Every year for the last three decades, Great Meadow has hosted a fun-filled, family-friendly Independence Day celebration. Locals anticipate this unique event year after year, and for newcomers to the area, it’s a must-do activity.
“Our Independence Day Celebration is a great way to introduce people to the community and to Great Meadow,” Great Meadow’s Marketing Director Kira Topeka said. “If you are new to the area, we would love to be your 4th of July Celebration.”
Gates open at 4 o’clock on the 4th, and the day is packed with fun for the entire family. The show begins with 92.5 WINC FM broadcasting live from the Stewards Stand and continues with demonstrations on the racecourse.
Visitors can see high-powered rocketry displays from interscholastic engineers, a polo exhibition from the Great Meadow Polo Club and skydivers jumping down from the sky. The crowd is invited onto the course for a giant tug-o-war and to cool down in the mist from the rain machine.
While the show dazzles on the racecourse, activities for children and adults abound on Members Hill. Endless entertainment awaits with live music, a giant rock wall, an inflatable obstacle course, a petting zoo, laser-tag and bouncy houses. The best part? All the fun is included with admission! Additionally, pony rides will be available for a small fee.
The food truck alley features vendors offering everything from gourmet tater tots to BBQ and so much more. New this year, Old Ox Brewery will be on-site pouring ice-cold craft beer and wine. With taprooms in nearby Middleburg and Ashburn, Old Ox Brewery is a local favorite with brews for every beer-lover.
“We are extremely excited to be part of one of the region’s best Fourth of July celebrations,” said Chris Burns, president of Old Ox Brewery. “It’s great fun to serve the community at a fantastic venue such as Great Meadow.”
The day culminates in a rousing, choreographed display of fireworks from Innovative Pyrotechnics.
“I like to think our fireworks show is the best one you’ll ever see. It is something you don’t want to miss!”
– Great Meadow’s Marketing Director Kira Topeka
“Great Meadow’s size allows for many additional firing positions not possible at most locations,” Innovative Pyrotechnics CEO Tim Jameson said. “Mixing large shells from the backfield along with smaller bore devices closer to the crowd, all timed with music — you can see why Great Meadow is perfect for viewing fireworks.”
Gates open at 4 pm and demonstrations take place all day. The fireworks show begins when the sun goes down, around 9 pm. A full schedule will be released on the Great Meadow website prior to the event.
Admission is per vehicle with a general admission car pass priced at $35 in advance online at greatmeadow.org and $40 CASH ONLY at the gate. Attendees are welcome to bring picnic chairs, blankets and coolers packed with food and drinks. For guests seeking a larger setup, North Rail and South Rail Tailgates are available. Each tailgate space comes with a 10›x20› space and two vehicles passes. Corporate entertaining tents, tailgates and Jefferson Boxes offer premier space right on Member’s Hill. This event is rain or shine.
To maximize your fun, follow the rules! No dogs, grills or glass bottles. Tents are only permitted in the North and South Rail Tailgate Spaces.
For more information, visit the website at: www.greatmeadow.org/independence-day-celebration.
Author: Elizabeth Denham
