Independence Day Fun in central Virginia

SUNDAY, July 1
SPOTSYLVANIA - STARS & STRIPES SPECTACULAR
Activities include Colonial re-enactors, music, children's games and activities, pipe-tapping demonstrations and historical tours of the Old Court House, 1855 Jail, Christ Episcopal Church, Spotsylvania Museum and Stubbs School. Fireworks will be visible throughout the Court House area. 3 to 11:30 p.m. (800) 260-3646 or http://www.visitfred.com./

TUESDAY, July 3
HENRICO - GENWORTH FINANCIAL CELEBRATE FREEDOM
The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band will highlight this evening of music, children's activities and fireworks. The event starts at 6:30 p.m.; the concert will begin at 7:30. Fireworks are scheduled for 8:45. All at Genworth Financial headquarters, 6620 W. Broad St. 804/281-6699.

July 4, Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - 24TH ANNUAL RACE KIWANIS INDEPENDENCE DAY 5K RUN
The Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville and The Charlottesville Track Club.Each entrant will receive a race t-shirt. Trophies will be awarded. Refreshments will be provided. Forest Lakes North Subdivision - follow signs from Route 29. 7:30am. $15 by mail or at the Ragged Mountain Running Shop by July 1, $18 on race day before 6:30am. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-4856.

Wednesday, July 4
CHARLOTTESVILLE - FIREWORKS FLY AT MCINTIRE PARK
McIntire Park will open for Fourth of July festivities at 4pm on the 4th of July. There will be entertainment and food vendors starting at 5pm. The fireworks will begin at approx. 9:15pm. There is no parking at the park, or golf course for the public. Both areas will be gated. Beginning at 4:00pm the CTS will offer free shuttle bus service from these satellite parking lots: K-Mart on Hydraulic Road and the Albemarle County Office Building. Two buses will serve Walker Middle School Upper parking Lot for passengers with disabilities, to McIntire Park. Return shuttle service until the park is empty. No dogs, alcohol, or personal fireworks will be allowed in the park. Fees for some events, but the fireworks are free. All ages welcome.

July 4, Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - MONTICELLO ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION AND NATURALIZATION CEREMONY
This outdoor naturalization ceremony for new citizens on Monticello’s West Lawn is one of America’s most inspiring July 4 events. The Charlottesville Municipal Band will perform patriotic music. West Lawn at Monticello. Directions: off Route 53. 10am. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/984-9822.

July 4, Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - ASH LAWN-HIGHLAND CELEBRATING AMERICA'S INDEPENDENCE WITH JAMES MONROE
In celebration of Independence Day, James Monroe will be "at home" at Ash Lawn-Highland. As visitors tour his historic estate, the fifth President will welcome them in the intimacy of his study where he will reminisce about his part in the founding of our nation. Craft demonstrations, colonial games and more. Bring your picnic and lunch on the lawn. Ash Lawn-Highland. Directions: 1000 James Monroe Parkway, Charlottesville, 2.5 miles past Monticello. 1 to 5pm, rain or shine. $Free with admission. All ages welcome. Special Needs Accommodation: Wheelchair accessible, foreign language tours availble Email: mailto:info@ashlawnhighland.org?subject=Celebrating. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/293-9539.

July 4, Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - GRAVES MOUNTAIN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Graves Mountain Lodge.Celebrate Independence Day with a Fireworks display around 9 PM. Donations benefit Madison County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. Graves Mountain Lodge. Directions: 29N to Rt 231 in Madison, go 5 miles to Banco and turn left on rt. 670 and drive 4 miles to the Lodge. 9pm. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@gravesmountain.com?subject=Graves. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-923-5071.

July 3 and 4, Tuesday and Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL: NANNY MCPHEE (PG)
Regal Cinema and AlbemarleFamily.com.No reserved seating. First come first served basis. Kids meals available. Seminole Square (behind Kmart). 10am. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/980-3333.

July 3 and 4, Tuesday and Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL: WALLACE AND GROMIT : THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT (G)
Regal Cinema and AlbemarleFamily.com.No reserved seating. First come first served basis. Kids meals available. Seminole Square (behind Kmart). 10am. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/980-3333.

Wednesday, July 4
LOUISA FIREMEN'S FAIR & FIREWORKS
The Louisa County Volunteer Fire Department's fair all week, rides, games, food, at the Firemen's Fairgrounds in the town of Louisa. Also a fireworks display will be held July 4th, at approximately 9:30pm-10:00pm, at the Firemen's Fairgrounds in the town of Louisa as well.

June 29 through July 4, Friday through Wednesday
WINTERGREEN - 4TH OF JULY JUBILEE
Wintergreen Resort. Celebrate the red, white and blue at Wintergreen Resort! The holiday weekend is packed with fun-filled activities, including chairlift rides, live music, a family movie under the stars, and the annual Arts & Crafts Show. See fireworks light up the mountain sky on June 30 and July 4. Wintergreen Resort. Directions: I-64 west to exit 99 (Route 250). Take Route 250 west to Route 151 south to Route 664, 14.2 miles. Turn right and Wintergreen is 4.5 miles ahead on Route 664. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@wintergreenresort.com?subject=4th. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-2200.

