Patch Picks: Annandale Fourth of July Guide

The month of June is coming to a close and that can only mean one thing: it's time to prepare for the fourth of July. Annandale Patch wants to make sure you're prepared to celebrate Independence Day here at home or as close to home as possible, so we've prepared this little guide.

See something missing from here? Share your plans and tips for a great fourth in the comments.

It looks like there aren't any Annandale-centric events, but the are several happening close by on July 4. In Falls Church, there'll be live music and fireworks at starting at 7 p.m. Cover band Bad Hair Day will provide the tunes. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. A similar celebration is happening Fairfax at with music from the Fairfax City Band at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks once it's dark.

Although this celebration is on July 9 and not the fourth, it's an opportiunity to celebrate after the holiday's over! The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will perform at  Oronnoco Bay Park with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. Bring the family and show up early around 4 p.m. for food and games.

Huntington Belle-Haven Patch has a in Fairfax County if you don't mind a longer drive to celebrate Independence Day.

You've likely seen the yellow stand and the giant "Everything Buy One Get One Free" sign along Little River Turnpike. That's the fireworks stand sandwiched between the Capital One Bank and the Shell gas station near the Annandale on John Marr Drive.

The stand is open from 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Between July 1 and July 5, the hours at the stand may differ slightly and the stand closes on July 7.

If you can't find what you're looking for at that stand, there's another location in the Bradlick Shopping Center near the Starbucks and McDonald's. And yes, all fireworks are on sale for buy one get one free at both stands.

Fairfax County has a list of safety tips for anyone planning to set off their own fireworks. The tips include keeping fireworks at least 25 feet away from people, only lighting one firework at a time and never throwing them. Any firework, which explodes, emits a flame or sparks higher than 12 feet, or performs as a projectile is prohibited and firecrackers, cherry bombs and skyrockets are all included. Any such fireworks will be confiscated by the authorities. Offenses are Class One misdemeanors in Fairfax County and are punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to 12 months in prison.

If you're hoping to set off your own fireworks, don't head into Falls Church since the city has banned fireworks.

If you're hosting your own Independence Day celebration and you're in need of supplies, try the (there's on in the Little River Shopping center and in ) for your party favor needs.

Several grocery stores in our neighborhood are also having sales on the usual party food items such as hot dogs, chips, soda, salad items, appetizers and alcoholic drinks (for those of legal drinking age, of course). has several things for buy one, get one free such as Lay's chips and ball park hot dogs, but there's also , and for the rest of your supply needs.