Fourth of July Celebrations Will Light Up the Ohio Valley Tonight
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WHEELING -- The boom of fireworks will be heard throughout the Ohio Valley at multiple Independence Day celebrations today.
Festivities in Wheeling will begin with free pool admission and popsicles at any City of Wheeling-operated facility from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This includes Garden Park, Warwood; Bridge Park, Wheeling Island; Grandview, Wheeling Heights; and 36th Street, South Wheeling.
"We all have memories of fun summer holidays spent swimming with family and friends," said city Director of Parks & Recreation Rochelle Barry. "This will be an opportunity for our residents to have a great time in the city."
Evening celebrations in the city will kick off at 7:30 with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra's concert at Heritage Port. The event will also host food trucks, a beer tent, and, most importantly, a fantastic fireworks show at the waterfront.
The WSO's concert at the waterfront will be the final stop on their Celebrate America tour. Concertgoers will experience the stunning voice of guest artist, Erica Gabriel, as she sings patriotic music, as well as favorites from Broadway, Disney, and popular movies.
"After a successful tour, it is so rewarding to return home to Wheeling for our final performance," said Mary Hanley, president of the WSO Board of Directors. "The orchestra and Erica Gabriel sound sensational"
The show's highlight will be the world premiere of two pieces about West Virginia, one written by composer Leanna Primiani that pays tribute to the legend of Betty Zane.
"The Fourth of July concert at the waterfront is one of my favorite events every year," added WSO Music Director John Devlin. "It is incredible to see so many people from our community join the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra for a beautiful night of music-making and fireworks as we celebrate our great nation."
Steubenville will also hold a concert and fireworks presentation at Historic Fort Steuben Park, with festivities beginning at 6 p.m.
Half a dozen food trucks and vendors selling light-up balloons will be present to get attendees in the celebratory spirit. Three performances will also take place at the Berkman Amphitheater as part of the 2023 Fort Steuben Concert Series
The mother-daughter duo Roz & Lynn will begin the concert with patriotic music, with the Ron Retzer Trio following after with more commemoratory songs. Eli & the Mojo Kings will start at 8:30 p.m. to finish the concert with covers spanning a variety of genres leading up to the fireworks presentation beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla is excited for the display due to the unique location of the fireworks on the riverbank.
"It's a neat experience to see fireworks coming out near the river area," he said. "Being down in the valley, the sound of the fireworks echoes and the smoke lays over us too."
Moundsville will also host a fireworks show at approximately 9:45 p.m. at Valley Fork City Park.
The display is a culmination of Chief Gary Brandon of the Moundsville Fire Department and the City of Moundsville's preparation that began in January, with a final cost of $24,500 to put on the elaborate spectacle. With this price tag, the show will boast 20-25 minutes of over 1,320 shells with an amazing Grand Finale using 612 shells.
"The council spent a good bit of money to put this year's fireworks display together," Brandon said. "I think it will be a really good show with the nice weather."
With celebrations both big and small taking place across the valley, the City of Wheeling's fire and police departments want to remind residents and visitors not to use or ignite illegal types of fireworks within city limits. Banned items include bottle and skyrockets, Roman candles, and sky lanterns. Those wishing to celebrate the holiday using their own fireworks can use sparklers, fountains, party poppers, snaps, smoke devices, and various non-propellant noisemakers.
With a rain-free evening forecast tonight, wherever one chooses to celebrate, it is sure to be an exciting display.