Colonial Williamsburg’s Fourth of July Activities celebrate the founding of a nation.
The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Virginian Thomas Jefferson, was adopted July 4th, 1776. Celebrate the nation’s birthday with Fifes and Drums, militia parades, and Colonial Williamsburg’s famous Historic Area fireworks. Colonial Williamsburg offers programs throughout the day that honor the birth of our nation.
At 10 a.m. on Market Square, A Salute to the States offers a salute to the original 13 colonies with a Fifes and Drums performance and cannon fire.
At 12:30 p.m., the Declaration of Independence is read to citizens of Williamsburg at the Capitol building.
At 8:15 p.m., Music for the Fireworks features a concert of patriotic music with Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums prior to the fireworks. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and park at the Visitor Center and take Colonial Williamsburg’s buses to the Historic Area. No ticket is required to enjoy these programs.
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Where to watch local fireworks in Williamsburg and Yorktown VA:
■ Next to the 1770 Courthouse in Colonial Williamsburg. Listen to the Fifes & Drums perform tunes dedicated to each of the 13 original colonies, then sit back as the rockets are launched from the Publick Hospital.
■ Aboard a boat on the York River. The reflection of the fireworks against the water is magnificent.
■ Thomas Ebert of Gloucester recommends the view from The Duke of York Motel in Yorktown. “Viewing from the fourthfloor pool area was exquisite,” he wrote in an e-mail to York County.
■ Atop the bridge on Page Street or Capitol Landing. It’s possible to see the fireworks from Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens simultaneously.
■ The Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration Committee recommends viewing from the Victory Monument. Fireworks are launched from the beach picnic area directly below the monument.
■ Parking in Yorktown is difficult. Arrive early enough to score a spot in the parking deck at Riverwalk. From there, it’s a short left down Water Street to the Colonial Parkway or Route 17.
■ For those trying to watch the Busch Gardens fireworks for free, don’t try to park on the flyover from Interstate 64. Police will move you along.
■ For a quick getaway, watch the Colonial Williamsburg fireworks from the parking lot at the Bruton Heights Education Center. The view has diminished since the launch site was moved away from the Governor’s Palace, but the benefit is a 5-minute ride to get to Bypass Road as opposed to 25.
■ Avoid parking at Matthew Whaley Elementary or the parking deck next to the Williamsburg Community Building. While a short walk to watch the fireworks, getting out can take up to an hour.
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