Bright and early on the 4th, is the 27rd annual Heritage Festival Five Mile Run. Races start at Caroline Street near the train station. The runners run throughout the City streets and end up at the Fredericksburg Visitors Center. 

Following the race (starting at 11:30 a.m.) is the 29th annual Rappahannock River Raft Race. This "race" is run down the Rappahannock River and consists of rafts made from a wide variety of material. If you have a homemade raft you and your friends can enter the "race" by registering at 8:30 a.m. at Falmouth Beach (rules are at the Fredericksburg Area Jaycee's. The course runs from Old Mill Park to the City Dock. Bring your inner tube and join the fun. (Webmasters Note: This is more of a fun float/party for many than an actual race).

During the raft "race" is the Festival of the Streets. Basically, several of the City streets are turned into a carnival type environment. The Festival runs most the morning and afternoon and covers Sophia Street from Wolfe to Hanover Street. Come on out and have some fun. Events at the Festival of the Streets includes the Annual Chili Cook Off, a craft show and games for the entire family. Also at the Festival is live entertainment.

Fireworks start at 9:15 and are being shot over river.  More photos of the Heritage Festival here

The best location for information on the fireworks at the Mall in the District is at the Washington Posts site http://eg.washingtonpost.com/profile/1055848/ Transportation to the metro area is available via the Virginia Railway Express (VRE). They will be running a Special Firecracker Service (http://www.vre.org/fun/july4-2005.htm)

In case of inclimate weather, all events will continue as scheduled unless an announcement is made on WFLS FM 99.3; WBQB FM 101.5, WYSK FM 99.3 or Thunder FM 104.5