4th Of July Events To Entertain Ohio Valley
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Fireworks will illuminate the night sky - though they might have to compete with Mother Nature's own version of a light show - when Independence Day celebrations are held today throughout the Ohio Valley.
Concerts, fireworks and other events will be found up and down the Ohio River, but there is a threat of thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS is calling for a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms both today and this evening. A thunderstorm is possible after 5 p.m. and after 8 p.m., the service said, which would start infiltrating the time of the night when fireworks take the air.
A high temperature of 87 degrees is predicted, with a low of 71.
While guests may have to dodge raindrops, a full slate of fun is on the schedule. Wheeling's festivities at Heritage Port once again will feature the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, which is on its "Celebrate America!" tour this week. This year, the Wheeling stop of the tour is its opener, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. today. Performances in Weirton, Canaan Valley and Clarksburg will follow later this week.
This year, WSO Music Director John Devlin will be joined by guest artist Ben Gulley, sponsored by Southwestern Energy. An award-winning tenor, Gulley will be joined by the WSO to perform beloved Broadway and patriotic classics for a well-rounded Fourth of July celebration. In addition, the symphony also will perform "Canaan Valley Suite," a piece written by West Virginia native and voice of West Virginia Public Broadcasting Matt Jackfert.
This year’s Wheeling performance is sponsored by the city of Wheeling and the Ohio County Commission.
"We’re thankful to our sponsor - Southwest Energy - and our local concert sponsors - the city of Wheeling and the Ohio County Commission," said WSO Executive Director Sonja Thomas. "Their support ensures that we can bring free concerts to our community."
In addition to the concert, WesBanco Arena will have a variety of food trucks, the Mountain Dew Baja Blast Zone featuring progressive bluegrass band The Plate Scrapers, and the Taste of West Virginia Tent featuring West Virginia craft beer, wine, cider, barbecue and more.
"Our event will take place on the west porch of WesBanco Arena and is free to attend," said Kelly Tucker, executive director of WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre. "We’re very excited, and we’re happy to partner with the Wheeling Symphony and Pepsi to present this event."
With tonight's events in Wheeling, the West Virginia Division of Highways is requesting that pedestrians not gather on the Suspension Bridge during the 4th of July festivities and fireworks. A large gathering on the bridge could exceed posted weight limits. Also, both entrances to the Intermodal Parking Structure (from Nailers Way and Main Street) will be open today to allow for a better flow of traffic in and out of the structure during the Heritage Port festivities.
In Moundsville, Valley Fork City Park will be the spot for fireworks. According to the Moundsville Fire Department, they should start flying around 9:45 p.m. The show is scheduled for 20 to 25 minutes and will feature 1,320 shells, including a grand finale that will feature more than 600 shells. If inclement weather postpones tonight's fireworks in Moundsville, the makeup date is Friday.
In Steubenville, several events will be held around Historic Fort Steuben. Three bands will perform beginning at 6 p.m. with Tri-State Community Band. The Ron Retzer Trio takes the stage at 7:15 p.m., followed by US Kids at 8 p.m. Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla said this is the first time US Kids has performed together in several years, and will synchronize their last song with the fireworks.
Barilla expects at least six food vendors to set up in the fort parking lot, selling a range of items ranging from hot dogs, grilled sandwiches and fries to ice cream, pretzels, snow cones, popcorn, lemonade and gelato.
In the event of rain, the makeup date is scheduled for Sunday.