The Perfect Fourth of July in West Virginia! By
Penny Fox
Red, white, and blue are the colors of the day and represent our country’s birthday at annual Fourth of July celebrations all over our nation. Come join the festivities across the Mountain State that make for the perfect Fourth of July. After these celebrations, you’ll know why we’re called Wild, Wonderful West Virginia!
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, cornhole tournament, baking contest, horse show, hot dog eating contest, ice cream social, July 4th banquet, water events, kid’s bike race, rodeo, car show, parade, and fireworks display. 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. That evening’s events include more music and conclude with the grand fireworks display at 10 p.m.
4. Celebration of America, Morgantown, WV
The beautiful Monongahela River is the backdrop for the 20th Celebration of America in Morgantown, West Virginia. Special music at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park Amphitheater, great food from local eateries, a parade, shopping, and contests will keep you busy during the day. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and find your favorite place to sit back and enjoy the fabulous fireworks display by the river.
5. West Virginia Freedom Festival, Logan, WV
There are so many exciting events taking place July 6th through July 8th 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 are 2 grand fireworks displays planned. Additional events include a special presentation in memory of Barney Fife, the legendary small town police officer from The Andy Griffith Show, live animal shows, a car and bike show, and food vendors.
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 is plenty of live musical entertainment including Live on the Levee. 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 Capitol Market for some great local and regional beers. 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 3 with music from the Beauty Mountain Groove Project, the Hit and Run Band, Krista Hughes and Ann Sumpter. Plenty of food vendors will be on hand to offer local treats. The fun continues on July 4 with a parade that starts at 11 a.m., a classic car show in the court house parking lot, music by the Gospel Harmony Boys and other fun events like a turtle race, frog jumping, hula hoop contest, balloon toss, and watermelon seed spitting. Fireworks begin at dusk.
8. Harper’s Ferry Women’s Club Independence Day Celebration, Harpers Ferry, WV
Events are free and family friendly and include activities like a public tug-of-war game, enjoying a guided tour on one of the local trails, a live music concert by Rohrersville Coronet Band, and food provided by the Harpers Ferry Women’s Club at Gazebo Park. Nearby Shenandoah Junction hosts the annual firework display the Saturday before the Fourth, but no alcohol or pets are allowed.
9. Homegrown Music Festival and Independence Day Celebration, 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 and Independence Day in Snowshoe, West Virginia, by listening to a free concert by Beats on the Basin, a fantastic brass band from Nashville on July 1. There will be a firework display on July 2 around 9 p.m. that can be seen from several excellent vantage points at the popular lodge. Local art and craft vendors will be on hand for Community Appreciate Days, with free fun passes for neighboring county residents, and you’ll be able to sample some of the best local craft beers and food in the state.
10. 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. Special children’s programs include a jump-all-night inflatable area for $5 per child.
