By Maria D. James — Thursday, April 14 officially begins the start of the 130th anniversary celebration of the founding of the City of Hyattsville. The four-day extravaganza will continue through Sunday, April 17 and will feature carnival rides, a community parade and fireworks.
The carnival at Magruder Park, located 40th Avenue and Hamilton Street, starts Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Additional times for the carnival are as follows: Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.. All-you-can-wristbands will be offered today and on Sunday.
On Friday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., the city will host a free dance for teenagers at Magruder Park. The dance will include a DJ, videos, and a photo booth.
Then, on Saturday the annual parade will step off from Hyattsville Middle School, located at 6001 42nd Avenue, at 11 a.m. The parade will feature elected officials, fire and police units, local schools and community organizations, local businesses, bands and classic cars. The parade will be judged and the winners will be announced in a number of categories.
This year’s parade route will follow 42nd Avenue, Jefferson Street, and Hamilton Street until it reaches the reviewing stage at Magruder Park.
According to the city, no parking will be allowed along the parade route between the hours of 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Any vehicles parked in violation during these hours will be towed. In addition, the parking lot exits from the Prince George’s Apartments, Castle Manor Apartments and Park Place Condominium will be blocked while the parade is in progress, which will be from 11 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m.
In addition, parking will not be permitted in the M-NCPPC pool parking lot or within Magruder Park.
For residents who need access to their vehicles during this time, parking will be available in the lot adjacent to Magruder Park (the former WSSC parking lot).
Click here to learn more about parking this weekend.
New this year is a performance by Washington, DC’s eclectic high-energy brass band, Black Masala. The band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Also, around that same time Charm City Meadworks will offer tastings and pours of two of their meads.
The fireworks show begins at dusk.
On Sunday, the city will offer clown entertainment and community information booths.
Event organizer and recreation and event supervisor for the Department of Community Services, Cheri Everhart, says the weekend-long event is a great opportunity for residents to meet their neighbors.
“The event provides an opportunity for our residents to spend time together, make new friends and celebrate Hyattsville for the wonderful, warm, welcoming, and fun community that it is,” said Everhart.
For more information about the anniversary celebration, visit http://www.hyattsville.org/144/City-Anniversary-Parade-Carnival.
