Star-Spangled Spectacular - Part 3

Baltimore sure knows how to throw a party: the Star-Spangled Spectacular brought amazing airshows by the Blue Angels; majestic naval and tall ships filled the Inner Harbor and Fell's Point; there were rides, carnival food, and concerts; and, of course, the absolute best fireworks display (and reportedly most expensive ever done in Maryland). If you weren't here, I'm very sorry to report that you will have to wait 98 years for the next Star-Spangled celebration. Luckily, you can get a taste of it all here. (Be sure to check Star-Spangled Spectacular - Part 1 and Part 2 for pictures of the Blue Angels and visiting ships.)

Rash Field is typically home to sand volleyball courts. It was transformed into a Family Fun Zone for the week:

There was a contest for the best dog costume. We are happy to report that one of our boat neighbors won. Congratulations Honey!

Pier 6 hosted a star-studded concert Saturday evening before the fireworks. We didn't have tickets but the whole event was simulcast on PBS. Check out the lineup! The concert was hosted by John Lithgow and Jordin Sparks with performances by Kristin Chenoweth, Melissa Etheridge, Denyce Graves-Montgomery, Little Big Town, Pentatonix, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Train, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

And lastly, the fireworks! Thanks to the good folks at West Marine that provided me with a copy of the fireworks map. I've labeled our marina (Harborview) in red so you can get an idea of our view.

The barges were set up sometime on Friday. I assume someone had to stay aboard each barge overnight for security reasons. The smallest barge was placed directly in the Inner Harbor.

We could see the fireworks from five of the barges (with occasional views of the ones furthest inland in the Inner Harbor). All six shows were synchronized! It's truly impossible to capture the beauty, intensity, and vibrations from six barges of fireworks going off. But here is my feeble attempt.

Fireworks from two separate barges going off in sync.

We could see the fireworks being set off from the barge directly in front of our marina. For any local Baltimore folks - yes that is Boh in the background.

Watching fireworks near water gives the added beauty of reflection.

"The bombs bursting in air"

Baltimore's iconic Domino Sugars sign.

There were fireworks that we have never seen before! (However, they were a little hard to capture on film.)

"1814"

The American Flag

I believe that I have been spoiled. I can't imagine any fireworks display living up to this. Thank you Baltimore for a wonderful celebration.