NEWS June 29, 2009 Fourth of July Celebrations Dazzle in Virginia Media Contact Tamra Talmadge-Anderson Public Relations Director TEL (804) 545-5573 CEL (804) 201-7839 EML ttanderson@virginia.org Virginia Tourism Corporation 901 East Byrd Street Richmond, VA 23219-4048 USA TEL FAX (804) 545-5500 (804) 545-5501 www.VaTravelStories.com www.virginia.org (consumer) www.vatc.org (industry) -Online Fireworks Finder on Virginia.org puts more “ooh and ahh” into the holiday weekend RICHMOND, Va. – Fourth of July is always a hit in Virginia, with celebrations, parades, festivals and of course – fireworks shows across the state. People looking to make the most of this coming holiday weekend should check out www.Virginia.org, for an online fireworks finder, more than 100 special events, and major travel savings in honor of the 40th anniversary of Virginia is for Lovers. Virginia played a major role in America’s fight for independence. Come celebrate with family and friends at one of hundreds of festivities across Virginia. Virginia Fourth of July Events – these and more found on Virginia.org Monticello July 4 Ceremony - The 47th annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony at Thomas Jefferson's home will feature the swearing-in of new U.S. citizens, remarks by a guest speaker, and music by the Charlottesville Municipal Band. This event on Monticello's West Lawn, which begins at 10 a.m., is free and open to the public. All-American Celebration at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - Guests are invited to wear red, white and blue and bring wagons and strollers to decorate for a “parade” from the Visitors Center to the Children’s Garden for music, WaterPlay and fun activities. Garden Hours 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Activity Hours 1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. Fourth at the Fort - This lively celebration of our nation's independence takes place at Fort Monroe in Hampton, the largest stone fort ever built in the U.S. Enjoy live music, children's games and rides, food and beverages, military exhibits and of course, fireworks. July 4th at The Crossing - Celebrate July 4th at the Crossing at the Dan in Historic Danville, Virginia. Free kids crafts, amusements, entertainment and fireworks at dark. Gates open at 5:00 pm. Independence Day in Historic Port Royal - Celebrate July 4th colonial style! Hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence and patriotic speeches from Colonist Mike Newman, Signer and Caroline native John Penn, and President James Monroe. Watch 18th century dancing and listen to patriotic music. Take a free surrey ride around town and so much more! St. Peter's Church. Free. ~ more ~ NEWS Hot Air Balloon Rally – July 3-5 in Lexington will feature piloted and tethered hot air balloon rides, live musical entertainment, children's activities, antique appraisals, classic car show, lots of food and a dazzling fireworks display. Independence Day Festival in Independence - What better place to celebrate the Independence of America than in Independence, VA? The small town, old fashioned celebration will feature music, kids’ games, vendors, crafters and fireworks. Independence Day Celebration at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum - Renew the revolutionary spirit on July 4th at Historic Crab Orchard Museum in Tazewell County. Enter the cross-cut saw contest, the watermelon seed spitting contest and other old-fashioned challenges in the 1800's Pioneer Park. Check out www.Virginia.org for a complete listing of statewide Independence Day festivities. Fireworks Finder The “Fireworks Finder” on Virginia.org lets people find the fireworks show nearest to them, just by entering a zip code or location. There are nearly 100 fireworks shows in Virginia this year to celebrate Independence Day, most of which are free of charge. 40th Anniversary Travel Savings 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of Virginia is for Lovers, and the state is celebrating with Virginia’s 40 Off Travel Deals program. Save up to 40 percent off on travel in Virginia with savings at hundreds of hotels, museums, restaurants and more. Virginia’s 40 Off Travel Deals program was created to remind people that travel is a basic right - a personal freedom that is essential to overall well-being. These deals are designed to give people the freedom to travel, live out their passion for life and reconnect with the experiences that make life meaningful on vacation in Virginia. Visit www.Virginia.org for up to the minute travel planning for the Fourth of July weekend. Call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free Virginia is for Lovers – Live Passionately travel guide. Tourism is one of Virginia’s most powerful industries, generating $18.7 billion in revenue, supporting 210,000 jobs and generating $1.2 billion in state and local taxes. # NR654 # #