Fairfax County Park Authority celebrated the 143rd independence day of the nation early on June 29 at Lake Fairfax Park. The celebrations continued from dawn to dusk with fireworks falling into the lake. People visiting the park enjoyed the celebrations along with boat rentals, carousel, camping, fishing and cool down at The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole.
After Modern Vintage performed at the Lake Fairfax Park Independence Day Celebration, its members and their families and friends donned patriotic shirts and spent time together ready to listen to The U.S. Navy Band Commodores perform
According to Reston Connection, "Many other families, like the Epps of Alexandria, planned their day six months earlier making reservations in January for a picnic shelter overlooking the lake with an uninterrupted sightline to view the fireworks. The shelter guaranteed shade, a cool breeze, tables, grills, and ADA accessibility. Georgia Epps and nephew Kai Oliphant Epps, 3 arranged the picnic food and condiments. "You have to call early for a gazebo," Epps said, as she remembered how another family member does so each year.
Nearby, a ride on the restored antique carousel attracted Tamerat Desh of Reston and his daughter, Eliana, 2. Although it was early in the afternoon, Desh said that they too planned to stay for the fireworks.
Off at the other end of the park, The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole drew thrill-seekers Canseco Santiago and his nephew Isaiah Cruz, 10. "I've never been here. My favorite is the water slide,” said Cruz as he dripped from his most recent descent filled with high-speed turns, twists and the final plunge. Behind him, the slides rose to tower heights of 3-stories, and with the allure too much, both ran off to take on the challenge again."
As per Reston Connection, "A high-energy Northern Virginia band with connections to Alexandria, Modern Vintage played first followed by The U.S. Navy Band Commodores, the Navy's premier jazz ensemble. With dusk on the horizon, families set up their lawn chairs and spread blankets on the lake's grassy bank. At precisely 9:15 as advertised, the first comet charged upward. Its light reflected on the water then exploded into a roman candle beginning a near 30-minute fireworks display and the culmination of Lake Fairfax Park Independence Day Celebration."
Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.
