Locals will celebrate the 250th Independence Day this weekend.
The firework shows will start Thursday, July 2 when both Orange County and the Town of Gordonsville host patriotic themed events. Playin’ in the Park will take place at Booster Park, 11177 Bloomsbury Road, Orange Parking begins at 5 p.m. with fireworks at dark. Activities include presentations by Earthquest, Virginia 811’s Dig Smart Mobile Learning Center, community information tables, touch-a-truck, skydivers and amusements by Shady Oaks including a mechanical bull and dual lane slide. Live music will be provided by Dave Goodrich and The Yurasits Family. Several food vendors will be onsite. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Outside food is allowed; no alcohol. The event is free to attend, but parking donations will be accepted by local community organizations.
The Town of Gordonsville, though a title sponsor for the Booster Park event along with the Town of Orange and Orange County, is hosting its own fireworks show for the third consecutive year. The show will be held at the Gordonsville Municipal Airport, 18082 Airport Road, Gordonsville. Gates open at 6 p.m. with fireworks beginning at dark. Town to Trail will be onsite sharing information about the town’s park project as well as hosting a 50/50 raffle. Gordonsville Little League will sell concessions including hotdogs and hamburgers and Cub Scout Pack 12 will share information about scouting and upcoming events. Sponsors for the event include 105.5 & 95.3 SAM-FM and Partners 1st Credit Union.
In Madison County, the annual fireworks show will be held July 4 at Graves Mountain Lodge. Enjoy live music from The Unsuitables, pony rides, craft vendors and fair-style food 4-8 p.m. A picnic dinner will be available for purchase from the Sycamore Picnic Pavillion 4- 7 p.m. and the lodge will serve a barbecue buffet dinner 5-7 p.m. Reservations for the lodge dinner are required and can be made by calling (540) 923-4231. The buffet is $38 including soft drinks. Children ages 6-14 are half price and children 5 and under are free. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. The event is free to attend, but the Madison Volunteer Fire Company will be accepting donations for parking.
A separate fireworks celebration hosted by Bald Top Brewing has been rescheduled from July 3 to Sept. 5 due to the extreme temperatures expected. The brewery will be open from noon to 10 p.m. Friday with live music by Mojo Parker Express.
Aside from fireworks, both Madison and Orange counties have special events planned to celebrate the 250th. Madison is hosting its event Thursday, July 2, 5-8:30 p.m. on the Library Lawn (see separate story). The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is hosting Orange Music Fest at James Madison’s Montpelier Friday, July 3. Musical acts include Chris Cagle, the Dan Tyminski Band, Dylan Schneider and James Tamelcoff. Gates open at 9 a.m. with music beginning at 4 p.m. There will also be food, beverage and local vendors. General admission tickets are $53.74 and are buy one, get one free. Children 12 and under are free. Parking is $11.54 per vehicle. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/orange-music-fest-chris-cagle-the-dan-tyminski-band-dylan-schneider-tickets-1980744948461?aff=oddtdtcreator.
A Fourth of July parade scheduled for Saturday in Gordonsville has been canceled due to the heat. Organized by Gordonsville on Main, the parade will be rescheduled for a later date.
