Independence Day colors atop Avocet Tower in Bethesda (Photos)

Avocet Tower's accent lighting at 7373 Wisconsin Avenue has shown us Christmas colors and even the shades of the Ukrainian flag. Now it's switched to red, white and blue for the Independence Day weekend. Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

4th of July in downtown Bethesda (Photo gallery)

Kenwood fireworks 2020 canceled

The DC area's best fireworks display is usually in Bethesda. But not this year. The Kenwood Golf and Country Club's annual fireworks extravaganza had been scheduled for tonight, July 1, 2020, at 9:30 PM. I've confirmed with the club that the display has been canceled, due to the coronavirus restrictions.

Montgomery County and many other organizations have canceled their public fireworks displays this year for that very reason. Now it appears virtually all private organizations have, as well.

KENWOOD FIREWORKS 2014 - THE BEST FIREWORKS IN DC ARE IN BETHESDA

The best Independence Day fireworks in the DC area aren't in DC - they're in Bethesda. I hear that this year's Fourth of July fireworks at the Kenwood Golf and Country Club on River Road are currently scheduled for Sunday, June 29. That is several days before July 4th.

Kenwood's fireworks - like the club - are not open to the general public. However, they are visible from several nearby parking lots. And residents of nearby homes, or apartment buildings in the Westbard and downtown Bethesda area which face the right direction, often plan parties around this explosive fireworks show, which is like a private fireworks display for free.

But not last year. Before you start planning, let's not forget that Kenwood pulled the rug out from under local fans of the fireworks last year, canceling the show due to poor weather. And then never rescheduled. Let's hope for better weather this year.

KENWOOD FIREWORKS 2013 - THE DC AREA'S BEST FIREWORKS ARE IN BETHESDA!

When are the Kenwood Club fireworks this year?

I've just received word that the DC area's best fireworks will be on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 this year. The display will begin between 9:30-9:45 PM.

The Kenwood Golf & Country Club, on River Road, is a private club, and the festivities are not open to the public.

So why do non-members want to know when the fireworks are?

Because residents of nearby neighborhoods, and apartments that face the club, have made something of a tradition out of the fireworks.

It's possible to throw a big party, with hot dogs, etc., and then enjoy the club's fireworks from your balcony or backyard, as if it was your own private show. And all of your guests will think you're the Great Gatsby.

What if you're not part of the landed class near the club?

People often park at one of the nearby churches or commercial parking lots on River Road. The sure spot is at the church directly across from the club entrance. Be forewarned, the display will be loud, as you might expect.

Downtown Bethesda? Some people have been able to enjoy the fireworks from higher floors of buildings facing that direction.

I do not recommend inviting people to a party unless you know you'll actually be able to see the fireworks from the location in question. You want to be the Great Gatsby, not the Great Pumpkin.

The trajectory of fireworks can change slightly from year to year. From downtown Bethesda, in general, if you are standing at the corner of Arlington Road and Bethesda Avenue, with your back to Urban Country,  the fireworks should be in the general direction of EuroMotorcars and the Bradley Shopping Center. That's the general direction, but it pays to be on a higher floor rather than street level. Caveat emptor.

Kenwood's fireworks became a huge deal last year, when they fell on the actual July 4 holiday, and the county canceled all public fireworks displays after the derecho storm.

But the Kenwood fireworks beat any I've seen in the DC area, any year.

FOURTH OF JULY RECIPE: CRAB CAKES WITH FIRE AND ICE SALSA

Here is the perfect recipe to add to your steak you are already planning to grill for July 4th:  Phillips Crab Cakes with Fire and Ice Salsa.

The recipe is for the salsa.  With Phillips Crab Cakes from the freezer aisle, all you have to do is sautee them following the easy package instructions.  Then add your homemade Fire and Ice Salsa on the side.

As usual, I will be adding a spoonful of tartar sauce to go with my crab cake.