Celebrate July 4th in Culpeper

A full day of patriotic fun is on deck as Culpeper celebrates the nation’s 233rd birthday on Saturday. Marlys Houston, chairwoman of the Culpeper Festival Committee, the group that organizes the annual celebration, said familiar favorites and a few new attractions will mark this year’s community celebration.

“This year we are having…the living history encampment at Yowell Meadow Park,” Houston said. The group will set up Friday night in the Yowell Meadow Park and will be on hand all day on Saturday.
Houston said about 30 volunteers have committed to help in all areas, but more are still sought. Anyone interested in helping in any capacity may e-mail the committee at .

Here’s a chronological look at what’s happening on July fourth in Culpeper:
8 a.m. — On Saturday, the day’s activities will begin with a 5K race. Participants will start at Gold’s Gym and make their way to Yowell Meadow Park. The online registration deadline has passed, but interested participants may register in person at Gold’s Gym by 7:45 a.m.

10 a.m. — The Culpeper Renaissance 4th of July Car and Bike Show is set for 10 a.m. at the Depot and Davis Street in downtown Culpeper. Awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m.

Also at 10 a.m., Mission Gratitude, an outreach of Mountain View Community Church, will offer residents the opportunity to write a note of appreciation for military members that are serving overseas. Mission Gratitude will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the corner of Davis and Commerce Streets. Call 825-5768.

Noon — The Sons of the American Revolution, Culpeper Minutemen Chapter, will read the Declaration of Independence on the lawn of the Culpeper County Courthouse. The Blue Ridge Chorale is set to present patriotic songs. They will be joined by and a fife and drum corps.

12:30 — The State Theatre will have an open house until 4 p.m. The landmark spot is undergoing renovations to restore it to its heyday look.

4 p.m. — The 15th annual July 4 parade begins on Main Street. This year, former county supervisor and longtime area resident John Coates is the grand marshal.

4:30 p.m. — The Star-Exponent will sponsor the second annual Culpeper Olympics. The field day-type event, which is for adults and kids alike, will feature a three-legged race, water balloon toss, and newspaper throwing competition, among other events.

5:15 p.m. —Music by the Dark Hollow Bluegrass band

9:15 p.m. — Fireworks

Police department announces road closings

The Culpeper Police Department has announced the following street closings on July 4. Signs will be posted in all areas and restrictions will be towing enforced.

- At 4 a.m., the Yowell Meadow Park parking lot off Blue Ridge Avenue and the E. Davis Street parking lot will close to allow for event setup. Both lots will remain closed until the early morning hours of July 5.

- From 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., Blue Ridge Avenue will be closed to traffic due to the 5k race. All Blue Ridge traffic will be detoured to West Street during the event.

- From 6 a.m. until 3 p.m., the 100 and 200 block of E. Davis St. and W. Davis St. will be closed for the Culpeper Renaissance Car Show. There will be no parking along those areas of Davis Street during this time. Commerce Street and the E. Davis Street parking lot will also be closed at this time.

- E. Piedmont Street from Main Street to Old Brandy Road and around to Wine Street and Main Street from Piedmont Street to Mason Street will be closed to all traffic and parking from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. due to the parade. Old Brandy Road from the town access road to Piedmont Street will also be closed to traffic.

- At 3 p.m. Blue Ridge Avenue from Sperryville Pike to Scanlon Street will close to through traffic due to the festivities in Yowell Meadow Park. Also at 3 p.m. Gardner Street will close to traffic. This portion of Blue Ridge Avenue will not reopen until the fireworks are over.

Friendly reminders for Culpeper’s celebration

-Remember to wear sun protection and drink plenty of water

-Handicap parking is available in the county parking lot across from Yowell Meadow Park. Spaces are limited.

-No alcoholic beverages permitted

-For safety reasons, no dogs are allowed at any of Culpeper’s July 4 events

-Schedules and more information about Culpeper’s annual July 4 celebration are online at culpeper4thofjuly.com.

Area July 4 celebrations
July 4 celebrations are also planned for nearby communities. They include:

- Graves Mountain: Graves Mountain Lodge in Madison County will feature live music with Jimmy O, picnic food and lots of kid-friendly activities including pony rides. Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m. Parking donations will benefit Madison Fire and Rescue. Call (540) 923-4231 or go to gravesmountain.com for more info.

- Sperryville: The Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department will host their third annual Rappahannock County 4th of July celebration at the Thornton Hill Hounds Race Course on U.S. 522, three miles south of Sperryville. Activities will include face painting and hot air balloon rides. Local live musical entertainment begins at 3 p.m. and continues until the fireworks. Admission is $20 per vehicle; all proceeds go to the fire department. For more information call (540) 987-8124 or visit sperryvillefire.com.

- Warrenton: The annual children and pets parade begins at 10 a.m. More than 800 kids are expected to don red, white and blue in this Independence Day parade that bans motorized vehicles. After the parade, the kids can enjoy ice cream, fire truck displays and treats for pets will be available too. Visit partnershipforwarrenton.org for more info.

- Orange: The county’s July 4 Picnic in the Park begins at 4:30 p.m. at Booster Park on Route 20 near the airport. Fun things to do for all ages are planned; remember to bring blankets and chairs. Fireworks will close the evening. Parking fee is $5. For more info call the Orange County Visitors Bureau at (540) 672-1653.