Fourth of July – Independence Day Guide for Families

fourth of julyThe Fourth of July 2013 is almost here!  Take a look at all the great events around town.

If you see anything missing – send the details to email@completelykidsrichmond.com

For other kinds of family and kid fun – visit the monthly calendar.

Wednesday, July 3rd

RVA Fireworks on the James.  Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond.  Entertainment begins at approximately 7pm.  Fireworks to begin at approximately 9:15pm.  A FREE “Patriotic Family Fun” event that will feature performances by SPARC (School of Performing Arts in the Richmond Community), the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Richmond Ballet’s “Minds in Motion.” Food Vendors will be on Brown’s Island and the public is invited to bring a picnic (alcohol and pets not permitted) and a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy music simulcast on WRIR-FM, 97.3 during the evening and see the state’s largest fireworks show.  The Grucci show will be designed for 360-degree views. In addition to Brown’s Island, excellent viewing sites will be available in surrounding areas such as Oregon Hill, Manchester, and Chimborazo Park.  In case of rain, the event will take place on Friday, July 5th.

Genworth Independence Day Celebration  6:30pm.  Genworth Financial’s World Headquarters, 6620 West   Broad Street. Celebrate freedom with the Heritage of America Band. The concert will begin at 6:30pm at The concert will be immediately followed by the fireworks display. Children and adults of all ages are welcome, but please, leave your pets at home. There will be face painting, balloons, giveaways, food vendors and much more. Plenty of free parking and will be offering transportation between the parking lot and the event site for those who need assistance. This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, July 4th

Reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention.  The Patrick Henry Committee invites you to bring your friends and family to a reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775. In the presence of Washington, Jefferson, and other notable Virginians, Patrick Henry delivered his passionate call for liberty, uttering the immortal words, “Give me liberty or give me death!” These events are free and open to the public. Doors open at 1pm for seating on a first-come, first-served basis, Music program begins at 1:30pm, and the reenactment begins at 2pm.  Please call 804-648-5015 for more information.  Free to the public, with a suggested $5 per person donation.

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration.  1pm-5pm.  Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park. The festivities kick off with a flag raising ceremony. Then take a step back in time and listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Living History Associates, Ltd. over traditional drum and fife music followed by a musket salute. Uncle Sam (on stilts!) will also be in attendance, as well as Jonathan Austin who will be thrilling the crowd with his mesmerizing magic and juggling. Stop by the two stages to listen to harmonic melodies and watch demonstrations by local performers. Other activities include an American flag give-away, arts and crafts, face painting, contests and games, pony rides, a watermelon feast, and more! Both the Meadow Farm Museum and Orientation Center will be open for visitation. Concessions will be available for purchase.  Enjoy the beach from afar while professional sculptors turn piles of sand into amazing works of art at the Sand Sculpture Exhibition. Visit the Star-Spangled Splash Zone, where children 12 and under can take a ride on the Double Drop Dolphin Slide and take delight in more wacky wet fun! Free.

Chesterfield County Fourth of July Celebration.  Gates Open at 5pm; fireworks at dark.  Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds (across from L.C. Bird High School), 10300 Courthouse Road.  Celebrate independence with a spectacular fireworks display at dark! Includes an activity area for children and special entertainment. No alcohol, glass bottles, pets or personal fireworks, please. Blankets or lawn chairs are recommended. Limited parking; roads leading to fairgrounds will be closed at 9 p.m. or when parking lots are full. Don’t miss this fun-filled event for all ages.  Rain date July 5.  Free.

All American Celebration at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  FREE admission to the garden from 9am-5pm.  Guests are invited to wear red, white and blue and bring wagons and strollers to decorate for a “parade.” Enjoy music, WaterPlay and fun activities in the Children’s Garden.

Dogwood Dell Fourth of July Fireworks – Independence Day Celebration with live music, cannons and fireworks. Featuring jazz from Simply Kevin B, a Carillon bell concert and music from Richmond Concert Band. Program starts at 5:45 p.m. Fireworks at dark.

Goochland County Fireworks – At the Goochland Sports Complex 9pm. Park and watch the fireworks from the Goochland County Administration Building, Goochland Elementary, Middle & High School Complex. Admission is FREE! Pack a picnic and bring a blanket.

Ashland July 4th Celebration  Includes a walking parade, patriotic concert, lawn games, an apple pie contest and the ever-popular patriotic pet contest.

Beaverdam Independence Day Parade and Celebration.  The parade starts at 10 am.  there will be children’s activities, games, and more.

Colonial Downs Racing to the Stars & Stripes  Racing to the Stars ‘n Stripes presented by Pearson Signature dealerships. A holiday celebration with horse racing, fireworks, live patriotic music with York River Concert Band a family themed “After Party” with magician Jonathan Austin, Proverbial in concert, free ice cream & more! Trackside Blast Zone reserved tables for 4 available.  Fee.

Flying Squirrels Baseball Game and Independence Day Celebration.  6:35pm.  The Diamond. Pre-game entertainment in the AT&T Entertainment Zone by the Hit List.  Post-game Fireworks Celebration presented by the Heart of Virginia Chevrolet Dealers, Chili’s and Verizon Wireless – one of the biggest shows of the  year.  Limited General Admission Seating Available – Call Today.  Fee.

Friday, July 5th

Flying Squirrels Baseball Game.  7:05pm.  The Diamond.   Pre-game entertainment in the AT&T Entertainment Zone by Freddy C and the C Notes.  Post-game Fireworks Celebration presented by the Heart of Virginia Chevrolet Dealers, Chili’s and Verizon Wireless – one of the biggest shows of the  year.  Post-game Kids Run the Bases for fans 14 and under courtesy of McDonald’s (first 300 get a coupon from McDonald’s).  Fee.

Saturday, July 6th

Flying Squirrels Baseball Game.  6:05pm.  Pre-game entertainment in the AT&T Entertainment Zone by River City Katz.  Post-game Fireworks Celebration presented by UnitedHealthcare.  Post-game Kids Run the Bases for fans 14 and under courtesy of McDonald’s (first 300 get a coupon from McDonald’s).  Fee.