Hopewell News

Despite the demise of the fireworks display at the Diamond in Richmond, Independence Day will still be full of rocket's red glare.
Colonial Heights will hold its traditional fireworks display off Charles Dimmock Parkway. As usual, it will begin at 9 p.m. and the best viewing spots will be in the Wal-Mart parking lot or across Southpark Boulevard in the K-Mart parking lot. For more information, contact the city at 520-9390.
Fourth at the Fort will take place at Williams Stadium at Fort Lee beginning at 2 p.m. with food, music and other divertissement. The fireworks will begin at around 9:35 p.m. Be prepared to show a driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance at the gate. For more information, contact Fort Lee Public Affairs at 734-7451.
At the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road, gates will open at 5 p.m. and will begin with children's activities and other fun. For more information, call 748-1132.
Out in New Kent County will be Colonial Downs' "Racing to the Stars in Stripes," which will feature horse racing, live music and fireworks beginning at 6 p.m. This year's event also will be a tribute to the Richmond Braves, meaning that anyone in Braves apparel can into for a trip to see them play at their new home stadium in Gwinnett, Ga. There is a $2 admission fee for this event. For more information, dial 966-7223.
Despite the demise of the Braves in Richmond, the city itself will not be devoid of fireworks. The Dogwood Dell Fourth of July Celebration will begin at 5 p.m. in Byrd Park, 1300 Blanton Ave. Along with fireworks, there will be music by the Richmond Concert Band, cannons and a concert involving the carillon bell tower itself. For more information, dial 646-3355.
For those who want to set off their own pyrotechnic display, be sure to check the local authorities for what can and cannot be set off at home. For Chesterfield, contact fire officials at 748-1426; in Colonial Heights, 520-9298; in Hopewell, 541-2290; and in Prince George, 733-2636. For any other fireworks-related questions, contact the state fire marshal's office at 371-770.