DC Mayor Muriel Bowser called on everyone around the country to visit the nation’s capital and celebrate the Fourth of July here, saying the city is ready to welcome them back.
Bowser’s call followed the District’s full reopening on June 11, and President Joe Biden‘s announcement about Independence Day fireworks on the National Mall.
DC lifted all of its capacity limits and restrictions as it is vaccinating its residents and employees, improving its health metrics.
“DC is open and ready to welcome back visitors to celebrate the way we came together as a city and as a nation this year. We have shown once again that when we come together, there is nothing we can’t do,” Bowser said.
The mayor thanked Biden and his administration for their efforts to urgently get the vaccine to the American people, saving lives and helping the country reopen “and celebrate together once again.”
In his announcement on Tuesday, Biden said first responders, essential workers and military service members and their families will be hosted on the South Lawn for Fourth of July celebrations.
“The District will support the White House in hosting the traditional Fourth of July fireworks celebration on the National Mall,” said a release from Mayor Bowser’s office.
There will also be locally organized events in DC to celebrate the return of the Barracks Row and Palisades 4th of July Parades, in addition to the celebrations hosted by the Biden Administration, according to the release.
The planned fireworks display will start at 9:09 pm and launch from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
In the meantime, the DC SHOP, EAT, PLAY, STAY giveaway, launched in May by Bowser in order to encourage residents and visitors to boost the city’s economy, has already been distributed to 14 individuals. The winners claimed their prizes that range in value from $500 to $10,000. DMV area residents may still apply for the contest.