Fourth of July events around the Charlottesville Area
The United States of America is celebrating its 241st Birthday this year and many of our surrounding communities, including the city of Charlottesville, are planning fun celebrations. Here’s a short round-up of what’s available.
Crozet
The July 4th weekend will start on Saturday, July 1, in Crozet Virginia with the Crozet Independence Day Celebration. The Crozet Fire Department parade will begin at 5 pm on Crozet Avenue and will head over to Crozet Park, followed by live music, kiddie rides, food, local beer and cider. Pam Garrison from HitKicker 99.7 will MC the event and their mascot, the Hitkickin Chickin will be there. Starr Hill & Pro Re Nada Beer and Bold Rock Cider will also be on hand.Fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Volunteers are needed to help with the event in Crozet Park. The parade will close Park Road, High Street and Tabor Street from 5 until after 6 pm, so you will need to get to the park before 5 pm or be in the parade!
To help with costs donations will be glad accepted – suggested $4 per adult – kids 12 and under are free.
If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions – please call 434-823-5899.
The event is sponsored by the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, Crozet Community Association, Claudius Crozet Park, Crozet Lions Club, White Hall Ruritans, Life Journey Church, Crozet Board of Trade, and several other area churches, and citizen volunteers.
Free Union
The fun continues on Sunday, July 2, over in Free Union where everyone is invited to either participate or watch the Independence Day parade and catch flying candy on Sunday, July 2, starting at 4 pm.
If you’d like to be in it (dress up, decorate a bike, a wagon, make a family float out of your pickup truck, ride a horse, etc.) then just show up at the parking lot of the Church of the Brethren at 3:30 pm, and you’ll be part of the lineup. It’s that easy!
Stanardsville
On Tuesday, July 4, just to the north of Charlottesville, the town of Stanardsville will host an all-day event, starting with a parade through the main streets at 10 am, and continuing throughout the day with hot air balloon rides, a community water balloon battle, live music, dunk tank, games and contest and a bounce house.
For the evening events, everything will start at 5 pm over at the William Monroe High School Grounds with live music, drum and pipes corps and Capitol Sheds Fireworks that will start at dusk.
Scottsville
Just south of Charlottesville, Scottsville will hold its 104th – yes, you read that correctly – July 4th celebration on Tuesday, July 4. Events will include their highly touted annual parade at 9 a.m, vendors at Dorrier Park during the day, music at Dorrier Park from 6 to 9 p.m. and then fireworks at dusk.
The Scottsville Volunteer Fire Department parade will proceed from James River Road (east) down Valley Street (Route 20) to East Main Street (Route 6). These streets will be closed from 8:45 a.m. until approximately 10:30 a.m.
There will be no parking on Harrison Street from 6 until 11:30 a.m. Any vehicles parked on Harrison Street during this time will be towed.
Road Closure Information: Starting at 7:30 a.m. James River Road between Blenheim Road and Valley Street will be limited to parade traffic only. Traffic on James River Road will flow from Blenheim Road towards Valley Street.
Starting at 9 a.m. the following roads will be closed to traffic: James River Road between Blenheim Road and Valley Street, Valley Street between James River Road and East Main Street, and East Main Street between Valley Street and Poplar Spring Road.
Charlottesville
We’re fortunate in Charlottesville to have Monticello, the home of one of the crafters of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, available for the 55th annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony. will speak to new citizens from around the world.
Past speakers have included: Larry Sabato, Gen. Colin L. Powell, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Department of Defense; Madeleine K. Albright, former Secretary of State; I.M. Pei, architect; George W. Bush, President of the United States; Tracey Ullman, actress and comedienne; Nadia Comăneci, Gold-medal-winning Olympic gymnast; and local musical favorite, Dave Matthews.
Music performed by the Charlottesville Municipal Band will start at 9 am and the ceremony starts at 10 am.
McIntire Park will open for Fourth of July festivities at 4 pm on the 4th of July. There will be entertainment and food vendors starting at 5 pm. The fireworks will begin at approx. 9:15 pm. There’s no parking at the park, or golf course for the public. Both areas will be gated.
Beginning at 4 pm 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.
Happy 241st Birthday America!
