Independence Day
July 1, 2013How to Celebrate Independence Day in Marion County
There are so many ways to celebrate our freedom (that of America and that of West Virginia.) Even if you don’t get the chance to celebrate on the 4th of July, you can revel in our independence a little before or a little after. Just make sure you do!
Day of. . .
Make a fun day of it! (on the 4th of July)
· Check out Prickett’s Fort State Park – Half-price admission for veterans and active military!
· Palatine Park (4 pm) – Main Street Fairmont hosts a big freedom bash! Live music from 6 – 10 pm with liberating sounds from Chase Likens, Rustic Highway and The Marshall Lowry Band. Then… the loud, fiery symbol of ‘Merica: Fireworks!
Mannington Old Fashioned 4th Of July Celebration kicks off at 3 pm with a parade through downtown Mannington then the games begin 4 pm at Hough Park. “Ryan Cain and the Ables” play at 7:30 pm and to top off the celebration – Fireworks at dusk!
· The Fairview 4th – An American pastime celebration complete with a parade, community band concert, non-partisan patriotic speeches, cakewalk, games and contests, live entertainment, and (drum rolllll)… a fireworks show!
Day after. . .
If you missed the grandness of the day, you can still have some freedom fun!
· Fairmont First Friday– This event just happens to fall on July 5! So if you’re still in the party mood, check out this hot spot at 5 pm for music, dancin’ in the street, hand-crafted works of art… what we here in Marion call a real party. It’s located on Traction Square (Fairmont Avenue).
· Johnnie Johnson Blues and Jazz Festival – This annual festival celebrates the amazing life of Johnnie Johnson, reared here in Marion County. Artists such as Paul Geremia, Roddy Barnes, KWT Blues Band, and Bill Stalnaker and the Nightmoves will be sharing their takes on Johnson’s favorite genres this year, July 5-7 at Palatine Park.
· The Artisan Market – Soon after the holiday, on July 6th, Main Street Fairmont will have The Artisan Market. Every Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm at Veterans Square this outdoor event features local musicians and different artists’ works and talents. Our local farmers will be available so you can purchase fresh, locally grown foods.
And beyond . . .
Make it a week-long party! Just mix-and-match these quirky options:
· Pretend you’re British (and revel in the fact that you are not!)
1. Have tea and crumpets.
2. Watch Alice in Wonderland.
3. Take a parasol to Wave Tek and play a round of golf or ride the waves; it’s up to you!
4. Spend a day at Morris Park, Valley Falls State Park or Pricketts Fort State Park. Enjoy a peaceful picnic and be sure to pack your glow lights and patriotic streamers.
· See a movie Tygart Valley Cinemas in honor of our 1st Amendment Right!
· HAM Festival – at Heston Farm July 13-14 is the annual Heston Arts & Music Festival! Artisans come from all over to present their handmade products! True U.S.A. pride! Performances include (but are not limited to):
- The Masons, classic rock
- Larry Rogers, classic country
- Intent, rock n’ roll
- Matt Thomas, country
How are you celebrating Independence Day?