Firework photos by William Hardy;
Other photos by Heather Bartlett & Anna Dailey.

THE SMALLWOOD VILLAGE Association put on a spectacular show of 4th of July fireworks, as they have done for years, near the Smallwood Village Center.

The event overflowed the Safeway and former theater parking lots.  Cars lined the median on St. Charles Parkway and filled several other parking lots to overflowing.  Spectators used portable chairs and blankets to stake out their claim on the ideal fireworks viewing spot.  Personnel from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and Waldorf Volunteer Fire Departments were highly visible.

Craig Renner, spokesman for St. Charles developer American Communities Properties Trust, told The Bay Net that in the past the fireworks have cost around $15,000, but he suspects that amount has increased. 

“The fireworks are sponsored by the Smallwood Village Association, which is the umbrella association including Huntington, Wakefield, and Bannister neighborhoods,” said Renner.  “So in effect, the fireworks are paid for by the residents of Smallwood Village.”

~*~*~

AT THE SOUTHWESTERN end of the county, a huge crowd of mostly families milled about The Village Green during Indian Head’s 4th of July festivities.  The celebration began mid-afternoon with an opening ceremony, followed by bands on the outdoor stage, rides, food, and activities. 

The Potomac Heights Baptist Church sponsored, for the first time, a section of The Green with seven free carnival-style activities and games. Pastor Gary Willett told The Bay Net that the fifty members of his congregation who staffed the area gave away a total of 600 bottles of water and 1,200 bags of candy to their visitors.

“We’re part of the community and wanted to do something to give back to the community,” said Pastor Willett who confirmed that his congregation wants to sponsor the section again next year. The Indian Head Baptist Church also gave away free water from booths at the other end of the Green.

Judging by the sounds of laughter and excited voices from the crowd, the activities were a hit.  The town rented bouncy castles, a small spinning carnival-type ride, a miniature train-ride and an inflatable obstacle course which kept people entertained until they closed at 8 p.m.  If you needed to cool off, anyone could muck about in the water under the tall sprinkler at the edge of The Green. 

The smoky tangy-sweet smell of the barbeque vendor drifted throughout the activities area. You could also visit the food vendors for ice cream and other treats, then get your face painted or hang o