General Information

History

Article excerpts from the Gazette, June 26, 2006. “Laurel Prepares for Independence Day” Written by Steve Earley

“Almost three decades after a young girl asked then-mayor Robert DiPietro why Laurel didn’t have an Independence Day celebration, the city’s daylong festival of contests, music, food and of course fireworks, has solidified itself as one of the region’s largest July 4th events. DiPietro formed The Laurel Fourth of July Committee in 1978 shortly after the inquiry. The panel now includes about 40 volunteers who work year round holding fundraisers and organizing the event…The fireworks regularly draw more than 50,000 spectators, according to Harrison, who’s counting those who take in the display from their porches or city hilltops as well as the masses who converge on Laurel Lakes…a 45-minute firework display accompanied by patriotic music set to begin 9:15 p.m. City Council President Frederick Smalls said the celebration has, despite its growth, managed to maintain a small-town feel. ‘‘For me the Laurel celebration is a celebration of community,” he said. ‘‘It’s definitely a very anticipated city celebration that brings together not just the volunteers who put this event on, but the city as well as the citizens in the city and outside the city.”

Schedule of Events

Saturday, July 4, 2026
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(PLEASE NOTE THE PARADE START TIME)

1:30 PM Parade Check-In Begins
3:00 PM Parade Begins, Judges Stand on 4th Street @ Domer Court
3:00 PM Kiddie Carnival from Jolly Shows on Mulberry Street, Vendors 4:00 PM Family Fun Games on the Gude Park Field (8300 Mulberry St.)
4:15 PM Parade Awards & Acknowledgements posted on Lakehouse Door
5:15 PM Music by Oracle 6:00 PM Family Fun Games End
8:45 PM Invocation, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, Welcome & Introduction of Mayor and City Council and Special Guests
9:15 PM Fireworks from the Lake
10:00 PM Fireworks end

**All times are approximate**

NO ALCOHOL PERMITTED!
NO COOLERS OR BACKPACKS
NO SPARKLERS or FIREWORKS!
NO PETS! Service Animals Permitted!

Road Closures

(Please Note New Time and Shorter Parade Route: Due to safety concerns of heat and traffic, the Committee has made the decision to shorten the parade route for parade participants’ safety due to heat and keep the route from having to cross over a major roadway.)

1:30pm: 4th Street between Montrose Avenue and Rte. 198 EB will CLOSE to traffic for the parade check in and line up.

All roads along the Parade route will close just before 3:00pm, as the contestants begin their procession through the parade route:

• The parade route begins at 4th Street and Marshall Avenue.
• Passes the Judges’ Stand at Domer Court (best place for viewing).
• Disperses at Cherry Lane.

The following will be the times and street closures for the Fireworks:

• Friday, July 3rd: Right Lane of Cherry Lane will be CLOSED around 6:30am to allow the Fireworks Committee to build the firework barges.
• East Bound and West Bound Cherry Lane from Ashford Boulevard to Laurel Place will be CLOSED to vehicle and foot traffic the day of event due to the Committee working with setting up the fireworks. This closure is required by the State, County, and City Fire Marshal Offices due to potential fallout from the fireworks display at Laurel Lake.
• The Walking Path by the lake from Northlake Court to Laurel Place will be CLOSED to pedestrians due to the Committee working with setting up the fireworks.
• At approximately 6:00pm, South Bound Laurel Place will close and vehicles will ONLY be allowed to turn onto East Bound Cherry Lane from North Bound Laurel Place.
• No vehicular or pedestrian traffic will be allowed into the area until after the fireworks display is over and the area is policed for fallout debris, which will be approximately 11:00pm.

Fireworks spectators are encouraged to arrive early and leave by alternate routes. Please bring lots of patience, as the day and evening will bring a lot of spectators also wanting to enjoy the event. For more information, please contact the Laurel Fourth of July Committee at 301-725-5300.

Rules and Regulations

To ensure everyone has a safe and fun filled day, the Laurel Fourth of July Committee asks that all attendees adhere to the following Rules and Regulations:

1. PLEASE DO NOT bring any animals to the field – the day could get very hot and with all the people walking around they could get stepped on or injured. Unless they are Service Animals, there is no need for animals to be on the field the day of the event.
2. PLEASE DO NOT bring Alcohol to the field. Alcohol and heat are not a good mix and we do not want anyone getting ill or worse.
3. PLEASE DO NOT bring any sparklers or other types of fireworks to the field. This is illegal in Prince George’s County, as well as could cause injury and burns and we want everyone going home safe and remembering a fun-filled day.
4. PLEASE REMEMBER to keep a close eye on your children. In case you do become separated, all children will be taken to the Lakehouse where their parents can come to pick them up.
5. PLEASE REMEMBER to be safe and responsible while enjoying the festivities. For minor injuries, first-aid will be located in the Lakehouse.
6. PLEASE bring family and friends. The more the merrier and we want everyone to enjoy the day’s festivities.
7. PLEASE bring blankets and chairs to get comfortable for the evening’s events. We know people will have tents to create some shade for the late afternoon sun, but you WILL need to take them down around 7pm so everyone can enjoy the fireworks. Coolers and backpacks are not permitted!
8. Most important, PLEASE bring your FUN factor! It is most important that everyone come and enjoy themselves. Celebrating our Nation’s 250th Birthday is first and foremost the reason we all volunteer to bring you this event.