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.

BETHESDA FOURTH OF JULY 2012 EVENTS

July 4th is here!  But most people have been spending the last 5 days dealing with power outages, gas shortages, and extreme heat.

Fortunately, I've got the best of the best Fourth of July events around Bethesda for you:

Redwood

Redwood is having the biggest event in town:  a backyard barbecue out on their Bethesda Lane patio!  Hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, even a $5 Fourth of July cocktail.  The BBQ will run from noon until 6 PM.

Cafe Deluxe

Cafe Deluxe will be serving brunch until 3 PM today.

Mussel Bar

Mussel Bar will be open from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM.  Stop in and celebrate with Red, White and Blue Chimay!

Matuba

Is sushi what you want?  Matuba on Cordell Avenue will be open for dinne only, from 5:00 to 9:30 PM.

Fireworks

It's all about the fireworks, isn't it?  Although the county bizarrely canceled its official government firework displays, fortunately, we have fireworks right here in Bethesda tonight!

Happy Fourth of July!

BETHESDA STORM UPDATE - POWER OUTAGES, COOLING CENTERS

Heat Alert! Storm Alert!

There is a chance of storms today, the temperature will be high (what a shock!) and many are still without power.

For those reasons, the Bethesda Library on Arlington Road will be opened as a cooling center (and as a library, of course: books, internet, etc.) from noon until 8 PM tonight.

You'll be a short walk from the barbecue on Bethesda Lane in front of Redwood between 12 and 6 PM, if you'd like a burger or hot dog.

New Power Outages

Last night's storm caused an additional 11,000 outages.

Old Power Outages

Kenwood (the neighborhood, not the club!) was without power as of 11:00 PM last night.

Power Restorations

Pepco made some progress in the hard-hit 20816 and 20817 zip codes.  Residents near Fernwood and Greentree Roads reported having power by mid-evening last night.

Gas stations on River Road reopened, but 7-11 appeared to remain closed.

Power was restored for the first time in the Springfield neighborhood off River Road.

Stay tuned to @BethesdaRow on Twitter and this blog for the latest news!

THE DC AREA'S BEST FIREWORKS DISPLAY IS IN... BETHESDA - IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO GO!

Pity your friends who are going to stuff themselves into Metro subway cars like sardines for a lackluster fireworks display on the Mall Wednesday night.

Fortunately, you are a smart person who reads this blog, and you're about to be let in on another of the many secrets of Bethesda:  Fireworks at the Kenwood Club on River Road.

For the last decade or so, smart, wealthy and frugal residents of neighborhoods near "The Club" have followed a simple formula to wow friends and co-workers, while saving a lot of money in the process:  Find out when the Kenwood fireworks are.  Go to Giant or Whole Foods for grilling, All-American and/or pretentious food items, add a stop at Talbert's or the county liquor emporium in the Westwood Shopping Center if it's an adults-only celebration, and invite guests.

Finally, at about 9:15 PM, stand by for a loud and impressive fireworks display, that beats just about any other display in the area.

Some of these parties are held in backyards near the club.  Some are held in apartments whose occupants are lucky enough to face the direction of the Kenwood Club, either on higher floors in downtown Bethesda, or better yet, in Westwood Tower or Park Bethesda on Westbard Avenue, or in the aptly-named condos of The Kenwood.

But what if you aren't part of the landed class?  Do what so many in Bethesda do so well - fake it!

Park in a nearby parking lot.  The most popular, with the best view, is at the church right across River Road from the club.  Many families walk there to get a better view.  Just remember, if you bring small kids, the fireworks are L-O-U-D and you may want to pack earplugs.

This year's display will be on July 4th, the first time I can recall that happening in the history of Kenwood.

No long drives.  No overpriced Metro fare.  High-quality, professional Fourth of July fireworks in Bethesda.  It's like being a tycoon and having your own fireworks display!

You're welcome!

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.