Fourth of July

A historian in love with all things Fourth

Historian James Heintze can tick off colorful accounts of how the nation has celebrated the Fourth of July over the years: In the 19th century, cannons fired, church bells sounded and fireworks exploded.

Travelers take rails for test drive

June Jordan usually flies when she goes to visit family in South Carolina. But when she saw how high air fares have climbed, she decided - for the first time - to take the train from Baltimore's Penn Station to Columbia.

Celebrating holiday with flare

Almost 250 years after the birth of the United States, the Fourth of July means picnics, barbecues, music and, above all, fireworks. Regardless of where you are in Maryland, there will be spectacular celebrations nearby. Here's a roundup of Independence Day celebrations throughout the state:

Rashod D. Ollison: Rollicking tunes for July Fourth barbecue

For a fun, soulful outdoor barbecue, there are several things you must have. Of course, there's the food: potato salad, baked beans, ribs. (And whoever is manning the grill better know what he's doing.) You must have beer and liquor for the adults, Kool-Aid or Capri Sun pouches for the kids. But if you want to keep the barbecue from sinking into lame territory, you must also have music - plenty of good, upbeat jams.

Taste

Wacky Cake is a blast from the past that's perfect for today

The first cake I learned to make is memorialized in a dog-eared compilation of my mother's favorite go-to recipes. "Cockeyed Cake," which my mom probably copied from Peg Bracken's I Hate to Cook Book, is rated in her spidery handwriting with three hearts and an "E," for "easy."

Taste

Buying wine by the case

Summer events, whether they're everyday barbecues or parties for the Fourth of July, are great reasons to have a nice bottle of wine on hand - one that's refreshing in hot weather and inexpensive enough to serve to larger groups of guests without flinching.

July 4th observances

There will be plenty of activities Friday in Howard County to celebrate the Fourth of July.

More staying home for holiday weekend

AAA Mid-Atlantic expects fewer Marylanders than last year will be traveling far during the holiday weekend.

Independence Day closings announced

This schedule will be in effect Friday for the July 4 holiday.

July Fourth activities are set in Bel Air

The Bel Air Independence Day Committee will celebrate Independence Day on Friday with its annual parade and activities.

Parade, prayer, singer highlight July 4 events

An expansive parade, an outdoor ecumenical prayer service and a performance by a Grammy-winning gospel singer will highlight the July Fourth weekend in Edgewood and Joppatowne.

Music, parade, fireworks July 4

Children's games, live music, a parade and fireworks will be the order of the day at the Catonsville Celebrations Committee's July 4 festivities.

July Fourth's sparkling hazards

A deputy state fire marshal lit the fuse of an M-100 explosive, and a colleague shouted: "Fire in the hole."

Independence Day parade is Friday

Chef Duff Goldman and his staff from Charm City Cakes will be the grand marshals for the Towson Fourth of July parade that starts at 10:30 a.m. July 4, rain or shine.

Closings announced for July 4 holiday

Baltimore County government offices and district and circuit courts will be closed for the July 4 holiday.