ARLINGTON – Organizers of the Fourth of July and July 7-9 Fly-In festivals in Arlington always add new things to keep them fun, and this year is no exception.
On July 4, along with the Pedal, Paddle and Puff Triathlon, a new event has been added for those who also like to exercise, just maybe not as much.
It’s called the Foam Run. The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) walk/run will take participants on a course where there will be stations where foam will be shot at their white t-shirts in the colors of red, white and blue. So when they are done they will have a patriotic shirt.
Another change will be the Stilly Beer and Wine Garden. It was so popular last year that it actually will start up July 3 from noon to 9 p.m. at Haller Park.
Another big difference is not set in stone, but it is likely. Organizers are trying to move the fireworks display to the south a little bit to make room for more onlookers and also to be sure to protect the new artificial turf at Quake Field.
Quake Field has been a hot spot for watching fireworks in the past, but if the event does move property south of the Arlington Boys and Girls Club east of the Arlington Airport will be better this year.
The event’s popularity means traffic can get heavy, so come early, officials say. The parking lot at Evans Field on the north side of 188th Street is a good backup when spaces are hard to find, they added.
Continuing events on Independence Day include: Pancake breakfast, Kiwanis silent and live auctions, Hometown Fourth of July at Legion Park, Kiddies and Grand parades on Olympic Avenue and the Rotary Duck Dash.
Also for July 4, “Consumer Fireworks” are still legal to shoot off in Arlington. Arlington Fire Chief Bruce Stedman has some tips for those who shoot off their own fireworks:
•Only adults should light fireworks. Keep them away from children. And save the alcohol for after the show.
•Don’t hold fireworks.
•Never re-light a dud. Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water after lighting.
•Clean up afterward.
The Fly-In also has some new attractions this year. The annual Camp Adams Kids Day is moving to its own slot on Thursday, July 6, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. While no air show or airplanes will be involved, other activities will include building paper rockets to launch, and military equipment and vehicles like jeeps and tanks will be available to climb in. Aircraft simulators, balloon planes and candy airplane-making round out the fun.
The Fly-In gets going in full swing July 7-9. It celebrates all facets of general aviation, providing aviation education to more than 35,000 annual attendees, generating more than $2 million in direct spending in the community.
The 49th Annual Fly-In will feature air shows on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, vintage airplanes and warbirds in the air and on display, military vehicle parades, a Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, outdoor movies at Runway Theater, live music, hands-on activities for kids, and more.
Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert, who also is the executive director of the Fly-In, said a new activity will be drone flying.
Participants will be able daily to practice flying drones with help. Drones are a popular hobby that will only grow over time, Tolbert said, so she views the demonstrations as an educational opportunity for young and old. The Night Glow is tentatively set for 9 p.m. Friday, but depends on weather and wind speeds.
