The Perfect Fourth of July in West Virginia By
Penny Fox
It’s time to celebrate the red, white, and blue! Independence Day is the centerpiece to an American summer. And in West Virginia, we know how to show off our patriotic pride. From firework displays to parades to music festivals, discover all that’s happening around the state this July 4!
1. Celebrate America! Events, Weirton, Davis, Clarksburg, Wheeling, WV
Celebrate America’s birthday with the Wheeling Symphony at four locations across the West Virginia. The Weirton Event Center in Weirton, Canaan Valley State Park in Davis, the Clarksburg Amphitheater in Clarksburg, and the Wheeling Heritage Port in Wheeling are hosting free concerts of patriotic songs that will life your spirits. You’ll enjoy an evening of great music and food, then finish this patriotic event with fireworks that will dazzle you.
2. Alderson 4th of July Celebration, Alderson, WV
Known as having one of the best celebrations in the state, the festivities go on all week long in Alderson, West Virginia. Named the No. 1 Fireworks Show by WV Living, there is a free gospel sing sponsored by the Alderson River of Life Church of God, a 5K Run for Snacks Race, corn hole tournament, baking contest, horse show, Stuart’s Hot Dawg Eating Contest, ice cream social, July 4 banquet, water events, tug of war, rodeo, car show, parade, and plenty more. To top it off there is a Grand Fireworks Display on July 4 just after 10 p.m. There’s something for everyone all week long!
3. Ripley Believes in America, Ripley, WV
Beat the summertime blues and join the celebration of our nation’s birthday at the Ripley Believes in America, also known as “the USA’s largest small town Independence Day Celebration.” Festivities begin early in the week with special concerts, historic presentations, and a sock hop at the courthouse. July 4 activities start with a Pancake Breakfast at Calvary Methodist Church at 7 a.m. Later in the day, you can participate in the Firecracker 2-mile Race, watch the parade, enjoy carnival rides, try treats from local food vendors, and tap your foot to America’s #1 Alabama tribute band, as well as the headliner of this year’s U-Turn Concert, the Grammy Award winning Zach Williams. That evening’s events include more music and conclude with the grand fireworks display at 10 p.m.
4. Celebration of America, Morgantown, WV
This Fourth of July starts off with a bang at the High Street parade. Come down before 6:30 p.m. so you can get a good spot. On the Courthouse Square the band Trail of Fire will be playing throughout the evening. Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza will be on deck serving up some delicious bites while the fireworks are going on, Hagans-Evans Chapter of the DAR will have a refreshments area set up at Courthouse Square which will raise money for Wreaths Across America. So pick a spot around the 200th block of High Street and get comfortable to watch the fireworks!
5. West Virginia Freedom Festival, Logan, WV
There are so many exciting events taking place July 4 through July 7 at the West Virginia Freedom Festival in downtown Logan, West Virginia, that you’ll have no trouble finding something to do. Logan will pay special tribute to all military personnel during the festival, and there will be a grand fireworks display planned for Wednesday. Additional events include live performances, including Kellie Pickler on Saturday, food and beverage vendors, activities for the whole family, and more!
6. 4th of July Celebration, Charleston, WV
Looking for a great vacation idea during July 4? There’s no better place for a great family Fourth of July celebration of our country’s birthday than in Charleston, West Virginia. Since Charleston is the state capital, there are some major events taking place. There is live musical entertainment including Live on the Levee amongst others. From there, you’ll be excited to know that Charleston’s hour-long fireworks display has over 500 fireworks to amaze and dazzle visitors young and old. While in the capital city, you can also celebrate National Ice Cream Month by visiting Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream, and check out the Black Sheep Burrito and Brews for some great local beers and burritos. If you like outdoor activities bring your bike and travel the Kanawha City Bike Trail along the Kanawha River.
7. Fireworks, Festivals, and Fun, Fayetteville, WV
Be part of a small-town Independence Day celebration with fireworks, festivals, and fun in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Events begin on July 1 with a free Independence Concert at the Festival Park. Throughout the week, pay your respects at the Field of Honor at the Airbourne and Special Operations Museum. July 4 starts off at 7 a.m. with the Firecracker 4 Miler at North Carolina Veterans Park. Throughout the day there are festivities including musical acts, parachute free-fall demos, food and beverage vendors, the famous flag ceremony, and lastly fireworks that start when the sun is finally sleeping.
8. Homegrown Music Festival, Snowshoe, WV
The well-known ski resort at Snowshoe isn’t just a great place to visit in the winter. Come celebrate the Homegrown Music Festival in Snowshoe, West Virginia. Starting on July 4 and going to July 8, this music festival has a lot a lot goin’ on! From village dance parties to seed spitting competitions, there’s surely something for everybody. Not only is there a lot to do, but there will be a lot of local food and craft brews to try. Starting on Wednesday there are music acts such as Bicycle performing every afternoon. On July 7 there will be fireworks on the mountain top to really excite the crowd!
9. Fourth of July Fireworks, Shenandoah Junction, WV
Sponsored by Jefferson County Parks & Recreation, the public is invited to experience Independence Day at Sam Michael’s Park in Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia. Join what has become a very popular free celebration with your friends and family at the annual event that draws more than 10,000 people. Sample delicious food, and check out the local businesses and crafters who have items available to take home. There will be plenty of kid’s activities and live music for everyone!
