What You're Talking About: Fourth of July Celebration in Manassas

This year the City of Manassas to produce the largest fireworks display in Northern Virginia, and it appears to have paid off.

"I have to say Manassas city out did the park last night...we saw both shows and Manassas city had way more fireworks going off....they both did a great job...my kids enjoyed it," said Miranda Davis on Manassas Park Patch's Facebook page.

"The city puts on a terrific fireworks show every year," said Judi Walton Ohleger on Manassas Patch's Facebook page. "No need to fight the DC crowds, and we are home in less than ten minutes."

Dianne Brower Lane, who has watched the fireworks show in Manassas from Old Town for the past three years, wrote on Facebook, "this year's seemed to have better elevation and smoother timing. Good show."

Rebecca Jordine Grey said via Facebook, "the fire works were awesome this year! I moved her 4 years ago and so far every year has been great, but this year was awesome!!"

Not only have people been talking about the show on Facebook accounts but several council members and city officials said it was the best show the city has  seen.

"The folks that I spoke with have given very high-level reviews of the event," said Manassas City Manager John Budesky. "In fact, the gentleman who is our very kind donor of the fireworks called today and said it was one of the best he has ever seen and he looks to continue that donation next year as well..that's a great compliment from one of our fine citizens who really helps make the event possible." 

Budesky said the event was successful because of the efforts of public safety providers, who helped with heat and traffic related issues, public works who helped with the cleanup effort, Historic Manassas, Inc., city staff, vendors and local businesses.

Council Member Steven Randolph, who's served on the city council for 25 years, said the city's show was the "finest Fourth of July fireworks he's ever seen and I've been to all of them."

"I've heard only compliments from citizens throughout the city about the Fourth of July celebration," Randolph said."It does require public works and police working behind the scenes making sure it runs right."

Council Member Marc Aveni said he received an email that read: "the city's fireworks display was fabulous. They certainly brought in a lot of people into the city that evening."