CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey has unveiled the full schedule for West Virginia’s America250 Capital City Celebration while encouraging residents to take part in events being held across all 55 counties to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
Standing before the America250 Wheel at the State Capitol, Morrisey highlighted both the four-day celebration in Charleston and statewide activities planned throughout the Independence Day weekend.
“America’s 250th anniversary belongs to every West Virginian,” said Governor Morrisey. “Whether you’re spending the weekend at the Capitol Complex, attending a hometown parade, ringing bells at noon on Independence Day, or celebrating with neighbors in your own community, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor the ideals that have made America the greatest nation in the world.”
The Capital City Celebration begins Thursday, July 2, and will feature free family entertainment, live music, historical exhibits, artisan vendors, guided Capitol tours, the world’s tallest portable Ferris wheel, nightly “Liberty and Lights” projection shows, fireworks, and performances by ALABAMA, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and The Marshall Tucker Band.
According to the governor’s office, Morrisey plans to attend multiple America250 celebrations across different regions of the state during the holiday weekend.
The governor also highlighted several statewide America250 initiatives, including more than 50 county mural projects celebrating America’s founding, a Statewide Bell-Ringing Initiative scheduled for noon on July 4, and community celebrations stretching from the Northern Panhandle to the Southern Coalfields. Officials said the statewide mural trail will soon provide another opportunity for visitors to experience America250 through artwork displayed in communities across West Virginia.
At the State Capitol Complex, festivities begin at 5 p.m. Thursday with the opening of the America250 Wheel, Midway Eats & Treats, the Artisan Market, Adventure Zone, History Hub and guided Capitol tours. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, interactive history exhibits, family activities and nightly projection mapping on the State Capitol.
Friday’s schedule includes a concert by ALABAMA followed by a fireworks display. Saturday features the official America250 Ceremony honoring Gold Star Families, veterans and active-duty service members, followed by a performance from the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The celebration concludes Sunday with additional family activities and a closing concert by The Marshall Tucker Band.
“We want families to create memories they’ll still be talking about decades from now, just as many Americans remember our nation’s Bicentennial celebration,” Governor Morrisey said. “From Martinsburg to Matewan and from Weirton to Welch, there is an America250 celebration nearby. I encourage everyone to get out, celebrate our history, support their local communities, and be part of this historic milestone.”
A complete schedule of Capital City Celebration events, along with a statewide calendar of America250 activities, is available at wv250.com.
