A number of hometown-style events marked Arlington’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4.
They went on despite some of the hottest temperatures in recent years descending on the local region.
Parade-goers brave the heat
Barcroft was among the local communities celebrating Independence Day with a parade.
By the time of the 10 a.m. start, temperatures were already in the 90s. According to longtime local resident Randy Swart, that made it the hottest parade in community history.
Shade trees and occasional breezes helped as participants lined up in the Woman’s Club of Arlington on S. Buchanan Street. After the Barcroft Marching Band performed the National Anthem, the 20-minute parade kicked off.
County police and fire personnel were joined by Cub Scout Pack 548 and others walking the route, cheered on by those who had found shady spots to watch from.
After the parade, a community gathering was held at the nearby Barcroft Community House.
Fairlington, Douglas Park and Lyon Village were among other communities hosting July 4th special events in the morning.
The Fairlington parade drew a strong crowd, including elected officials, while the Douglas Park celebration, largely restricted to neighborhood residents, also went off well despite the heat.
Commissioner of Revenue Kim Klingler managed to make it to both:
Reading the Declaration of Independence
At 2 p.m., the Arlington Historical Society hosted a community reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Arlington Historical Museum on Arlington Ridge Road.
About 80 people of all ages turned out.
“I’m thrilled — this is awesome,” organizer Annette Benbow said to those assembled on the upper level of the former schoolhouse for the event.
She was joined by society president Peter Vaselopulos, dressed as Revolutionary-era figure John Ball.
“We’re so glad you’re here to celebrate,” Vaselopulos said as he handed out copies of the society’s recently published history newspaper to those in attendance.
With the room packed and the outdoor temperature surpassing 100 degrees, the air conditioning strained to keep up.
“It’s still cooler than outside,” Benbow said. “We’re going to do it fast.”
Those on hand each read out a paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, having been primed by Benbow to shout out “huzzah!” at certain points and to go “boo!” as the colonists’ grievances against King George III were listed.
There also was an opportunity for participants to make Revolution-themed protest signs complaining about the British treatment of their colonies, while younger attendees participated in Independence-themed arts and crafts.
