American University faculty and staff will be celebrating the Fourth of July this Friday with their friends.
University librarian Olivia Ivey plans to attend a cookout with her friends, and later, a fireworks-viewing party. Usually, her family visits D.C. to celebrate, but this year they will be postponing their visit until Ivey’s wedding later in the year.
Rebekah Johnson, a recent American University graduate and new staff member, hopes to do the same.
First thing in the morning on Friday will be brunch with a group of her friends, complete with special Fourth of July pancakes. In the evening, she’ll be going to a friend’s house near the National Mall to see the fireworks.
Back home in Dallas, Johnson usually spends time with her church group to celebrate the holiday, viewing fireworks and attending soccer games. This year, she’ll be among the revelers at one of the nation’s largest fireworks displays, according to the National Park Service website.
Leanza Bethel, a receptionist at the Leonard Hall dormitory, is planning to attend the Capitol Fourth program on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, a memorable event combining musical performances with a fireworks display. Fireworks, she said, are her favorite part of the Fourth of July.
Before Bethel came to Washington D.C., she celebrated the holiday by attending the family gathering and barbecue that her parents held.
This year is Charlotte Vogler’s first living in Washington, D.C., and she’s looking forward to celebrating her favorite holiday in the capital. As an AU receptionist, she will be working part of the day, but afterwards plans to see the fireworks at the U.S. Capitol with her friends.
When she spends the Fourth of July holiday with her family, sometimes the celebrations get a little more hands on.
“Usually we go to the mountains and set off our own fireworks,” Vogler said.