Know Before You Go: How to Safely Enjoy Stafford’s 4th of July Spectacular

Stafford's annual 4th of July Spectacular at Pratt Park takes place this Saturday. Extreme heat is a concern with Saturday's high expected to reach 102 degrees. The high temperature and humidity increase the risk for severe thunderstorms, which may delay the fireworks. Any change in timing will be posted on Stafford's website and social media pages. Residents are asked to review the information below to ensure everyone can safely enjoy Stafford's celebration of America's 250th Anniversary.

Order of Events

7 pm - Gates open to the public at Pratt Park (Pratt will be closed until the event; St. Clair Brooks Memorial Park, and the Historic Port of Falmouth, will also be closed all day.)

7 pm - 8:30 pm - The concert band will play on Celebration Stage.

9:15 pm - Fireworks will begin and last for approximately 20 minutes.

Heat Concerns

Saturday will be the fourth day of the extreme heat wave, increasing the risk for heat-related illness. Vulnerable populations, including older adults, newborns, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, should take extra precautions to stay healthy.

• Hydration: Drink at least 8 ounces of water every 15 minutes when active in the heat, even before you feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, and sugary sodas, as they can cause dehydration. Coolers are allowed within the park, and attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of water and electrolyte drinks with them to stay hydrated. The Stafford Utilities Quency Buggy will also be available to refill water bottles.
• Rest: Take frequent breaks in the shade or a cool area to lower your core body temperature.
• Dress for success: Choose loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to allow for air flow to keep your body cool.
• Buses provided by Stafford Schools Transportation will be providing cooling at the event site. Attendees are encouraged to hop on a bus and take advantage of the air conditioning to cool off during the event. Buses will also serve as emergency shelters during severe weather for attendees who weren't able to park within the event space.

Allowed Items

Attendees may bring:

• Lawn Chairs
• Blankets
• Sunscreen
• Coolers
• Well-behaved dogs on a leash (Please consider leaving even well-behaved dogs at home as fireworks can cause dogs to behave unpredictably.)

Items Not Allowed

Attendees should not bring:

• Tents
• Personal Grills
• Sparklers/Fireworks
• Drugs
• Alcohol

Parking

There is limited parking at Pratt Park. Once parking is full, the gates will be closed. Gates to the park will open at 7 pm. No parking will be allowed on River Road.

Children and Wristbands

It can be easy for family members to become separated in crowds. Wristbands will be available to families with children. Please write your phone number on the wristband and place it on your child's wrist. The wristbands make it easier for event staff to reunite children with their families. Teach your children to find a safe adult to help them if they become separated from you. Event staff, including Parks and Recreation and Public Safety employees, are easily identifiable by their shirts and/or uniforms.

Resources

Any delay to fireworks or closing of the park due to storms will be announced on Stafford's website, https://www.staffordcountyva.gov, and its social media pages as well as those of Parks, Stafford County Fire and Rescue, Stafford County Sheriff's Office and Stafford County Tourism.