YORKTOWN — With a large crowd expected to take in the fireworks slated to light up the sky over the York River July 4, York County has put policies and procedures in place to make it an enjoyable experience for all who visit.
Planned events include:
- 7 p.m. — Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony
Location: Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage - 8 p.m. — Super Jazz Band Concert featuring Conni Ironmonger
Location: Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage - 9:15 p.m. — Spectacular Fireworks Display
Location: Over York River — visible from Yorktown Waterfront & Victory Monument
Free parking will be available for the evening festivities, including the fireworks, at the Yorktown Battlefield, located at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street. It will open at 4 p.m. and will close once it reaches capacity. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, and are advised the walk from the Yorktown Battlefield to the waterfront is approximately one mile and includes hills and uneven terrain.
At the conclusion of the fireworks, Yorktown will be temporarily closed to incoming traffic, including any pick-up services, so Sheriff’s Deputies may safely exit all vehicles. The process should take roughly an hour depending on the crowd.
Transportation will be provided for the disabled or special needs individuals and one escort. Those requiring handicapped parking and special assistance are asked to report to Yorktown Middle School from 4-7 p.m. and must be checked in by 7 p.m. to take advantage of the service. Drop-off will be at Riverwalk Landing, approximately 200 yards from the performance area. Due to limited shuttle capacity, other individuals in the party are asked to take a separate vehicle to park at the Yorktown Battlefield.
At 7:30 p.m., the shuttle will remain parked at the waterfront until after the fireworks, with the first trip back to York Middle School beginning at 9:45 p.m. Return trips will take place until 10:30 p.m. Each person must have a pass to board the shuttle.
Several of Yorktown’s restaurants will be open for business, and there will also be several to-go options at the Patriotic Food Pavilion from 4-9:15 p.m., including local favorites SMOKE BBQ, Kona Ice, Chef Joseph, D.A.R.E. tent, Ben & Jerry’s, Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, Pop’s Kettle Corn, Snack Attack, and Coastal Thirst. Pavilion proceeds support the York-Poquoson Sheriff Office’s D.A.R.E. program.
The free, air-conditioned Yorktown Trolley will run from approximately 10 a.m. (following the parade) until 5 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers, however, alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Barbecue grills are limited to the National Park Service Beach Picnic Area with designated areas for the disposal of hot coals. The Beach Picnic Area is open to the public on July 4, but closed to all vehicles the entire day. It is recommended pet owners leave their dogs at home during the event, as the heat, crowds, music, and fireworks can be upsetting for many animals.
For additional information, visit visityorktown.org or @visityorktown on Facebook and Instagram.