July 4, Wednesday
FUN ON THE FOURTH AT WINTERGREEN WINERY
Wintergreen Winery. Fun on the Fourth at Wintergreen Winery. Celebrate America at the winery… Sip wine, listen to live music, picnic by the river, shop, soak in the scenery and relax! Wine & gift shop specials. Light picnic fare and scenic riverside picnic area available. (Fireworks at nearby Wintergreen Resort.) Wintergreen Winery. Directions: Route 664, near intersection with Route 151 - Wintergreen. 10am to 6pm. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@wintergreenwinery.com?subject=Fun. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434-361-2519.

July 4, Wednesday
THOMAS JEFFERSON'S POPLAR FOREST INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Celebrate America's birthday at the retreat home of the author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson's era comes alive as living history interpreters re-create his time. Hands-on activities and period games make the day memorable for all ages. The day is highlighted with the reading of the Declaration at 3 p.m. from the back portico of Jefferson's home. Tours of Jefferson’s house available for a separate fee. Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest. Directions: 1548 Bateman Bridge Road, Route 661. Take Rte 29S to 501 north. Exit at Graves Mill Rd, exit 11, and turn left onto Graves Mill Rd (Rte 1425). Proceed for 1.7 miles to Rte 221. Turn left on 221 and proceed for 2.5 miles to Rte 811. Turn left at the light onto Rt. 811. Proceed for 1 mile and turn left onto Rte 661. Go one mile and look for Poplar Forest entrance on the right. 11am to 4pm. $4 parking fee. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/525-1806.

July 4, Wednesday
SCOTTSVILLE - 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION!
Town of Scottsville.A big 4th of July celebration happens in Scottsville each year starting with a parade at 10am, free concert at Dorrier Park at 6pm, and ending with a fireworks show at 9:30pm. The fireworks are an especially beautiful display over the river when viewed from the bridge! Town of Scottsville. Directions: 30-45 minutes south of Charlottesville on Rt 20. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/286-2623.

July 4, Wednesday
SCOTTSVILLE - RHYTHM ON THE RIVER CONCERT
An annual tradition that gets better every year! Pack a picnic and a blanket for this live concert and festivities. Featuring great local artists Silver Creek Band and Eli Cook, followed by fireworks over the James River. Dorrier Park. Directions: Rt. 20 South from Charlottesville. Travel 18 miles to to down town Scottsville. Turn right onto Main Street (last right before the bridge over the James River). Take the first left after the Scottsville Post Office. Dorrier Park is straight ahead. 6pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:rhythmontheriver@hotmail.com?subject=Rhythm. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/286-2247.

July 4, Wednesday
STAUNTON - INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION ON THE 1850’S AMERICAN FARM
Frontier Culture Museum.Declaration of Independence reading at 12pm and 2pm on the Bowman Farm. Contests, games, and other old-fashioned fun as guests interpret the lives of our ancestors in the 1850’s. Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton. Directions: take I-64 west to I-81 north exit 222. 11am to 4pm. $general admission. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@fcmv.virginia.gov?subject=Independence. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-332-7850.

July 4, Wednesday
CROZET - INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH KING FAMILY VINEYARDS
Reds, Whites, and the Blue Ridge. Third annual Independence Day celebration at King Family Vineyards. Bring a kite or a frisbee and lawn chairs and enjoy live Bluegrass music compliments of "Willow Branch." Children under 10 free. King Family Vineyards. Directions: 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet. Take Rt. 250 West past Western Albemarle High School. Turn right onto Rt. 797 (Hillsboro Lane). Turn right onto Rt. 684 (Half Mile Branch). Go one mile, winery entrance on the left. 11am to 5pm. $5 per person for adults, children under 10 are free. Contact: David and Ellen King. Email: mailto:info@kingfamilyvineyards.com?subject=Independence. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/823-7800.

July 3 and 4, Tuesday and Wednesday
LEXINGTON - 11TH ANNUAL BB&T JULY 4TH BALLOON RALLY
Enjoy piloted and tethered balloon flights, pony rides, children's field entertainment, and a hot air balloon "glow" at night! Food and craft vendors, antique automobiles, fire department demonstrations and more! Live music both nights! Fireworks on the 4th! Virginia Military Institute Parade Grounds. Directions: I81 to I64 West, Lexington exit 55 onto Route 11. Follow Rt. 11 into downtown Lexington, right on Letcher Avenue. 6am to 9:30pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@sunriserotarylexva.org?subject=11th. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-463-3777.

July 4, Wednesday
OAKENCROFT VINEYARD - RED, WHITE AND LISTEN TO THE BLUES
Wine tastings of all our celebrated wines, tours, stroll to the vineyards, picnic by the lake. Light fare. Enjoy LIVE MUSIC! Oakencroft Vineyard. Directions: 1486 Oakencroft Lane. 11am to 5pm. $10 includes your wine glass. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:mail@oakencroft.com?subject=RED,. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/296-4188.

