Happy Birthday USA
July 3, 2009 |
By Kitty Felde
The town is empty.
Except for the tourists, who are everywhere.
So what do you do on the 4th of July in Washington DC?
You DON'T go to the National Mall. That's what all those tourists are going to do. Instead, you show up the night before for the dress rehearsal of the annual concert on the west side of the Capitol.
Imagine driving to the Hollywood Bowl and being able to find a parking space near the 101 freeway. That's how close you could park. Now imagine finding that excellent parking space is free. Welcome to Washington.
Even the concert was free. Michael Feinstein playing "Rhapsody in Blue." Aretha Franklin getting the entire crowd up on its feet to dance. Barry Manilow turning teary-eyed about singing patriotic songs in front of the Capitol building. Of course, that was after he performed "Copacabana." Then there was Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird and Elmo and President-elect Matt Santos - er, Jimmy Smits. A picnic lunch, perfect weather, and the lawn in front of the Capitol full of locals who know the night before is more fun than the day of.
There were LOTS of Obama tee shirts. And Obama pins.
There were even fireworks. Not the famous ones over the Washington Monument. That's the night of the 4th. But the Nats politely obliged by shooting off their own display after the game. Even though the team lost. Again.
I suppose it's like Times Square on New Years Eve. If you're in New York, you've gotta be there. Maybe it's just more fun when you show up the night before.
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4 months ago
Reading Kitty, you gotta realize she's a poet. Try it. Go back and read her again, and feel the rhythm. She is a good poet. No, she's a REALLY GOOD poet. REALLY GOOD.
4 months ago
You have such a terrible voice. It is like torture to hear you on the radio. I am glad you are out of town, but please, never call.
4 months ago
Kitty I listened to your podcast "Getting ready for the 4th in DC" and loved it! the previous responder does not what s/he is talking about. It's gotta be great to be the Washington correspondent. Keep up the terrific work.