Take your photo posing like the president and tag your photo on social media with #PoseLikeThePrez. Visit Washington’s Tomb at night – this event is one of the few times this area is open in the evening.

Sparks will be flying at blacksmith shop, which will also be open. Additional food and drink from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant will be available for purchase. Tickets are now available. Cost: $30 per adult and $20 per child. Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon takes place rain or shine.

On Monday, 4th of July:

New this year

Experience boat building first hand as Mount Vernon’s staff construct a batteau, a multipurpose flat-bottomed 18th-century boat, using period-based tools. At the Pioneer Farm site, learn about boat building techniques and handle the woodworking tools used by the craftspeople used to create the boat. The boat under construction is 21 feet long and ranges from six to eight feet in width. View master coopers creating barrels, an integral part of the fishing operation, during coopering demonstrations. Watch Mount Vernon’s talented team working on the batteau through the live boat camera: www.mountvernon.org/boatbuilding.

Peach brandy goes on sale July 1

Limited edition George Washington’s Peach Brandy 375 mL bottles will be available for purchase beginning at 10 a.m. on July 1. Retailing for $155, the peach brandy was made at the reconstructed Distillery. This brandy was aged on site in bourbon barrels for eighteen months. Washington’s distillery ledgers indicate that small amounts of peach brandy were produced in 1798 and 1799. A portion of Washington’s peach brandy was sold at market and the remainder was sent to the Mansion for use by the Washington family. For more details, please visit www.mountvernon.org/peachbrandy.

July has always been a time of celebration at George Washington’s farm as it marks the beginning of the wheat harvest season. To celebrate Washington the farmer, field hands will kick-off the season on Independence Day with wheat-treading demonstrations at the Pioneer Farm. Costumed staff will lead Mount Vernon’s horses as they tread wheat in the 16-sided barn. Visitors can witness Washington’s innovative treading process, learning first-hand how Washington separated grain from straw.

"An American Celebration at Mount Vernon" takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, July 4. All events are included in regular Estate admission. General admission ticket prices, when purchased online, are: adults, $17; children ages 6-11, $9; and children under 5 are admitted free.

PHOTO: Mount Vernon photo courtesy of estate