By MARIA D. JAMES — Happy Fourth, Hyattsville! Independence Day 2019 falls on a Thursday, which means some local activities will span from Thursday, July 4 through Saturday, July 6. If you plan to stay local this holiday here are a few local activities to aid in your celebration:
July 4 
Independence Poetry Night. What does Freedom mean to you? Come share your thoughts in our space, where we can celebrate and hold our country accountable through conscious, empathetic, and actionable words. $5. 9 to 11 p.m. Busboys and Poets. 5331 Baltimore Ave. 301.779.2787
College Park Concert & Fireworks. The City of College Park and the University of Maryland will host a concert and a 30-minute fireworks show. Grass seating is limited, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Personal coolers are allowed. No alcohol. Rain date for fireworks only is July 5. Free. Concessions open at 5 p.m.; Concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. University of Maryland Campus in Parking Lot 1 adjacent to Campus Drive. 240.487.3570.
University Park July Parade and Picnic. The University Park Civic Association will provide the main course and Italian ice. Drop off potluck dishes, blankets and water at the tents on the Town field by 10:15 a.m. Parade route will go down Queens Chapel Road from Town Hall at 6724 Baltimore Ave. to Town Field, located off of Queens Chapel Road and adjacent to University Park Elementary School. Free. Parade 10:45 to 11 a.m. Lunch at the gazebo at 11 a.m. 301.927.4262
July 4th Fireworks Fanfare. Celebrate Independence Day with friends and neighbors. Bring a picnic. Free. Community Drum Circle 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Greenbelt Concert Band 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fireworks 9 p.m. Buddy Attick Park. 555 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt. In case of inclement weather, call 301. 474. 0646 for updated event status.
130th Annual Takoma Park Parade & Celebration.Featured this year as Grand Marshals are members of Takoma Park’s various First Responders which include the Takoma Park Police Department represented by Chief Antonio “Tony” DeVaul, the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department represented by Chief James Jarboe and the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Medical Services unit represented by Lieutenant Jorge Alfaro. Parade begins at 10 a.m. Note: Due to a large tree which fell overnight across Maple Ave, this year’s parade will now begin at Carroll and Ethan Allen, turn right at Philadelphia and turn right again at Maple to continue the final stretch of the parade route. Evening program runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. with a block party. Takoma Park Community Band will perform a patriotic selection of classical, popular, and show tunes, followed by our national anthem and a Takoma Park Police Color Guard. MO’FIre will perform sounds of Motown. Events begin at Maple Ave and stretch from Philadelphia to Sherman Ave in front of the Takoma Park Community Center. 7500 Maple Ave, Takoma Park. www.takomapark4th.org
July 6
Town of Bladensburg 2nd Annual Fireworks Celebration. Event will include food trucks, entertainment from DJ Flava from 93.9 WKYS, moon bounces, face painting, rock climbing, pony rides, video game truck and other kids’ activities. A 20-minute grand finale fireworks display. No personal fireworks, alcoholic beverages or tents allowed. Free. 6 to 9:30 p.m. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd. 301.927.7048. info@bladensburgmd.gov
12th Annual Riverdale Park ArtsFest. Vendors will be onsite along with live music, including blues and jazz bands and violinist. Noon to 6 p.m. 4595 Van Buren St., Riverdale Park.
Share pictures of your Independence Day celebration with us! Email photos to managingeditor@hyattsvillelife.com.
