Contact: Karen Thon, 240-777-8122

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2001

Wheaton Sparkles Festivities
Planned for July 4

Wheaton will sparkle again on the Fourth of July with an Independence Day celebration, featuring food, live entertainment, children’s activities and fireworks in the downtown area and at Westfield Shoppingtown (formerly Wheaton Plaza).

Festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Urban District with performances by Peligro. Entertainment at Westfield Shoppingtown begins at 7:30 p.m. with The Midnight Movers, followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Musical accompaniment to the fireworks will be simulcast in the downtown area.

Picnics and grills are welcome at Westfield Shoppingtown on the grassy plot across from the Giant Food Store.

Free parking will be available in Garage #45 at Amherst and Reedie Drive. Overflow parking will be available at Northwood High School, located at University Boulevard and Arcola Avenue. Free shuttle service will be provided to downtown Wheaton, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Handicapped parking will be located in the Urban District off Ennalls Avenue and at Westfield Shoppingtown.

To help ensure safe pedestrian access to events in the urban district, Grandview Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic at 3 p.m. and Reedie Drive will be closed at 5 p.m.

Wheaton’s Fourth of July celebration is sponsored by Montgomery County, the Wheaton Urban District, Westfield Shoppingtown and the Wheaton Kensington Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call the Wheaton Fireworks Hotline at 240-777-8115.