Laurel’s annual Independence Day celebration looked different this year, but it ended on a familiar note as fireworks illuminated the sky over Granville Gude Park Saturday night.
After the city canceled its annual Fourth of July parade earlier in the week because of forecasts for dangerous heat, hundreds of residents still gathered Saturday evening for the delayed celebration. Lightning later forced officials to cancel field activities and the formal stage program, but the city’s traditional fireworks display launched at 9:15 p.m.
The celebration marked Laurel’s 47th annual Fourth of July festivities and coincided with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
An estimated 700 to 1,000 people gathered at Granville Gude Park after activities began at 6 p.m. Families spread blankets across the lawn, sought shade beneath canopies and gathered near food trucks and vendor tents as clouds slowly moved into the area.
Attendees said Laurel’s long-standing Fourth of July tradition outweighed the evening’s weather-related uncertainty.
“We come out here regardless every year for the fireworks; they’re awesome,” said Dave Hersh, 55, who grew up in the area. “To show my pride in America. We’re very happy with the setup they have. The people here have been very pleasant.”
The evening entertainment began with a performance by the Maryland-based band Oracle before city officials paused the festivities after lightning was detected in the area and asked attendees to return to their vehicles. A short time later, the city canceled the remaining outdoor activities, including the scheduled stage program featuring remarks by Mayor Keith R. Sydnor and members of the City Council.
The parade cancellation also marked a significant change for American Legion Post 60, whose members had been selected as this year’s grand marshals in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Volunteers spent three weeks constructing the organization’s float, which instead was displayed near the flagpole at Granville Gude Park.
“Most of the participants from the post were disappointed, but understood safety first,” said Josie Lohman, 63, commander of American Legion Post 60. “A lot of them were very young or very old. For the city to think of the health and safety of the community shows their dedication.”
Lohman said her two granddaughters, both younger than 10, had planned to march in the parade and hand out American flags. Even so, she said it was important for the organization to maintain a presence at the celebration.
“Local representation is important to emphasize because we are here not only for veterans but for the community,” Lohman said. “We want to keep the community alive; we’re here for everyone. People look out for one another, and that’s what makes Laurel a wonderful community.”
Councilwoman Kyla Clark (Ward 2) said city officials worked closely with emergency management officials throughout the holiday as conditions changed.
“I appreciate that we are putting the people’s and residents’ safety first above just celebrating,” Clark said. “We can’t celebrate without the people; they have to be safe.”
Clark said Laurel’s celebration continues to draw tens of thousands of visitors because of its location between Baltimore and Washington.
“I think people love to celebrate, which is an amazing thing, and I think people also don’t want to miss out,” Clark said. “When you combine all of those things plus it being America’s 250th anniversary, we tend to be the perfect sweet spot.”
Reflecting on the tradition that began in 1978 after a young girl asked then-Mayor Robert DiPietro why Laurel did not have a Fourth of July celebration, Clark said she hopes residents remember what brings the community together.
“I hope this celebration allows them to remember why we started this celebration in the first place, focusing not on our differences, but on what unites us,” Clark said.