YORKTOWN — Several July 4 events in Yorktown have been adjusted due to an anticipated heat advisory, according to a press release from event organizers.
Officials said the changes apply to activities scheduled for July 4 and were made “out of an abundance of caution” to protect public safety during extreme heat conditions.
The town is still expected to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a full day of patriotic programming, including evening festivities and fireworks over the York River.
“While the schedule has been adjusted to help ensure the comfort and safety of attendees, we look forward to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Yorktown — the site of the last major battle of the American Revolution,” the release stated.
Updated schedule of July 4 events
- 8 a.m. — Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk (virtual and in-person), sold out.
- 9 a.m. — Patriotic Parade, Music provided by DJ Ben Herrick on Water, Ballard and Main streets
- 11 a.m. — 50th anniversary concert by The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown at the Victory Monument
- 11 a.m. — Patriotic Food Pavilion opens at Riverwalk Landing
- 4 p.m. — Evening event parking opens at Yorktown Battlefield, Cook Road and Ballard Street
- 6–9 p.m. — Kids’ crafts and balloon artist at Riverwalk Landing
- 6:30 p.m. — The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown perform; reading of the Declaration of Independence; Liberty Bell ringing ceremony at Riverwalk Landing Stage
- 7:30 p.m. — Good Shot Judy concert at Riverwalk Landing Stage
- 9:15 p.m. — Fireworks display over the York River, visible from Yorktown Waterfront and Victory Monument.
Parking and road closures
Special event parking for July 4 will remain unchanged, according to the release.
All-day street closures include Zweybrucken Road, Comte de Grasse Street, a portion of Water Street, Ambler Street and Main Street from Zweybrucken to Ballard Street. The Beach Picnic Area will be closed to vehicles and open to pedestrian traffic only. Church, Nelson, Smith and Bacon streets will be restricted to residents only.
The Colonial Parkway from Penniman Road (Route 199) to Ballard Street will remain open temporarily through July 6.
Morning parade closures include Water Street from Read Street to Mathews Street and Ballard Street from Water Street to Alexander Hamilton Boulevard from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Traffic entering town via Alexander Hamilton Boulevard from George Washington Memorial Highway will be detoured away from the parade route during that time.
Evening access and fireworks
Beginning at 4 p.m., visitors attending evening activities must park at the Yorktown Battlefield at Cook Road and Ballard Street, accessed via Cook Road, according to the release.
The battlefield lot will close to the public at 8:30 p.m. or once capacity is reached. Access to town via Alexander Hamilton Boulevard, Goosley Road, Old Williamsburg Road and Mathews Street will be restricted once the lot is full.
Officials encourage visitors to arrive early and noted the walk from the battlefield parking area to the waterfront is about one mile and includes hills and uneven terrain. After 4 p.m., only Yorktown Village residents, business owners or those with official passes will be allowed beyond the parking area.
Following the fireworks, the town will temporarily close to incoming traffic, including pickup services, while deputies assist with traffic flow. Officials said exit delays are expected to take about an hour depending on crowd size.
Handicap and special needs parking
Those requiring handicap parking and assistance should report to Yorktown Middle School between 4 and 7 p.m. and check in by 7 p.m. for shuttle service. The service includes transportation for one individual with a disability and one companion. Drop-off is at Riverwalk Landing, about 200 yards from the performance area.
Return shuttle service will begin at 9:45 p.m. and continue until 10:30 p.m. Each rider must have a pass.
Trolley service and food
The Yorktown Trolley will run from about 10 a.m. after the parade until 5 p.m. Stops include the York County Courts and Office Complex, York Hall, Riverwalk Landing, the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, the Watermen’s Museum and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
A Patriotic Food Pavilion will be open from 11 a.m. to 9:15 p.m., featuring Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, Dong’s Food Truck, Kona Ice, Pop’s Kettle Corn, Smoke BBQ, Casa de Proa, Burger Mania, Quenched Your Thirst and Corvo Coffee. Several restaurants will also be open.
Alcohol is prohibited. Barbecue grills will be limited to the Yorktown Beach Picnic Area, with designated disposal areas for hot coals. The picnic area will remain open to pedestrians but closed to vehicles.
For more information, see visityorktown.org/fourth.