Wednesday, July 4
ASHLAND
Fourth of July Celebration -- Line up for the 11 a.m. nonmotorized parade and stay for the apple pie contest, book sale, music, crafts and games. Horse-drawn carriage rides also will be offered. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Hanover Arts and Activity Center, 500 S. Center St. 798-2728 or http://www.hanoverarts.com./

July 4, Wednesday
HENRICO - OLD-FASHIONED FOURTH OF JULY
Henrico Parks and Rec, Richmond.Free fun for the whole family! Join the fun for the spectacular event in celebration of America. Enjoy a multi-faceted array of festive entertainment and activities including musical entertainment, train rides, pony rides, patriotic arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo for children, contests and games for all ages, and much more! Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park . Directions: 3400 Mountain Road, Richmond, VA Take 95N to 295W to Woodman Road South Exit. Make a right at the first light onto Mountain Road. Go 2 miles and park entrance is on the right. 1 to 5pm. $Free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-501-5121.

Wednesday, July 4
HENRICO COUNTY INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBATION AT THE RICHMOND RACEWAY COMPLEX
Activities at the Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Ave., include a 5K race and 1-mile run, car show, kids' activity area, live music, ceremony honoring America's 400th anniversary and the armed forces, and fireworks finale. Gates open at 3 p.m. 804/777-7752. TOUR: Richmond Raceway Complex

Wednesday, July 4
RICHMOND, LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN
Let your children wave in a parade from the visitor center to the children's garden, where there will be beach music and kid-friendly crafts and activities. Bring wagons and strollers to decorate. 1 to 4 p.m. Parade is at 2 p.m. Garden admission: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $6 children ages 3-12. 1800 Lakeside Ave. 804/262-9887 or http://www.lewisginter.org./ TOUR: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Wednesday, July 4
RICHMOND - DOGWOOD DELL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Fireworks follow free concerts featuring Back'N Da Day, Lawrence Robinson and the Richmond Concert Band. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Dell, Byrd Park. 804/646-3355. TOUR: Dogwood Dell

Wednesday, July 4
RICHMOND AND THE REVOLUTION: FROM VILLAGE TO VICTORY, BUS TOUR
This 2½-hour bus tour of Richmond visits locations that played a significant role in the movement toward American independence, including patriots' homes and St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tour meets at 10 a.m. at Valentine Richmond History Center, 1015 E. Clay St. Cost: $24 adults; $21 children ages 6-18, history center members and veterans. To reserve seats, call 804/649-0711. TOUR: St. John's Church, Valentine Richmond History Center

Wednesday & Thursday, July 4 & 5
RICHMOND BRAVES FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA
Fireworks begin after the 7 p.m. games against the Syracuse Chiefs at The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard. Game tickets are $8-$16. 804/359-4444 or http://www.rbraves.com/. TOUR: The Diamond

Wednesday, July 4
RICHMOND - ST. JOHN'S CHURCH RE-ENACTMENT
Re-enactment of the 1775 Second Virginia Convention, where Patrick Henry famously proclaimed, "Give me liberty or give me death!" 2 p.m., ticket distribution begins at 1 p.m. 2401 E. Broad St. 804/648-5015 or 804/564-1002. TOUR: St. John's Church

Wednesday, July 4
MOUNT VERNON - AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION
Celebrate the Fourth of July at George Washington's house. Activities include a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War military demonstrations, wreath-laying ceremony at Washington's tomb and patriotic music. George and Martha Washington re-enactors will be on hand to greet and take photographs with visitors. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Estate admission: $13 adults, $6 children ages 6 to 11. (703) 780-2000 or http://www.mountvernon.org./

July 4, Wednesday
INDEPENDENCE DAY AT COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Colonial Williamsburg.Celebrate Independence Day in Colonial Williamsburg, where the idea of an independent country free from British rule first began. Listen to the Declaration of Independence read from the steps of the courthouse, just as it was more than 225 years ago. Enjoy performances by the Fifes and Drums, followed by fireworks set off in the style popular in colonial times. Colonial Williamsburg. Directions: I-64E to exit 238. Follow signs.. 9am to 5pm. $Free with admission. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 757-229-1000.

Wednesday, July 4
VIRGINIA BEACH STARS & STRIPES EXPLOSION
The annual Hampton Roads celebration will include several concerts: Symphonicity, the Virginia Beach Chorale and Doorway Singers will perform beginning at 8 p.m. on the 20th Street stage. Revolution -- The Beatles Tribute will play at 7 and 10 p.m. at the Beachstreet Starfish Pavilion at 17th Street. Bruce in the USA will play at 7 and 9:45 p.m. at Neptune Park at 31st Street, and Firefall will perform at 8:45 and 10 p.m. at the Beachstreet Seaside Palladium at 24th Street. Oceanfront fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. (800) 822-3224 or http://www.vbfun.com/.

SATURDAY, July 7
HENRICO
Independence Boat Parade -- Decorated boats will cruise the James River between Richmond and the Varina-Enon Bridge. Prizes will be given at Osborne Park, 9680 Osborne Turnpike, where there also will be livemusic and children's activities. 5 to 7 p.m. 804/501-5121 or http://www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com/.