YORK––The community is invited to celebrate Yorktown’s 42nd Independence Day celebration on Sunday, July 4. This free family-friendly event has activities on Historic Main Street and also at the waterfront at Riverwalk Landing. Visitors can take advantage of special programming at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (additional tickets arerequired for non-York County,James City County, and Williamsburg residents).
Yorktown Fourth of July schedule of events:
• 8 a.m. — Yorktown Independence Day 8K Run/Walk (virtual and in-person), Surrender Field.
• 9 a.m. — patriotic parade, coordinated by VFW 824, festive music provided by DJ Ron Herrick, Water and Main streets.
• 1 p.m. — family activities, outdoor games and children’s activities presented by Riverwalk Landing Business Association, hot dog eating contest presented by Carrot Tree and Toby’s Dog House, Riverwalk Landing.
• 4 p.m. — evening event parking opens, Yorktown Battlefield, Cook Road and Ballard Street, will close at capacity.
• 4 p.m. — patriotic food pavilion opens, Riverwalk Landing.
• 7 p.m. — Sounds of Liberty Bell ringing ceremony, Riverwalk Landing performance stage.
• 8 p.m. — Super Jazz Band concert featuring Conni Ironmonger, Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage.
• 9:15 p.m. — spectacular fireworks display, over York River, visible from Yorktown Waterfront and Victory Monument.
The York County Historical Museum is accepting registrations for its annual Independence Day 8K Run/Walk and is offering both in-person and virtual options this year. The race takes place along the scenic roads and trails of the Yorktown battlefield — the same path American and French allies took to win the last major battle of the Revolutionary War and secure our nation’s independence. Participants will begin and end near Surrender Field and all swag including the race packet, T-shirt, and medal will be presented at the finish line. Registration is $40, no matter how you participate. After July 3, the fee increases to $45. There will be no post-race party this year nor is there a 5K option.
Parking information
All-day street traffic blockades include Zweybrucken Road, Comte de Grasse Street, and Main Street (from Zweybrucken to Ballard). The Beach picnic area will also be closed to vehicular traffic. Pedestrian traffic only. Church, Nelson, Smith, and Bacon streets will be restricted to residents only.
Beginning at 4 p.m., unless you are a Yorktown Village resident, Riverwalk Landing business owner, or have an official pass — you will not be able to enter Historic Yorktown. Visitors attending the evening activities must park on the Yorktown Battlefield at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street which can be accessed by Cook Road or the Colonial Parkway. The Battlefield will remain open to the public until it reaches capacity.
Morning parade closures include Water Street from Comte de Grasse to Ballard from 8:30-10 a.m., and Ballard Street from Water to Main streets from 9-10 a.m. Traffic coming in off George Washington Memorial Highway on to Alexander Hamilton from 9-10 a.m. will also be directed away from the parade route. The town will re-open to traffic following the parade.
The Yorktown Trolley, the only form of public transportation in Yorktown, will run from approximately 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is free, air-conditioned, handicap accessible, and includes several convenient stops:
• York County Courts and Office Complex.
• Intersection of Main and Ballard streets (York Hall).
• Riverwalk Landing.
• Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.
• Watermen’s Museum.
• American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
For information, visit www. visityorktown.org or call 757-890-5900.
