June 19, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jama Jarrett
304-558-2003, ext. 341
Jama.l.jarrett@wv.gov
Tourism Adventure Media Advisory
Independence Day Celebrations Across the State
Celebrate the Fourth of July in true Americana-style. From parades and concerts, to picnics and cookouts, West Virginians show their patriotic pride across the state with special events, and of course, fireworks. Regardless of your interest, West Virginia has something that will surely delight every member of your family. Get out and enjoy!
- Join the residents of Ripley for the largest July 4 th celebration in the state. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and include a parade, musical entertainment, fireworks and a carnival. To learn more, visit www.ripley4thofjuly.us.
- While in Ripley, make sure you visit the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair at Cedar Lakes Conference Center. This fair features juried Appalachian artists July 3-6. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for children and $5 for senior citizens. Group rates also are available. Visit www.msacf.com for more information.
- While in Charleston this Fourth of July sit back, relax and take in the sounds of Rubber Soul and at Live on Levee. Concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform later that night during the fireworks show. Food vendors will be present. This event is free to the public. For more information, call 304-348-8014.
- Schedule a weekend retreat with the family and visit Oglebay Resort as it celebrates the Fourth of July with music and dance. Bring your coolers, blankets and chairs and listen to the sounds of Legend on July 3. Fireworks will follow the band’s performance. Park activities will be open this holiday weekend and include the zoo, paddle boating, fishing, tennis, golfing and much, much more. To learn more, call 1- 800-624-6988 or visit www.oglebay-resort.com.
- Visit the historic town of Shepherdstown for its Fourth of July parade and picnic.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on German Street followed by a picnic from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Morgan's Grove Park. Picnic-goers can bring their own bagged lunch or buy lunch from a vendor. To learn more, call 304-876-2230.
- Take part in Mountaineer Days on July 4-6. Mountaineer Days in Thomas features crafts, fireworks, gift and novelty shops, parades and more. Additional activities will take place in nearby Davis and Canaan Valley, too! For more information call 304-259-5216 or visit www.blackwaterfalls.com .
- Spend your Independence Day in Lewisburg and take advantage of extended shopping hours. First Fridays After Five is a monthly event that gives residents and visitors a chance to shop at downtown stores until 9 p.m. Enjoy live music and entertainment as you stroll through the streets of Lewisburg this holiday weekend. Visit www.downtownlewisburg.com to learn more.
Other Fourth of July ideas
- Plan a family fun day with a visit to a local Fourth of July parade and event.
- Participate in a local Fourth of July parade. Many towns have special contests for kids such as tricycle, bike and stroller decorating.
- Plan a Fourth of July picnic at a nearby West Virginia State Park.
- Have a neighborhood or family cookout.
- Check your town’s schedule of events and take part in planned activities. Don’t forget to watch the fireworks display that night!
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The West Virginia Division of Tourism produces this media advisory with the help of other agencies and tourism businesses across the Mountain State. If you wish for additional information about coming events in the Mountain State or if you are an event organizer or promoter and would like to have your event considered for inclusion in the Adventure Advisory, please contact Tricia Sizemore at tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov.
West Virginia Division of Tourism · 90 MacCorkle Ave., SW · South Charleston, WV 25303 · 304-558-2200 · 1-800-CALL-WVA · FAX: 304-558-2459 · www.callwva.com
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