Here’s what’s on tap today in Culpeper

8 a.m. — 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. Interested participants may register in person at Gold’s Gym by 7:45 a.m.
10 a.m. — The Culpeper Renaissance Fourth 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 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.
nAt 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.
nFrom 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.
nFrom 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 car show. There will be no parking along those areas of Davis Street during this time. Commerce Street and the E. Davis St. parking lot will also be closed.
nE. 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.
nAt 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.