

Downtown Parkersburg invites you to take part in Celebrate America, a special two-day event honoring the 250th birthday of the United States. Taking place July 3–4, this Parkersburg 4th of July celebration features family-friendly activities, historical reenactments, local entertainment, and a full day of festivities leading up to a spectacular fireworks display. Join neighbors, friends, and visitors as we come together to celebrate America’s history, heritage, and independence.
*Attendance is free for all activities. Activities are open to the public, but some activities may have limited seating / openings.

Family Movie Night - “The Sandlot”
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Details:
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5:30 p.m.
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Discovery World on Market (900 Market St, Parkersburg)
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Concessions (hot dogs, popcorn, cracker jacks and drinks) will be sold at the movie by Discovery World.
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Sponsored by Pickering Associates
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Performance of 1776 by The Actors Guild
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Details:
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8 – 10 p.m.
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Bicentennial Park (201 Third St, Parkersburg)
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Experience the signing of the declaration of independence. The stage will be beautifully decorated to represent the time period, and the twenty-four actors will be dressed in full costume.
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*Rain venue, Center on Market/Wood County Resiliency Center (328 2nd St, Parkersburg)
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Juliana Street Tours
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Details:
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10 a.m. - Noon
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Meet and pick up location at the Greater Parkersburg CVB (113 Ann St, Parkersburg)
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Tours given by Mary Barbara Hanna, owner of Parkersburg Tours
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Take a guided tour through the historical Juliana Street on an air conditioned bus provided by the Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority. Tours are approximately one hour and will leave at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Celebration Ceremony
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Details:
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Noon – 12:30 p.m.
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Bicentennial Park (201 Third St, Parkersburg)
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Ceremony Activities:
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Cannon fired from Ft. Boreman Park
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Presentation of Color by Boy/Girl Scouts
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Pledge of Allegiance led by the Boy/Girl Scouts
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Welcome by Parkersburg Mayor, Tom Joyce
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Arrival of the Decoration of Independence by horseback
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Reading of the Declaration of Independence by actors portraying John Hancock & Thomas Jefferson
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Patriotic songs played
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Signing of the Declaration of Independence by all in attendance
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Bell Ringing
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Details:
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12:30 p.m.
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At various locations across Parkersburg
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Bells will ring across Parkersburg signifying the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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*If ceremony is not complete by this time, the celebration will pause for the bell ringing.

Wendy’s Independence Cruise-In
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Details:
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Noon – 4 p.m.
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Wood County Justice Center Parking Lot (401 2nd St, Parkersburg)
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Join us for an afternoon celebrating classic cars, custom builds, and community spirit. Spectators will have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful vehicles in the area and meet the proud owners who have spent countless hours restoring, customizing, and caring for these incredible rides.
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For those interested in registering your car:
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Registration is by donation the day of the event. All makes, models and vehicles welcome. Participants will receive a T-shirt and be eligible to win door prizes and plaques.
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Registration will begin at: TBA
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Rain date is July 11, 2026

Live DJ
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Details:
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1 – 4 p.m.
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Wood County Justice Center Parking Lot (401 2nd St, Parkersburg)
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A live DJ will be set up near the car show and at Bicentennial Park, spinning tunes throughout the afternoon to keep the energy high and the good vibes going. Be sure to stop by, enjoy the music, and soak in the lively atmosphere while you check out the incredible cars on display!

PKB Brewery JamFest
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Details:
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4 – 6:30 p.m.
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Bicentennial Park ( Third St, Parkersburg)
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Bring your instrument, your voice, or simply come and listen. Enjoy authentic grassroots music and a strong sense of community—no sign-ups required.
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Live Music
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Details:
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Bicentennial Park ( Third St, Parkersburg)
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Luke Columbo
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7 – 8:15 p.m.
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Luke Colombo is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter and self-taught guitarist from Parkersburg who gained national attention as a contestant on American Idol (Season 24). Colombo earned a “golden ticket” during auditions in Nashville, advancing to Hollywood Week. A student-athlete at Parkersburg High School, Colombo balanced sports with music before focusing more seriously on his musical career. His style blends modern country influences with personal storytelling. Colombo continues to pursue music as a long-term career, building a following through live performances and social media.
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Break | 8:15 – 8:30 p.m.
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River City Rodeo
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8:30 – 9:45 p.m.
River City Rodeo Band is a Parkersburg, West Virginia–based country and southern rock group known for delivering high-energy live performances rooted in classic country, outlaw, and modern country hits. -
The band regularly performs at local venues throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley. Their sound blends crowd-favorite covers with a lively, dance-friendly style that appeals to a wide audience. With a strong local following, River City Rodeo Band continues to be a staple in the Parkersburg-area music scene, bringing a fun, upbeat atmosphere to every performance.
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Fireworks fired from Ft. Boreman Park
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10:00 p.m.
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More info coming soon

Additional July 4th Happenings
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Food Trucks
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Noon – 10 p.m.
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Bicentennial Park ( Third St, Parkersburg)
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More info coming soon
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Activities Happening around Wood County, WV Throughout 2026
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Anti Tea Party
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Plan now to attend one or more Anti-Tea Parties at Historical Wood County Homes. Each home will NOT be serving tea but coffee, lemonade and delicious crumpets to celebrate the “17” tea parties held by our early patriots. Each place will give a history and tour of the home and “tea party: history. The teas are free to attend.
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Parties scheduled will be:
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Sunday, June 7 at the Cooper Cabin from 2-4 sponsored by the Daughters of American Pioneers.
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Sunday, June 14 at the Cook House from 2-4 sponsored by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.
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Saturday, June 20 at Henderson Hall from 2-4 sponsored by the “Museums of the Mid Ohio Valley.”
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Sunday, June 28 at Oakland (Stephenson Mansion) sponsored by the Foundation of WVUP.
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Sunday, June 19 at the Parkersburg Women’s Club House
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Sunday, June 26 at the Phelps/Tavenner House sponsored by the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society.
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Travel the Patriot Trail
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A list of cemeteries where our local Patriots are buried and other revolutionary historical markers are located will be available on line and at the CVB in May. Take your family and friends and see how many you can find in honor of our founding heroes. Your trip will likely take you to Marietta, Belpre, Williamstown, and Parkersburg.
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Patriotic Gardens
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Plant a vegetable or flower Patriot Garden to help commemorate our Country’s 250th Anniversary. You can register your garden at the CVB and pick up a 250th Garden stake to recognize your garden. These stakes will be available in June. Fifty commemorative garden pots crafted by the potters at the Parkersburg Art Center will be given to the top gardens.
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Downtown Decorated in Red, White & Blue
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More details coming soon
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Thank you to all of our generous sponsors!
Your support of America's 250 Celebration helped make this event possible and our mission stronger.
Liberty Sponsors
A special thank you to our Liberty Sponsors.
Patriot Sponsor
A special thank you to our Patriot Sponsor.
Event Sponsors
A special thank you to our Event Sponsors.
Bob Newell
In-Kind Sponsors
A special thank you to our In-Kind Sponsors.

Abby Hayhurst for logo design















