Thursday, June 30, 2016
A fireworks display will once again be the highlight of a Fourth of July weekend evening program at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.
The colorful showcase is scheduled (more or less, depending on sunset) for around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 2.
Prior to the fireworks, beginning at 5 p.m., visitors are being encouraged to visit open galleries and artists buildings around the 55-acre campus that was once home to convicted criminals from Washington D.C. and later the metropolitan area.
Following are a Highlands Dance demonstration, Mt. Vernon Nights concert featuring Peter Mawanga and the Amaravi Movement, and the PBC Vocal Band.
Fireworks are one of several large-scale events including the also popular Springfest held at the nonprofit-managed Workhouse annually to establish it as a cultural and social hub in Lorton.
More than just a space for artists-in-residence to practice their craft, Workhouse CEO Ava Spece said the vision for the Workhouse is for a multimedia collection of spaces, for in-house productions, touring music groups, classes and other activities.
That model has helped the Workhouse rise from struggling financially to covering about 75 percent of its $2.2 annual operating costs with earned revenue and the other quarter from contributions.
Admission is free for fireworks, however parking for vehicles is $10. A complimentary shuttle will run to and from the Vulcan Materials lot.
For more information, visit www.workhousearts.org/event/fireworks-at-the-workhouse. The Workhouse Arts Center is located at 9518 Workhouse Way in Lorton.