Many D.C. locals are dreading America's 250th celebrations
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A Freedom 250 banner hangs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on June 2. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images
America's 250th birthday celebrations are being billed as can't-miss events that will bring the whole country together — but many D.C. residents are straight up dreading them.
Why it matters: Washingtonians have to live amongst everything that accompanies a lineup of this magnitude: Road closures, intense security, huge crowds and off-limits areas — not to mention record-breaking fireworks terrorizing the city's dogs.
- And many locals in largely blue D.C. are feeling anxious about events that were initially billed as bipartisan but are increasingly tied to President Trump's agenda — an administration that has cracked down on D.C. and its inhabitants.
By the numbers: Axios D.C. polled nearly 500 readers about their thoughts on the 250 celebrations, and almost 68% said they aren't excited.
- About 23% said they don't care either way, and nearly 10% said they're pumped.
The top-three concerns for those dreading it all: Road closures, the noise and hubbub, and the upped security.
- For those excited, the new Smithsonian exhibits were the biggest draw.
What they're saying: Local restaurateur Tim Ma, behind venues like Lucky Danger restaurant near the National Mall and Any Day Now in Navy Yard, says the road closures and enhanced security will hurt foot traffic. "We're actually preparing as a business to be year-over-year down," Ma tells Axios.
- Ma plans to close his downtown Chinese-American restaurant on July 4. He says the spot is more popular with locals than tourists, and D.C. residents will likely be avoiding downtown that day.
- Plus: He's worried about potential violence and his employees' safety, especially after the "trauma" of being downtown during the Jan. 6 insurrection.
The intrigue: Some Axios D.C. readers said they're excited about a portion of the events, and will try to cherry-pick attending those not associated with the Freedom 250 group.
- The public-private partnership, established by Trump last year, is behind a variety of major events in D.C. — many involving the President — from the World Cup watch party on the mall to the IndyCar race and July 4 mega-fireworks.
- Meanwhile, alternative 250 programming events are beginning to emerge.
Other readers are lamenting what could have been a huge milestone celebration.
- "I wish I could get excited about it," one poll responder noted, pointing to the event's growing politicization and the administration's impact on D.C. institutions like the White House. "Instead of civic pride, it evokes dread."
Reality check: Some readers said they're amped about all the events and the chance to celebrate the country, and pointed out that more tourists mean an economic boost to a city that struggled with hospitality and tourism numbers last year.
Between the lines: Big, crowded events are a part of operating in downtown D.C., says Carmine's CEO Jeffrey Bank — and they're good for business. "The more people in town, the better."
- Carmine's reservations on and around July 4 are already outpacing last year's, according to Bank, and the restaurant has booked several private parties tied to the 250 happenings.
- Bank says he isn't worried about safety or violence, and that Carmine's remains apolitical. "Celebrating the country is always great. What's wrong with that?"
Meanwhile, D.C. hotel reservations are higher this July 4 weekend than last year's, according to the Washington Business Journal, and numbers are up for the June 14 UFC fight and Aug. 23 IndyCar race weekends, too.