Williamsburg and Yorktown are among the places on the Peninsula that are bringing back celebrations for the 4th of July holiday.
York County recently announced plans for its 42nd Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 4. Free family activities will take place on Historic Main Street and along the waterfront at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown throughout the day. Special programming will also be held at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
Yorktown’s schedule of 4th of July activities includes:
8am: The Yorktown Independence Day 8K Run/Walk at Surrender Field
9am: The Patriotic Parade, coordinated by VFW 824 with festive music provided by DJ Ron Herrick, along Water and Main Streets
1pm: Outdoor games and kids activities presented by the Riverwalk Landing Business Association along Riverwalk Landing, including a hot dog eating contest presented by Carrot Tree & Toby’s Dog House
4pm: Parking will open for evening events at the Yorktown Battlefield, Cook Road and Ballard Street. The Patriotic Food Pavilion will also open along Riverwalk Landing. Those attending the evening fireworks celebration must park at the Yorktown Battlefield, which will remain open until it reaches capacity.
7pm: Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony at the Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage
8pm: Super Jazz Band Concert featuring Conni Ironmonger on the Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage
9:15pm: A Fireworks Display over York River, which will be visible from the Yorktown waterfront and the Victory Monument
For more information on Yorktown’s Independence Day events, visit www.visityorktown.org.
Colonial Williamsburg and the City of Williamsburg also released a schedule of events and activities for the 4th of July.
Independence Day programming actually starts in Colonial Williamsburg on Saturday, July 3 at 8pm with a performance by The United States Air Force Heritage of America band as part of Community Appreciation Day. The hour-long concert will take place on the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg and also include sno-balls and ice cream from Sno-to-Go and a special video presentation produced by Identity Production Studios.
Colonial Williamsburg will have family-friendly activities throughout the day on Sunday, July 4. Among the events are:
9:30 am: A reading of the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson on the Capitol West Balcony
1pm: Chowning’s Tavern’s 80th Anniversary Beer Bash
7pm: A live performance by Good Shot Judy on the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
9:20: A Fireworks display above the Governor’s Palace and surrounding areas
For a complete list of 4th of July events in Colonial Williamsburg, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.org.
“After a year when so much had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, I am pleased that the public can join the city of Williamsburg and Colonial Williamsburg this July 4 to enjoy fireworks over the Governor’s Palace once again,” Williamsburg City Manager Andrew O. Trivette said. “We’re excited to have this opportunity to welcome people back to Williamsburg.”
The City of Newport News previously announced plans to cancel its fireworks display for the 4th of July again this year.