Saturday, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s Salute to Independence Concert will be held at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks begin about 9:45 p.m. NPS photo

Saturday, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s Salute to Independence Concert will be held at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks begin about 9:45 p.m.

There is a minimum 1 hour to 90-minute traffic delay when leaving the event so be patient.

Be sure to bring a blanket, plenty of water or soft drinks, and a flashlight. Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service sells food and drinks at the event.

Be prepared for large crowds of up to 30,000 people.

Limited parking is available in the park and additional parking can be found on Md. 65 and Md. 34 bordering the park.

You have to walk to get into and out of the event.

Please no pets and no soliciting.

Tarps cannot be placed before 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, and the maximum size tarp or reserved area per group is 10 feet by 10 feet. Tarps placed before this time will be removed and those not occupied by 7 p.m. on the evening of the concert will also be removed. The park service suggests labeling property with a name.

A shuttle bus is available to bring you closer to the event from Md. 34, but there is still a 300-yard walk. Buses run from 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The cost is $2 round-trip, and children under five enter free.

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Everyone is invited to this year’s Independence Day parade and community picnic in Shepherdstown on July 4.

The parade will step off at 3 p.m. at the top of German Street and proceed all the way to the Rumsey Memorial Park on Mill Street.

The picnic will be held right afterwards at the Rumsey Park, and last until 8:30 p.m.

Admission to the picnic will be free but donations to help cover the event’s costs will be appreciated.