Pet Friendly 4th of July in Fredericksburg Virginia

Fredericksburg, Virginia is by nature a dog friendly town. Well behaved pooches are welcome to Yappie Hour at Tru Luv's restaurant on Thursday nights and strolling down Caroline Street you will usual see a four pawed friend even if you don't visit the Dog Krazy boutique. Celebrate the 4^th of July in Fredericksburg and bring your pet along!

Dogs have been part of American history from the beginning. Columbus journeyed to the New World with mastiffs, dogs rescued Lewis and Clark from charging buffalo, the chivalry of the Revolutionary is exemplified by General George Washington's gentlemanly return of General Howell's escaped canine across enemy lines, and some people can remember the president's dog better than the vice president!

Dogs have been as much a part of American society as children and apple pie. We even named a popular Fourth of July food after them! So dress your puppy in a patriotic bandanna and include them in your Independence Day celebration!

Pet friendly festivities start downtown with the Fredericksburg patriotic parade. This is a traditional, un-motorized event where anyone can join the fun as a participant or line the streets as a spectator. Kids ride bicycles decorated with streamers and ribbons, parents tote toddlers in pull carts camouflaged in red, white, and blue bunting and proud patriotic pets parade on colorful leashes with their owners. The parade starts near the visitors' center and travels down Carolina Street turning right up either Hancock or George street following a rectangular path back for the street festival to begin.

The Fredericksburg Festival of the Streets officially runs from 10am - 4pm in the visitor center area of town. Last year there were several dogs navigating the crowds, socializing and enjoying the attention of friendly humans. At the street fair you will find vendors selling crafts and food as well as advertising local not for profit organizations and passing out information about local groups and events. Last year there was a fabulous antique auto show.

Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm runs 10am - 4pm and has too many activities to count. Leashed pets are welcome on the grounds which will flooded with families enjoying hands on historical adventures. Admission is $2 (free for under three). Activities are included with food and drink for sale all day.

George Washington and members of his regiment will be at Ferry Farm along with frontiersmen and demonstrators of colonial life. Indian flutist Jim Morehouse will play near the gate and Cub Scout Pack #199 with retire the American flag that has been flying over the archaeological dig site.

The party at Pratt Park begins at 6:30 with fireworks scheduled at 9:15 but you may want to leave before the fireworks display since many dogs become frightened or anxious with the exploding, lights and crowd excitement. The display can be seen from afar so you might consider watching from your car where your canine companion feels safe and sheltered.

As always please do not ever leave your dog alone in a parked car. Even at night the interior temperature of a car can reach boiling temperatures so keep your canine companion with you at all times! Also, be sure you and your dog are drinking plenty of water and don't forget your sunscreen and hat.