Fourth of July events
By Casey Gillis on Jun. 28, 2007
Friday, June 29
Fourth of July Celebration at Wintergreen
The resort begins its celebrating with storytelling around the campfire and s’mores. 8 p.m. Call (434) 325-8180 or visit http://www.wintergreenresort.com for more information.
James River Fourth of July Weekend (Gladstone)
Listen to a park naturalist’s discussion, have s’mores around the campfire, take a wagon ride in search of owls, feed resident critters at the park’s nature center or visit Treasure Island by canoe, kayak or tube to learn more about the James River. The park’s canoe livery rents canoes, kayaks, tubes and bicycles, and offers shuttle services. Runs through July 2. Call (434) 933-4355 or visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/jam.shtml.
Fourth of July Celebration at Wintergreen
Arts and crafts show — featuring woodworking, ceramics, oil painting and jewelry from more than 30 artisans — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chairlift rides. Music on Blue Ridge Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Birdhouse workshop at 2 p.m. ($18 entry fee). The Red, White & Blue Block Party kicks off at 5:30 p.m., with an appearance by Uncle Sam and face painting, cotton candy and popcorn. Enjoy the tunes of Eddie from Ohio in the Evans Center at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks on Potato Patch Slope at 9:30 p.m. Call (434) 325-8180 or visit
http://www.wintergreenresort.com.
James River Fourth of July Weekend
See June 29.
Celebrate America Extravaganza at Thomas Road Baptist Church
Billed as an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration, the event will feature carnival rides for kids, food, tours, games, music and entertainment at 1 p.m. in Liberty University’s A.L. Williams Football Stadium. The annual God and Country Celebrate America begins at 7 p.m. with patriotic music and a grand finale of “Thunder on the Mountain,” a fireworks display form atop Liberty Mountain. No admission or parking fees. (434) 239-9281 or http://www.trbc.org.
Fourth of July Celebration at Wintergreen
Start the day off with the All American Breakfast Buffet at The Copper Mine from 7 a.m. to noon. There will be a nondenominational worship service on Blue Ridge Terrace at 9 a.m. The arts and crafts show — featuring woodworking, ceramics, oil painting and jewelry from more than 30 artisans — runs again from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chairlift rides. Craft workshop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Shrek: The Third” will be shown in the Evans Center at 8:30 p.m. Call (434) 325-8180 or visit http://www.wintergreenresort.com.
James River Fourth of July Weekend
See June 29.
Fourth of July Celebration at Wintergreen
A day full of family friendly activities will be going on at Lake Monocan, including a sand castle competition at 1 p.m. $11 for adults, $8 for kids ages 6-12, and free for those 5 and younger. Pony rides will be available at the lake from 10 a.m. to noon for $5. End the night with a little gambling, as the resort hosts Casino Night at Pryors Porch. Blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em and raffles. $10 for chips, 18 and older. Call (434) 325-8180 or visit
http://www.wintergreenresort.com.
James River Fourth of July Weekend
See June 29.
Fourth of July Celebration at Wintergreen
Chairlift rides available during the day. Red, White & Blue Block Party from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The Worx play an Independence Day concert at 6:30 p.m. in the Evans Center, followed by a fireworks display at the Potato Patch slope at 9:30 p.m. Call (434) 325-8180 or visit http://www.wintergreenresort.com.
Independence Day Celebration at Afton Mountain Vineyards
Live tunes by Trees on Fire from noon to 6 p.m. Samples of new wines, including 2006 Sweet Afton, Sangiovese and Pinot Noir, with complimentary gazpacho. Tours will be at 11 a.m. and 2 and 5 p.m. $3 per person, includes souvenir wine glass, tasting and tour. Free for non-tasters. Bring a picnic. Call (540) 456-8667 or visit http://www.aftonmountainvineyards.com.
Independence Day Celebration at Poplar Forest
Living history demonstrations, hands-on history activities and musical performances — including hearth cooking demonstrations, basket weaving, Native American cattail mat weaving and a Jefferson-era mourner (Jefferson died on the 50th anniversary of Independence Day) — from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other performers include Otto the Sword Swallower, who swallows real swords and fire; Signora Bella, a 19th century Italian street performer, who will show off her talents with feats of balance, juggling and slack rope; and the Colonial Conjurer, a magician. There will also be African American storytelling, many children’s activities, food vendors and a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3 p.m. There is a $4 parking free ($15 for buses) and an admission charge for the house tour, but all grounds activities are free. Call (434) 525-1806 or visit
http://www.poplarforest.org.
Independence Day Celebration at Red Hill, Patrick Henry National Memorial in Brookneal
Events run from 3 to 9 p.m. Live music from the G.T. Swing Band, beginning at 5 p.m. Patrick Henry will delivery his famous speech at 7 p.m. New this year is a Living History Program, where you can try your hand at 18th century blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, hearthside cooking and medicine-making (from 6 to 8:30 p.m.). Buildings on the plantation will be open for tours from 3 to 7 p.m. Handcrafted jewelry and artwork will be on display and up for sale. Bring a picnic lunch or sample fare from a variety of food vendors. $10 per vehicle carrying up to 8 passengers. Extra passengers are $2 per person. Call (800) 514-7463 or visit http://www.redhill.org.
Libertyfest in Bedford
Family friendly event with music by Big Lick, which specializes in Top 40, rock n’ roll and country music. Face painting and moon bounces for the kids; beer and wine garden for the adults. Food is carnival fare like barbecue, burgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes and lemonade. 5-10 p.m. in the Farmer’s Market in Centertown Bedford. $5 general admission, 12 and under get in free. Call (540) 586-2148 or visit http://www.centertownbedford.com.
Lynchburg City Stadium
Hillcats face off against the Salem Avalanche at 6:05 p.m., with fireworks following after the game. Adults $7, seniors $6 and kids ages 5-14 $5. Call (434) 528-1144 or visit http://www.lynchburghillcats.com.
u Saunders Volunteer Fire Company’s Annual Independence Day Fundraiser at Parkway Marina
This event at Smith Mountain Lake will feature live music by Dixie Driver, an antique and custom car show, military vehicles and hardware, rides for kids, food and drinks, a see-doo personal watercraft raffle and a signed Virginia Tech football helmet raffle. There is no general admission fee, but there is a parking fee applied to each car. Proceeds go back into the fire company. 5:30 p.m., with fireworks at nightfall. Call (540) 297-4412 or visit http://www.smlfireworks.org.
COMMENTS
The fireworks at the lake are worth the drive.