Rain Does Not Stop July 4th Celebrations in D.C.

Fireworks Begin on Schedule Despite Weather

Thousands of visitors who endured an Independence Day of soaking rains on the Mall were treated tonight to a dazzling, 20-minute display of fireworks, which lit up the low clouds over the Washington Monument despite weather that had discouraged turnout, canceled and relocated some musical events and halted the annual July 4 parade.

The evening’s pyrotechnics followed the National Symphony Orchestra’s free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, which also began as scheduled after occasional downpours throughout the morning and afternoon threatened to postpone the evening’s festivities for the first time in 25 years.

Earlier in the day, approaching thunderstorms halted the two-hour Independence Day parade after less than a third of the participating bands, floats, balloons, military units, dancers and other groups had finished their trips down Constitution Avenue NW.

"We’re disappointed, but the safety of the participants and the street crowd comes first," said John Best, producer of the parade, which included about 3,000 marchers and other participants. "We don’t want to endanger anyone."

Attendance on the Mall appeared to be down this year, based on Metrorail ridership. As of 6 p.m., 178,000 passengers had used the Metrorail system -- about 30 percent fewer riders than by the same time last July 4, which fell on a Friday.

"It’s more like a typical Sunday than like a typical Fourth of July," Metro spokesman Ray Feldmann said this afternoon.

Thunder, drenching rains and soggy ground were not enough to dampen the spirits of some visitors who arrived early to stakeout their spots.

"Hey, we’re 98 percent water," said Robert Baylor, 38, of Arlington, who had come to the Mall this morning to help erect a 25-by-13 foot party tent festooned with flags and claim a prime position to watch the fireworks from directly under the Washington monument.

"This is the best seat in the house for the best fireworks show in the nation," Baylor said.

With rain pouring down early in the day, some visitors, including entire families, found refuge in rows of port-a-potties lining the Mall. "I wish I had a jacket," said Carlos Hurt, 46, of the District, as he sought shelter in one of the outhouses.

As the rain let up in the afternoon, hundreds of boats gathered on the Potomac near the Lincoln Memorial to take up position for tonight’s big show.

Later in the day, another wave of rain arrived, along with gusting winds that turned Susan Walsh’s green umbrella inside out. "This is the worst Fourth of July ever," said Walsh, 22, a recent college graduate from Eldersburg, Md., in town to see the fireworks with a group of friends from high school.

"It’s horrible," said Amy Greco, 22, Wash’s high school friend. "My feet are muddy, my shoes are wet, and I have pebbles between my toes."

Walsh, Greco and their friends hoped to watch the fireworks from the Mall, but gave up because of the rain. "I’d rather just watch on TV," said Chad Tassin, 22, also from Eldersburg. "I just want to be dry."