MORGANTOWN — Several area celebrations are planned for the nation’s birthday, which is Wednesday July 4.
Activities, including fireworks, are planned in both Monongalia and Preston counties.
The Fourth of July Parade in Morgantown begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Parking will be restricted beginning at 3:30 p.m. on High, Willey, Prospect and North High streets. Traffic in the downtown area will be restricted during the parade. Traffic will be detoured from Willey Street onto Prospect Street back to University Avenue. Officers will be at the intersections to assist with traffic.
Traffic patterns will remain altered following the parade for a concert on the Courthouse Square immediately following the conclusion of the parade. High Street will remain closed following the parade from Walnut Street to Pleasant Street for the concert and activities at the Courthouse Square.
The fireworks will be from Mountaineer Middle School beginning at dusk. Parking is not available in the immediate area of the school. Spectators are urged to use the downtown area for parking and proximity viewing. After the fireworks all streets will be reopened to traffic.
Fireworks will also be launched over Cheat Lake Wednesday.
These are presented by Greer Industries and John and Liz Raese and their family.
The best viewing for boaters on the lake will be from the eastern side.
At 6 p.m. on July 4, Elizabeth Ludington Hagans-Col John Evans and Col. Zackquill Morgan Daughters of the American Revolution chapters will be at the courthouse square taking donations for Wreaths Across America.
This initiative helps to support veterans and place wreaths at Oak Grove Cemetery in Morgantown and both veterans national cemeteries in Grafton this holiday season.
The town of Fairview will host a July 4 celebration, “Our Flag: Held In Honor.”
Festivities include the Ray Hedrick 5K Fun Run, grand parade, a patriotic speaking program with guest speaker Congressman David McKinley, games and contests for all ages. There will also be a special performance by Fairmont’s Hat Lady, Jerry Vilar, a show by magician Steve Haberman, musical performances from Smoky Robbins and the band Almost Famous and fireworks.
Local organizations will sell concessions. All other activities are free.
Terra Alta Community Park will host a Fourth of July celebration from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday.
The Jewel of the Alleghenies Quilt Show will be on display in the community building. A special Americana quilt will be raffled off for this event. A Betsy Ross re-enactor, will speak about her role in the founding of the nation.
The 249th Army National Guard Band will perform a free concert at 11 a.m., followed by a performance by the Vandells.
A dog show will be at 10 a.m. on the lower ball field. Registration will be at 9:30 a.m. The show is sponsored by the Preston County Humane Society and TABI (Terra Alta Betterment Inc.).
A car show will line up on Caldwell Street. It is sponsored by Clear Mountain Bank and Chase Trucking. Carriage rides, sponsored by the Terra Alta and Aurora VFW women, will be available at the entrance to the park.
A corn hole tournament will start at noon on the lower ball field. Bring a partner and enter for $20 a team, payable upon entering.
Other activities and vendors will be set up throughout the park.
