Independence Day events in the area

This time of year is always exciting for millions across the U.S. and is perhaps the highlight of the summer season.

Aside from cookouts, parades and festivals — fireworks displays seem to be a defining, celebratory moment during Independence Day seasons.

This year, there are two fireworks events in eastern Baltimore County: one in Middle River and the other in the Overlea-Fullerton area.

The Middle River Fireworks Extravaganza, hosted annually by the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County, is one of the largest-scale Independence Day events in the county every year.

Expected to attract thousands to the Middle River, the fireworks extravaganza is scheduled for Saturday, July 6, at 9:30 p.m.

Many will view the displays from their backyards and patios while others will look from waterfront bars and restaurants. And a staple every year is the hundreds of residents who board their uniquely designed boats on Middle River to view the fireworks.

Spectators can get the best view of the fireworks by arranging to get a spot around Galloway Point (3700 Middle River Ave.) on the Middle River.

For the past few months, MTABC has solicited support from community members. Over the past three weeks, the organization has held fundraising events in preparation for the fireworks extravaganza.

MTABC recently acknowledged more than 40 sponsors for the fireworks extravaganza, consisting of local organizations and businesses.

The barges will be anchored just outside the six-knot zone in Middle River, says an MTABC announcement.

There is no rain date as all fireworks must be discharged before the barges can return to shore overnight. The starting time may change if weather conditions dictate, event organizers said.

Boaters are advised to take the following safety precautions:

Stay out of the restricted area around the fireworks barges.Be aware of potential weather threats.Be courteous and use common sense.

MTABC has offered the following land view suggestions:

The show can be enjoyed from residential properties, marinas, yacht clubs, restaurants and other waterfront establishments surrounding the barges in Middle River.There is no designated public viewing area.

The Fullerton Fireworks Celebration and Music Festival will mark the 61st annual fireworks event in Fullerton-Overlea-Linover.

Facilitated by the Fullerton Fireworks Foundation, the event will be a day-long event on July 4 beginning at 2 p.m. The fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. The rain date is July 6.

The event will be held at Fullerton Park, located at 4304 Fullerton Ave., on the field at Fullerton Elementary School. Admission is free and attendees are advised to park at Fullerton Elementary.

The 61st annual Fullerton Fireworks Celebration & Music Festival features expanded hours with food by Jimmy’s Seafood, Bullseyes Pit Beef, Quinn’s Ice Cream, Aunt Annie’s Pretzels, Frank’s Pizza and more.

Live music also starts at 2 p.m. with the Lutherville Rock School, Silverset, The Hollow Party and crowd-favorite Awaken.

In lots at Fullerton Elementary School, street parking on nearby streets where permitted, paid parking available in some local business lots, etc. Fullerton Avenue closes to traffic at 7 p.m.

Fullerton Fireworks Foundation is a non-profit organization run entirely by community volunteers. The foundation has built one of the largest, non-government sponsored fireworks programs in the region.

The event is supported by the nearby communities of Overlea-Fullerton, including Linover, Overlea, Elmwood, Belmar and neighbors in nearby Perry Hall, White Marsh, Parkville, Rosedale and Northeast Baltimore City.