Fredericksburg's Fourth of July Heritage Festival celebration is one of the most popular events in the city, with about 7,000 people attending last year.
At 7:45 a.m., the Heritage Festival 5-Mile Run will kick off. Registration is at 6:30 a.m. at the at 706 Caroline St. The Fredericksburg Lions Club sponsors the race.
At 9:30 a.m., the Heritage Day Parade begins downtown on Caroline Street to Princess Anne Street and to Lafayette Boulevard. The Fredericksburg Jaycees sponsor the event.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Festival of the Streets in downtown Fredericksburg gets underway. There will be a Heritage Festival Craft Show, a Dunk Your Favorite Local Celebrity, Classic Car show, music from the Dixie Power Trio and Jim Burton and his Bluegrass Friends and face painting with a jumbo bounce for the kids.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m over at Washington's Ferry Farm, enjoy historic interpreters, crafts and games, entertainment, a flag ceremony, food vendors, and much more. This year's theme is "Symbols We Hold Dear." Catch a trolley ride to the event from the the Eagles Lodge at 21 Cool Springs Rd. or catch one out of downtown Fredericksburg.
The Rappahannock River Raft Race begins at 11:30 a.m. near the Falmouth Watefront Park and it ends at the city dock off Sophia Street. The Fredericksburg Jaycees sponsor this event.
At 6 p.m., Pratt Park opens for the Fourth of July Fireworks. At 8 p.m., the UMW Philharmonic Concert will begin. Organizer Roberta Gold said visitors should bring their lawn chairs and picnic dinners or buy from the numerous food vendors and enjoy the entire evening at the park.
The fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. and are sponsored by the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority, Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.
The fireworks are visible from almost every location in Fredericksburg, but Old Mill Park will open for viewings. Those who park at the Butler Road YMCA must have a member ID. Non-member parking is $5.
For more information, call 540-371-4811.
