Annapolis hosts an annual Fourth of July celebration, and many of the city’s political and business leaders either plan to attend or have their own traditions when it comes to Independence Day.
Mayor Gavin Buckley will watch the fireworks with friends and family from a boat.
“There aren’t many places in the world where a guy with a funny accent could land in young adulthood, make it a place to call home, and be lucky enough to be elected mayor of a capital city,” said Buckely, who moved to Annapolis from Australia in 1992 and is a Democrat. “Independence Day is a day to be reminded of how lucky we are to live in a place that is so welcoming.”
Lisa Rodvien, an Annapolis Democrat on the County Council, will be visiting parades all day. Her family ends the day each year watching the Annapolis fireworks from their driveway. Rodvien appreciates the day because it’s an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices so many have made to protect our freedoms.
“If you want to feel a great sense of gratitude and awe, look them up. Their courage was extraordinary,” said Rodvien in a statement. “I will not pretend we are not a perfect nation, but we owe it to those who sacrificed so much to strive to make it better.”
Dana Jones, an Annapolis Democrat who represents District 30 in the Maryland House of Delegates, said her family enjoys the holiday’s sense of collective pride and celebration. They will end the day by watching the fireworks in Annapolis.
“I can’t wait to share this special day with folks from across the city and county,” said Jones.
Scott Schuetter, owner of Shrek Realtor and Crew in Annapolis, will gather with his friends and family starting Wednesday night. They plan to shoot off their own small fireworks and jet ski before heading to the Sherwood Forest fireworks show. Schuetter, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, will continue the fun with his family on the Fourth of July, with more festivities planned on the beach, where they will have a view of the Annapolis fireworks.
Chris Townsend is the director of food and beverage at Pussers Caribbean Grill, which will be closing later this year after 30 years on the dockside. He will be working on the Fourth of July and expects 1,000 customers.
“It’s been an honor to be a part of the community and a part of the festivities of the Fourth of July downtown with the fireworks,” said Townsend. “The town’s going to be electric.
“It means lots to us, how much the community has been there for us and supporting us through this last year. We’ll try to make as much fun as we can and make it a happy occasion and not a sad occasion,” said Townsend.
