While there are some pretty unforgettable fireworks displays in the area, the highlight of celebrating Independence Day in the Historic Triangle is, of course, the history.
So, in the midst of a day filled with celebration, remember the reason for celebration.
Here are some ways to do just that.
Colonial Williamsburg
At Colonial Williamsburg, you’re surrounded by history, by a place where the nation was born, said Tim Sutphin, the foundation’s director of special events.
“It’s very exciting to be in the middle,” Sutphin said. “I mean, the Courthouse was built in 1770, and so that building was there when the Declaration (of Independence) was read.”
The day is packed, Sutphin said. Everything from a military muster saluting the 13 original states to one of the Historic Area’s biggest auctions of the year.
10 a.m. – ‘Salute to the States’ military muster celebrates the 13 original states.
11 a.m. – Thomas Jefferson reads the Declaration of Independence on the Courthouse steps, accompanied by Fifes and Drums and cannon salute.
10:15 a.m. – The film version of Broadway musical “1776” screens at Kimball Theatre. The movie also plays at 1:30 and 4:45 p.m. Tickets: $5.
11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. – ‘Colonial Faire’ at various locations features 18th-century inspired games for children 14 and under, including foot races, lawn bowling and tomahawk tosses. Requires CW admission or $8 ticket for purchase at the Faire.
1-3 p.m. – Unique craft items will be up for auction, including a weather vane and mahogany cradle crafted by Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Trades.
4 p.m. – Runaway String Band performs American popular music during “I Hear America Singing” at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Tickets: $4.
4 p.m. – Williamsburg Lodge’s Family Fourth of July Celebration begins, including buffet dinner, children’s games and special seating on Palace Green for fireworks. Tickets: $50.95-$85.95.
8:15 p.m. – A Medley of Patriotic Entertainments begins on Palace Green.
8:50 p.m. – Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums perform on Palace Green and Market Square.
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks begin, followed by torch-lit Fifes and Drums march.
Fireworks: The 15-17 minute display is more traditional than Grand Illumination, Sutphin said: “They’re aerial, they’re up in the sky, one location.” Two good viewing spots will be Palace Green and Market Square, Sutphin advised.
Admission: Admission is free, unless noted in the schedule. Call 1-888-597-8185 or visit colonialwilliamsburg.com.
Parking: Free parking is available at Colonial Williamsburg’s Visitor Center. Shuttle service will run every half hour, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Between 8 and 9 p.m., only express service will run between the Visitor Center and Governor’s Palace. Service is suspended at 9 p.m., resuming fully at 11 p.m. The pedestrian bridge from the Visitor Center to Historic Area closes from 9 p.m. until after the fireworks.
Jamestown-Yorktown
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation presents the annual “Liberty Celebration” July 3-4 at Yorktown Victory Center, with Fifes and Drums performances, military drills and, new this year, an interactive protest of the British stamp tax.
For Lara Templin, assistant interpretive program manager, one of the moments most special is reading the Declaration of Independence. Templin said the document will be split into small sections, so the public can participate.
“We want people to take part and read it and think about this was such an earth-shattering document,” she said. “This was something that literally changed the world.”
Schedule is the same both days, unless otherwise noted.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. – Museum opens to visitors, with showings of Revolution-themed films and an illustrated timeline of the late 18th-century.
10 a.m. – Take a garden tour of vegetables and herbs grown in the kitchen garden. Tour also occurs at 5:30 p.m.
10:30 a.m. – Join an 18th-century artillery crew at the Continental Army encampment, followed by a salute to the nation’s founders. Occurs again at 3 p.m.
11 a.m., July 4 – Fifes and Drums of Yorktown perform on the museum’s lawn. They’ll perform at 2:30 p.m., July 3.
11:30 a.m. – Cigar Box String Band performs traditional American tunes. Performances also occur at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
12 p.m. – “The Price of Liberty” held at the recreated farm examines the sacrifices of Americans who declared independence, followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
1 p.m. – Participate in a wooden-musket drill on the museum’s lawn.
2 p.m. – Protest the stamp tax imposed by the British at the recreated farm.
4 p.m. – Train as a member of the Virginia militia.
5 p.m. – Learn about secret codes and espionage during the Revolutionary War.
Admission: Tickets are $9.75 for adults and $5.50 for youth ages 6-12. Residents of York and James City Counties and City of Williamsburg, including William and Mary students, receive complimentary admission with proof of residency. For more information, call 253-4838 or visit historyisfun.org.
Parking: Free parking is available at Yorktown Victory Center, 200 Water St.
Yorktown
Celebrations in Yorktown start bright and early with the annual Independence Day Parade, culminating in a fireworks display over the York River. Kevin Ritchie, event planner for York County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, advised to arrive as early as possible for the day’s events.
8 a.m. – Yorktown Independence Day 8K Run/5K Walk begins at York High School.
8:15 a.m.-9:15 p.m. – Food is available at Patriotic Food Pavilion in the waterfront area. Riverwalk Landing restaurants will also be open throughout the day.
9 a.m. – Parade begins on Water Street, turning left onto Ballard and down Main Street to Victory Monument. Yorktown U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Band will perform.
4 p.m. – Event parking opens at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street (battlefield).
7 p.m. – Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony begins at Riverwalk Landing stage.
8 p.m. – U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band (brass) performs at Riverwalk Landing stage.
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks begin.
Fireworks: The 18-minute display will illuminate the waterfront, launched from a barge in the York River. “Anywhere along the waterfront in Yorktown’s a great viewing space,” Ritchie said. This includes the Beach Picnic area at the intersection of Water and Comte de Grasse Streets.
Admission: Admission is free and open to the public. Call 890-3500 or check out visityorktown.org for more information.
Parking: Daytime parking is available York Hall, Riverwalk Landing’s parking garage, the County Administration and Courthouse/Finance buildings. Evening parking begins 4 p.m. at Yorktown Battlefield – visitors must walk one mile from parking to the waterfront. Free parking and shuttle service for handicapped/special needs individuals, and one escort, is available at Yorktown Middle School from 4-7 p.m. and 9:45-10:30 p.m.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.