Making the Fourth Happen

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Behind the Scenes

The National Park Service (NPS) will once again host its annual celebration of Independence Day on the National Mall. For more than half a century, the NPS has been at the heart of the Independence Day festivities on the National Mall. Every year thousands of people come together on the Mall in honor of the founding of our nation. But what does it take to get the National Mall ready for such a large event? You'd be surprised.

In preparation for the Fourth, NPS maintenance employees oversee the installation of 24,400 linear feet of chain link fencing, 7,680 feet of bike rack and 1,200 feet of Jersey barrier. More than 400 portable toilets are placed throughout the Mall.

U.S. Park Police works in conjunction with multiple agencies to plan security for the event to ensure the safety of visitors. A multi-agency team plans for medical aid stations. Volunteers are recruited and trained. Maps and informational signs are created.

On the holiday itself, about 150 NPS employees and more than 100 volunteers work on the National Mall, and another 50 people work at George Washington Memorial Parkway. Staff and volunteer crews collect trash and recycling throughout the day. Medical aid stations are set up and manned. Rangers continue to give talks at the memorials throughout the day. Access points are staffed and visitors brought through security.

After the fireworks are set off, another whole round of work begins. Cleanup crews begin their work at 10 p.m. on the Fourth and work into the next day. Park staff and volunteers quickly remove fireworks debris from the reflecting pool and the fallout area after the event to make sure it is safe for visitors. Streets are swept clean and roads are reopened as soon as possible.

Have a happy Independence Day! Enjoy the show!

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  Special Events

  Join the festivities in Washington, DC, including the fireworks display, parade and A Capitol Fourth concert!

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  Plan Your Visit

  Find information to plan your trip around town on July 4, including directions, closures, security, and safety tips.

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  Social Media & Alerts

  Share your DC Fourth of July experience on social media! Stay informed with alerts and fun-facts about the DC monuments.

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  Photos and Multimedia

  View photos and videos of Independence Day festivities and preparations on the National Mall.

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  Making the Fourth Happen

  Ever wonder what it takes to put on a show for Independence Day in the nation's capital? Learn more about behind the scenes.

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  History of Independence Day

  Take a moment to reflect on why millions of Americans gather for celebrations across the country on July 4th every year.