HURRICANE, W.Va. -- This year's Hurricane Fourth of July celebration encourages area participation with a new venue, schedule of events and fun for all ages.
Hurricane Mayor Scott Edwards said that when it came to this year's festivities, he tried to "think outside the box." For many years, the city's Fourth of July celebration was one that required people to travel to three different locations to enjoy the parade, special events and fireworks display because of space and budget issues. But this year, following the parade on Main Street, the community can travel to one destination, the Valley Park, often referred to as the Wave Pool park, for an evening of fun and entertainment.
Expecting traffic from Hurricane, Teays Valley, Milton, St. Albans, Eleanor, Buffalo and other surrounding towns, Edwards said there needed to be a change from the status quo to accommodate those wanting to attend the event.
"I didn't like the answer, 'That's the way we've always done it,' " Edwards said.
"The high school just didn't have enough room to accommodate all the activities in one place," Edwards said. "And in the past, people would show up three to four hours in advance to get a good spot because of limited parking. No vendors. No Jupiter jumps. Nothing extra."
Additionally, the City Park has significant parking issues for activities of this size, so combining the events into one location seemed to be the sensible solution, Edwards said.
All of the evening's events are free of charge, Edwards said. There will be giveaways such as T-shirts, festive necklaces, balloons and flags. Free cotton candy, snow cones, watermelon, face painting, horse and buggy rides, along with clowns, several Jupiter jump-type attractions and an inflatable water slide will also be available. Live entertainment will be on hand throughout the evening.
As for the fireworks display, Edwards said it has been increased about 50 percent in both quality and quantity compared to past years. Congresswomen Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is also expected to make an appearance.
"As long as everyone can have fun on the Fourth of July, I'm a happy person," Edwards said. "It's not just a Hurricane city event. It's for the entire community."
4 p.m. -- Parade on Main Street
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. -- Valley Park celebration free and open to the public
5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. -- Appalachian Fiddlers
6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. -- Mother's Nature
7:15 to 7:45 p.m. -- Hurricane's first annual hot dog eating contest.
8 p.m. to 9 p.m. -- Storm Crow
9 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. -- Gospel group Spiritual Gifts
9:30 p.m. -- National Anthem performed by Hurricane Show Choir members Rachel Krull and Emily Gibson
9:45 p.m. -- Fireworks at Valley Park
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