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 on July 4, 2019!
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 4th of July, 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 much more. Enjoy a day of jam-packed fun on July 4 and end the day with a firework display at 10 p.m. On July 6, get back together for an ice cream social and some live comedy. Events wrap up on July 7 with a concert.
4. West Virginia Freedom Festival, Logan, WV
There are so many exciting events taking place June 27 through June 29 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. Additional events include live performances, food and beverage vendors, activities for the whole family, and more!
5. 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 the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. 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.
6. Fayetteville Fourth of July Lion’s Club Celebration, Fayetteville, WV
Be part of a small-town Independence Day celebration with fireworks, festivals, and fun in Fayetteville, West Virginia. At noon on July 4, make sure to check out what the WV Classic Car Club has in store. Live music will happen from noon until 7 p.m. with performances from the Community Choir, Lady Blue Band, Common House's and the Ann Sumpter Band. Be sure to stick around for awesome fireworks at dusk.
7. Homegrown 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 Festival in Snowshoe, West Virginia. Starting on July 4 and going to July 7, 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. Enjoy musical acts like Shane Meade, Cody Clayton Eagle, and Morgan Wade.
