Culpeper celebrates nation’s 233rd anniversary

Culpeper’s celebration of the 233rd anniversary of our nation’s independence passed with pleasant weather, clear skies, fireworks and all of the usual fun, pomp and circumstance expected in a community’s annual July 4 celebration of freedom.

Unlike last year, rain didn’t dampen the festivities at all and temperatures in the mid 80s were moderated by an occasional light breeze.

“The Declaration of Independence is only the beginning of what we celebrate,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Chase during a noon ceremony. “Every American needs to understand that independence is something we work for every day.”

Dozens of people participated in the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence on the lawn of the Culpeper County courthouse. The Blue Ridge Chorale provided music and the Culpeper Minute Men rendered a three-gun salute to conclude the ceremony.

Just down the street, another type of independence was on display. There were more than 200 entries in the car and bike show, sponsored by Culpeper Renaissance Inc.

Mike Lysczek, a member of the CRI board, said that good weather likely prompted the good turnout. Especially mindful of the potentially unfavorable impact of rain or wind on their prized autos, “these people watch the weather,” he said.

William Norrell brought a military touch to the displays of mostly muscle and vintage cars. He displayed a 1951 M37 weapons truck, a Korean War-era vehicle.

“I kind of like this vintage,” he said, adding that he wouldn’t mind owning a deuce-and-a-half, another military truck from the same era.

Norrell, himself a military veteran, was on hand to represent Mission Gratitude, a military community outreach sponsored by Mountain View Community Church. The program allowed residents the chance visitors to their booth to write a note of appreciation to military members serving overseas.

James and Jane Pittman of Amissville were among hundreds gathered along Main Street to view the town’s 15th annual parade. Many people began staking out a good viewing spot nearly an hour before the parade’s 4 p.m. start.

“We might,” responded Jane when asked if anyone she knew would be appearing in the parade. “We won’t know for sure until we see them,” she added, laughing. “As soon as we get done here,” she continued, “We’re heading over,” to the park.

At Yowell Meadow Park, aromas of grilling meat wafted from the parking lot over to the playground as crowds lined up for everything from tacos to ice cream to hot dogs and pizza.

The Dark Hollow bluegrass band entertained the crowd with music, while across the park, dozens of people entertained themselves by participating in the Culpeper Olympics.

The field day event, sponsored by the Star-Exponent, allowed people to claim a medal for their hula-hooping, and sack racing skills among others.

Just outside the park boundaries, another crowd lined up for free hot dogs, snow cones, cold water and face painting and a Moon Bounce provided by Mosaic Church.

Pastor Duane Eatmon said this was the second year the church sponsored the July 4 outreach, run with the help of volunteers from Mosaic and other local churches.