For many folks, the Fourth of July holiday has always been simply an enjoyable day off, a day for barbecuing at home, heading to the beach, relaxing at the pool or catching the local parade and fireworks show. But after the events of Sept. 11, lots of us are feeling more thoughtful about our national holidays. Perhaps never in our nation's history has our patriotism been so profound and evident.

Yes, the many local celebrations of Independence Day will include such festive activities as pie-eating contests, turtle races, costume contests, car shows and carnivals, but there also will be solemn notes of remembrance in the patriotic parades, flag-raisings and music.

Following is a list of Fourth of July events all around Maryland and in Washington. A few events are tomorrow or during the weekend. Take your pick, and start the celebrating.

Anne Arundel County

Annapolis

Independence Day parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at St. John's Street and proceeds through downtown Annapolis. Music by the United States Naval Academy Band at 8 p.m. at the academy's Farragut Field. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. at the Annapolis Harbor. Rain date July 5. Call 410-263-7958.

William Paca House. Old-fashioned celebration with music by tenor Douglas Jimerson, fife-and-drum performances, 18th-century interpreters, sack races, children's games and crafts, more, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 410-267-7619.

Shady Side

Captain Salem Avery House Museum. Flag-raising, games for children, music by the Bay Winds Band and the Shady Side Sour Notes, food, more, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Call 301-261-5234.

Baltimore City

Official Baltimore City celebration takes place at the Harborplace Amphitheatre, Sam Smith Light Street parking lot and Inner Harbor. Street performers, music by the Air Force Band's High Flight, more, noon-10 p.m. at the Harborplace Amphitheatre. Antique-car show 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in the parking lot. Inner Harbor fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Rain date: July 5. Call 877-BALTIMORE.

Federal Hill. "Up on the Roof" event features live music, food and fireworks, beginning at 5 p.m. on top of the West Street parking garage. $5. Call 410-528-8888.

Baltimore Museum of Industry. Catered food, live music by Bay Street Brassworks, family activities and a great view of the Inner Harbor fireworks, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. $50; $25 ages 6-12; free for ages 5 and under. Call 410-727-4808, Ext. 133, for tickets.

American Visionary Art Museum. Pet parade with prizes for most patriotic, best costume, etc.; music and dancing; pie-eating contest; talent competition; "Mr. Potato Head Beauty Contest"; admission to exhibits and an excellent view of the Inner Harbor fireworks. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $1 holiday admission. Call 410-244-1900.

On board the USS Constellation. Picnic food, live music, tours and terrific view of the Inner Harbor fireworks, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. $45; $15 ages 6-14; free for ages 5 and under. On July 6, meet an Uncle Sam living history interpreter aboard the ship, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $6.50; $3.50 ages 6-14; free for ages 5 and under. Call 410-539-1797, Ext. 432.

On board the skipjack Minnie V. The Maryland Historical Society presents the lecture cruise "The Rocket's Red Glare," 7 p.m.-10 p.m., with historian Alan Walden. Also, enjoy refreshments and watch fireworks from the water. $85. Call 410-685-3750, Ext. 321 for reservations.

National Aquarium in Baltimore pier. "Fourth of July Pier Party" with entertainment, music, food, aquarium admission and fireworks, beginning at 6:45 p.m. $25; $20 ages 3-11. Call 410-727-FISH for reservations.

July 5-6: Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. Patriotic children's crafts, house tours, refreshments, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 410-837-1793.

Baltimore County

Catonsville

Catonsville High School and along Frederick Road. Children's games and races at 9 a.m. Parade at 3 p.m. Music at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Call 410-744-7042.

Cockeysville

Oregon Ridge Park. "Star-Spangled Spectacular" features conductor Lara Webber leading the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a program of patriotic tunes, beginning at 8 p.m. Fireworks set to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Rain date: July 5. $7-$17. Call 410-783-8000.

Dundalk

The 68th annual Dundalk Heritage Parade begins at 8:30 a.m. at Logan Village Shopping Center on Dundalk Avenue. Grandstands will be set up at the Dundalk Village Center and Liberty Parkway. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. on the grounds of North Point Government Center, Merritt Boulevard and Wise Avenue. July 5-7, the Heritage Fair takes place with continuous live music, featuring Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits, rides, arts and crafts, pig races, exhibits, food, more, at Heritage Park. Call 410-284-4022.

Kingsville

Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company. Pre-parade music and entertainment at 10 a.m. Parade begins at 10:50 a.m. Maryland Air National Guard flyby at 11:10 a.m. Call 410-592-7385.

Towson

Around courthouse. Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Bosley Avenue and Towsontown Boulevard. National Guard flyby, music, more. Call 410-832-2190.

