Independence Day is almost here and, for those who still haven't finalized their plans, we wanted to remind you that there is still plenty to do in Towson on July 4. Here is a list of Independence Day parades, fireworks and fun for the family:
8:30 a.m. -— Enjoy some early morning exercise with the "4 on the 4th" four-mile run or the "1776 Family Fun Run." The races begin and end at the Towson Courthouse in Patriot Plaza. You can register on race day at 7 a.m. Registration for the 4 on the 4th is $35 on race day, while registration for the 1776 run is $20. Proceeds benefit Cancerve, the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Schools, and the Towson Chamber of Commerce.
9:30 a.m. — The Towson 4th of July Parade bike rush starts from the Towson University lot across from the Marriott Hotel. People are encouraged to decorate their bikes with patriotic accessories as they ride before the start of the Towson 4th of July Parade.
10:30 a.m. — A flyover from the Air National Guard kicks off the annual Towson 4th of July Parade. Towson Fire Station No. 1 will lead the parade, which also will include marching bands, antique cars, scout troops and more.
5 p.m. — The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will perform patriotic classics, such as Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" and John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever," while fireworks light up the night sky at Oregon Ridge Park. Local food trucks will sell snacks before the performance. Tickets for the concert are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.
Dusk — Fireworks will dazzle the night sky at the Loch Raven Technical Academy. This year, the Greater Loch Raven Rec Council and Greater Towson Council of Community Associations joined forces to keep the tradition alive. Rain date will be July 5.
To see a map showing fireworks displays in the Baltimore area, go to http://bsun.md/28ShrQs.