Valley 4th Schedule/TV Commercial

All Day

• Downtown patriotic window decorating contest

12pm

• Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Courthouse steps by David J. Hatmaker, for Harrisonburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution

1pm

• “The People of Harrisonburg” walking tour with Dale MacAllister with the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historic Society.  Tour meets in front of Massanutten Regional Library

1-5pm

• “Steps to Freedom”, a presentation of the African- American struggle for freedom and independence. Live music and guest speakers at Liberty Park

• Adona Music hosting Charles Barone who will perform “Remember When”, Frank Sinatra

2-3pm

• Musical performance by Shenfine, Celtic music with an Appalachian twist!

2-4pm

• Court Square Theater hosts Mental Flossing, live improvisational comedy and skit/sketch. Free admission. Doors open at 2pm with 30 minute shows at 2:15pm, 3:00pm & 3:45pm

• Face painting and entertainment by Rosie the Clown

• Dunking booth on Court Square

3pm-9pm

• Food and craft vendors open with an assortment of goodies

• El Sol, The Old Fashioned Kettle Korn Co., Little Jimmies Italian Ice & Pizza, funnel cake & cotton candy vendors, and Smokin’ Pig ( be sure to stop by because owner Dave Sonnafrank continues his tradition of giving out a free hotdog to the first 2,000 visitors!)

3:30-5pm & 6-7:30pm

• Shenandoah Valley Music Festival presents: Mr. Slomo!   Keep a look out for him as he walks through the crowds, bet he’ll make you laugh! Can’t get enough? Check out future performances at Court Square Theater and Shenandoah Valley Music Festival.

3:30-7:30pm

• Harrisonburg Children’s Museum activities free and open to the public, sponsored by Valley Renovators, Inc.

• The Gus Bus visits 6pm-8pm

• Massanutten River Adventures climbing wall, corner of East Market & Main Streets

• Skateboarding demo by Function 4 Sports, north Court Square

4-4:30pm

• Asbury Church Pre-Parade Musical Fireworks Concert: Hand bells, piano, trombone, and organ. Free, all welcome. Doors open 3:30pm-4:45pm.

4-10pm

• John D. Eiland beer garden located at the Bank of America parking lot. Ages 21 and over only, 2 ID’s required. Proceeds benefit Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance

4:30-5pm

• Watch for Unicyclist Matt Lind and the Uncle Sams just before the parade starts

5pm

• JMU Valley 4th Parade on Main Street (from the City Municipal Building to the County Administration Building) with grand marshall, Dr. Linwood Rose, president of JMU

• Look for the WSVA van and local celebrity Mike Schikman! He’ll be the  parade announcer and  concert emcee.

• Music by: City of Winchester Pipes & Drums

6-6:30pm

• Annual pie-eating contest (limited number of participants, sign up at the Information Booth)

• Star-Spangled Banner, performed by Pete Johnson

6:30pm-9:30pm

• Musical Showcase featuring The Goldmine Pickers, and Everyday People

10:00pm (approx.)

• Grand Fireworks Finale by Dominion Fireworks from the roof of One Court Square, brought to us by Harrisonburg Electric Commission.

Eddie on Volunteers (May 2009)

Q: How involved are volunteers with HDR and downtown revitalization?

A: Although HDR has a dedicated staff, the support and time of volunteers are essential to the success of the revitalization effort. In March of this year, Virginia Main Street recognized the more than 45,000 hours of time given over the last five years by volunteers serving on committees, helping with events, and assisting with special projects. This is a very impressive figure and clearly demonstrates the level of commitment from our community.

For example, on April 11, 14 people gave their Saturday morning to refurbish planters, clean sidewalk medalions, remove graffiti and man a display table for Blacks Run/Downtown Cleanup Day.

A special thanks goes out to Melanie Woodard, Rodney Williams, Stacy Turner, Charlie Strickler, Leigh Osborne, Oksana Naunenko, Troy Milliken, Steve Knickrehm, Don Kidd, Tom Clayton, Jessica Chase, Bucky Berry and Becky Bartells for volunteering for this project. I wish to thank not only each of you, but all of our committed volunteers for what you do to make downtown a vibrant and attractive city center.

Want to help?

Volunteers are needed for the following events:

• Court and Market Days Festival – June 6
• Fridays on the Square – every Friday beginning June 5
• Valley 4th – July 4

HDR Seeks Valley 4th Planning Committee Volunteers

It’s the Fourth of July at Christmas…

Actually, it is time to start planning for Valley 4th.

HDR is seeking volunteers to serve as a member of the planning committee. We will meet once a month starting in January. Just before the event we will meet more frequently as needed.

You may be involved in the areas that interest you. We will be fundraising, marketing, planning activities, entertainment, vendors, the parade, and so much more.

This is our largest and most attended event of the year, and a strong planning committee is essential.

Please let me know if you have interest in joining this exciting planning committee or to recommend someone you know.

Thanks so much,
Kris Ludwig,
Special Events Manager

Celebrate Independence Day Downtown This Friday

On Friday, July 4th, join Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance in celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. Whether you volunteer at the event, march in the parade or just enjoy the festivities, celebrate national pride in our beautiful hometown in the Valley.

Main Events:

• 4pm – 9:30pm: numerous food and craft vendors on Court Square
• 5:00pm – The Harrisonburg Auto Mall Parade
• After the parade: pie eating contest, and concerts from Trent Wagler and the Steel Wheels and Souled Out Band.
• After Dark: Head to Court Square at dark to watch the fireworks display and end your evening with a bang!

Other Activities:

• a downtown window decoration contest,
• a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Court House steps (12noon),
• First Fridays Art Walk (1-4pm),
• musical performances,
• face painting,
• a dunking booth,
• climbing wall,
• walking tours (various start times),
• skateboard demonstrations, and
• activities at the Harrisonburg Children’s Museum.

We are still looking for people to participate in the Valley 4th Parade! If your business, group, club, band, etc. would like to enter, please contact Alexis Morehouse at 540-432-8922 or alexism@harrisonburgva.org. Any and all entries are welcome.

Valley 4th Volunteers Needed

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance is looking for volunteers to help make our Valley 4th celebration a success. Volunteers are needed to help assist with clean up, tear down, work at the information booth, help with the beer garden (Dave’s Downtown Taverna donates a portion of the proceeds to HDR), assist with the parade, and more. If you or anyone you know has a few hours to donate to help make this July 4th the best yet, please contact Kris Ludwig in our office at krisl@harrisonburgva.gov or 540.432.8922.