Calvert County

Solomons Island

Waterfront. Come by boat or car to catch the fireworks over the Patuxent River at dusk. Call 410-326-1950.

Carroll County

Westminster

Carroll County Farm Museum. Patriotic entertainment, old-fashioned games, farmhouse tours, crafts and food, noon-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Call 410-876-2667.

Cecil County

Elkton

Meadow Park. Live music, carnival, pony rides, games, car show, food, 3 p.m.-midnight. Fireworks at dark. Rain date: July 5. Call 410-620-7964.

Frederick County

Frederick

Baker Park. Four stages of entertainment, children's activities, a chili cook-off, volleyball tournament and boat rides, beginning at noon. Fireworks at dusk. Musical headliners are the Grass Roots at 3:15 p.m. and Mark McGuinn at 7:30 p.m. Call 301-694-2489.

Harford County

Bel Air

Bel Air High School, Bel Air Middle School, Wakefield Elementary School, Hays House. Flag-raising, hamster race, horseshoe-pitching, patriotic-costume contest, turtle derby, watermelon-eating contest, beginning 6:45 a.m. Parade at 6 p.m. begins at Main and Lee streets and ends at Main and Idlewild streets. Bel Air Community Band plays at 8:30 p.m. at Bel Air High School. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. at Bel Air High School. Call 410-893-4444.

Havre de Grace

July 6: Tydings Park and Union Avenue. Parade begins at 2 p.m. on Union Avenue. Concert at 7 p.m. in Tydings Park, followed by fireworks at dark. Carnival runs now through July 6 in Tydings Park. Call 410-939-4362.

Howard County

Columbia

Lakefront. Live music, food and games, 2 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Rain date: July 7. Call 410-740-4545.

Kent County

Chestertown

Wilmer Park. Catch the fireworks by the Chester River at 9 p.m. Call 410-778-0416.

Georgetown

Decorated-boat parade sails along the Sassafras River beginning at 5 p.m. Award ceremony afterward. Fireworks at 9 p.m. at the Georgetown Harbor. Call 410-648-5510.

Rock Hall

Main Street. Foot race, old-fashioned parade, horseshoe tournament, puppet show, turtle races, music and food, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 410-639-7611.

Montgomery County

Rockville

Richard Montgomery High School. Music by the Rockville Concert Band, the Dixie Rascals and Kevin Kline at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Call 301-309-3330.

Wheaton

Grandview Avenue and Reedie Drive. Children's activities, food, live music, more, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at dark. Rain date: July 5. Call 240-777-8122.

Prince George's County

Bowie

Allen Pond Park. Live music and entertainment, patriotic events, food, 3 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Fireworks at dark. Rain date: July 5. No pets. Call 301-262-6200, Ext. 3011.

Prince George's Stadium. The Bowie Baysox play the Harrisburg Senators at 6:30 p.m. All-you-can-eat ballpark food 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Post-game fireworks. $15-$20 includes game, ballpark food and fireworks. Call 301-464-4865 or 301-805-6000.

College Park

University of Maryland, College Park, Lower Lot 1. Concert by Redstone at 7 p.m., memorial service and then fireworks at dark. Rain date: July 5. Call 301-864-8877.

Largo

Six Flags America. "4th of Jazz" celebration with jazz music 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and fireworks at dusk. The park, offering 100 rides, shows and attractions, is open 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. "4th of Jazz" and fireworks are free with paid admission: $23.99-$35.99. Free for ages 3 and under. Call 301-249-1500.

Laurel

July 6: Granville Gude Park. Parade, car show, live music, kids' games, food and crafts, beginning at 9 a.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. over Laurel Lake. No dogs. Call 301-490-5207.

Washington County

Sharpsburg

July 6: Antietam National Battlefield. Classical and patriotic music by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and then fireworks, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Call 301-797-4000.

Washington, D.C.

Constitution Avenue, the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. "America's 2002 Independence Day Parade" proceeds at 11:45 a.m. along Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 17th streets Northwest. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the National Symphony Orchestra and other musical guests perform on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, and the "Independence Day Concert" will be held on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Fireworks kick off at 9:10 p.m. near the Washington Monument. Call 202-619-7222.

Worcester County

Berlin

Bally's at Ocean Downs. Kids' activities, family entertainment, food and fireworks, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Alcohol-free zone. Call 410-641-0600.

Ocean City

Northside Park. "Jamboree in the Park" features an arts-and-crafts show, children's activities and entertainment, juggling, live music, more, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Call 410-250-0125.

North Division Street beach. Patriotic music by the U.S. Navy Concert Band and the Sea Chanters, 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Call 410-250-0125.