If you’ve ever wanted to enter a hot dog eating contest or bike decorating competition, your dreams can come true in West Virginia on the Fourth of July. Take part in plenty of fun activities and craft fairs, as well as watch traditional parades and fireworks shows. No matter where you choose to book your vacation rental in West Virginia, you can be sure that your getaway will be unforgettable. Check out the top family-friendly cities and towns to spend Independence Day in West Virginia.
1. Wheeling
If your vacation rental is located in or near Ohio County, you can go to the city of Wheeling’s Fourth of July celebration. Listen to classic American songs performed live by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. After the concert, you can watch fireworks over the river from Wheeling’s Heritage Port. The event is from 7 pm to 11 pm.
2. Petersburg
Located in Grant County, which is in the northeastern part of West Virginia, the small city of Petersburg hosts a fun celebration in City Park on the Fourth. The event is great for families since it has inflatables and pony rides. Additionally, there is a horseshoe contest, a traditional flag ceremony, and a car show. You can also go swimming in the City Pool beginning at 1 pm.
3. Morgantown
Morgantown’s annual Independence Day festivities take place downtown and include a variety of activities, including contests and a parade. Listen to live music in Court House Square and then end the day watching fireworks over the Monongahela River!
4. Charleston
See over 500 fireworks that take 36 hours to prepare in Charleston! Since fireworks are shot from two different locations, you can view them from most places in the city. In addition to fireworks, Charleston is known for its live music show, which is called Live on the Levee.
5. Harpers Ferry
If you’re looking for a place to spend the Fourth that has more historical meaning, check out Harpers Ferry. In the Civil War Harpers Ferry was the site of the largest surrender of Union Troops. During the week of the Fourth there are games, guided trail walks, and live historic demonstrations in the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.
6. Alderson
Alderson is a great place to go for the Fourth if you’re staying in the southeastern part of the state. Alderson’s has a multitude of activities, including an arts and crafts fair, car show, parade, tug of war game, and even a hot dog eating contest.
7. Fayetteville
For a small town celebration, visit Fayetteville, West Virginia. The three-day festival includes carnival rides, a rock climbing wall, inflatables for kids, food and craft vendors, live music, and more.
8. Ripley
Ripley, West Virginia is home to the oldest Independence Day Celebration and oldest parade in West Virginia. The celebration is considered the “USA’s Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration”. Festivities include a parade, live music on the Jackson County Courthouse Lawn, a parade, and a pancake breakfast.
9. Wellsburg
Bring out your competitive side in Wellsburg’s Fourth of July celebration, which includes games such as bingo, a bike decorating contest, horseshoe tournament, and a fishing tournament. In addition to fireworks and a parade, there is also a town picnic and community yard sale.
10. Canaan Valley
Canaan Valley has a free outdoor concert on July 3, 2017, at 3 pm. For more Fourth of July activities, you can go to the nearby town of Thomas for a block party, parade, bike decorating contest, and fireworks.