Party Celebrating Independence Day! (Lorton/Mason Neck, VA)

For the 3rd year in a row, we're celebrating Independence Day with a large group party! This is one of our largest events of year. This year's party is on the 5th - not the 4th - to enable people to see fireworks on their own the day before. Dress casually and feel free to bring a football, your swimsuit, or anything else needed for outdoor fun - including sunscreen! We do have a pool (and hot tub) and it will be open. The party is on the Potomac River. Also, check back for details - we will have a volleyball net up as well as a few other games. (If you can come early to help set-up, indicate this in your comments and I'll follow-up with you.) I've also invited some great special guests. This is a potluck so you *must* bring a food or drink item to share. Please indicate what you are bringing in the comments to help avoid repeat items. Not sure what you're going to bring? Select a category (dessert, snack, alcohol, etc.) and put that in the comment field. Items that need to be grilled, baked, etc. will work as well. You can also bring (legal) fireworks as well and we'll set them off after dark. Bringing something to eat or drink is *not* optional. Now on to the part that is optional... Roxie's Fund is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Animal Welfare Organization. They actively rescue homeless and abused dogs and bring them into a Rescue & Rehabilitation Program. At the party, we'll be collecting items for Roxie's Fund. They need towels (in good condition), sturdy and washable dog toys, and gift cards. You can also visit their site to find out more about how you can help. Rain or Shine... it's rained the past two years and that hasn't stopped the festivities. Please note: I've invited members of the local secular groups on various college campuses and during the summer we frequently have younger members in attendance at our events. Underage alcohol consumption will result in you being asked to leave - please be responsible. Also, if you're planning to spend the night, you must discuss this with me well in advance. There will already be several out of town guests who have priority in this regard. Directions? The closest Metro Station is Franconia/Springfield on the Blue Line and is 13 miles away. Manassas Cab Company ((703) 494-1444) and Yellow Cab ((703) 491-2222‎) are available in the area. If you are coming from the North, take I-95 South to exit 163 (Lorton/VA-642). At the end of the ramp there is a light (Lorton Road) and you will make a left. Travel about a half mile and take a right on Lorton Market Street. Lorton Market Street becomes Gunston Cove Road and then crosses Rt. 1 and becomes Gunston Road. We're 5 miles down on the left. It is a gated community - Stone Manor on the Potomac. The last landmark before your left into our community is Mason Neck State Park. There is a strict 25 MPH speed limit in the community. Take the first left after the gate. The house is large, white, and at the end of the street. It's the only white driveway in the community. Parking, however is just to the left at the adjacent marina. Please try to park in an orderly fashion so we can accommodate everyone. There is a flagstone path from the marina lot to our house. It is *not* appropriate to park in our yard as the weight of your vehicle will damage the sprinkler heads. If you are coming from a direction other than the North - use the meetup map link above.