Two stages of live music, more kid’s activities, multiple food vendors and a fireworks finale along the Hawksbill Creek and the Luray Greenway
By Randy Arrington
LURAY — It’s an event that keeps getting bigger and bigger each year, and drawing more and more folks from surrounding counties… and it’s not only a time to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, but a wonderful time to showcase the Town of Luray and the Page Valley.
“It’s such a family-fun, friendly environment,” said Jackie Wood, program director for the Luray Downtown Initiative. “There’s something for everyone…and it’s free.”
Another installment of Luray’s “Downtown Get Down” is set for this Friday, July 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. along the serene Hawksbill Creek and the scenic Luray Greenway. The annual event that has drawn thousands to Downtown Luray in recent years is the result of a partnership between Luray’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Luray Downtown Initiative, the Page Alliance for Community Action, and the Page Valley Arts Council.
“This event has grown over the last few years, and we’re looking forward to another great turnout,” said Luray Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jen Jenkins. “It’s just so nice to see so many familiar faces and new faces as well… It’s drawing from neighboring localities.”
Live music will kick off at 6 p.m. on two stages, with Rock X Band at Ruffner Plaza (below the West Main Street bridge), and The Hackens Boys with Thieves of Burden at the Mechanic Street bridge (where the ducks gather).
Kid’s activities will increase this year with multiple lawn games and two bouncy houses (inflatables). Glitter Bee Face Painting will be at Ruffner Plaza, while the Page Valley Arts Council will provide crafts, carnival games and Charleen Johnston on stilts along the greenway.
There will be at least nine food vendors offering everything from tacos and ice cream, to crab cakes and BBQ…and everything in between.
PACA will be conducting two Duck Races to raise funds for the non-profit organization, which supports programs encouraging healthy lifestyles for Page Valley families and educating children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. The races will be conducted in the Hawksbill Creek adjacent to Ruffner Plaza at 6:30 and 8 p.m.
Fireworks will be launched at the fairgrounds starting at about 9:25 p.m. Visibility should be good in most parts of Town, especially on the east side, where the fairgrounds are located (off Collins Avenue). For those along the greenway, the fireworks will appear over the horizon to the east. For those who wish to head over to the fairgrounds, gates will open at 7 p.m. (use Gate 1 at the DMV to enter at 15 Fairlane Drive, Luray).
“Great entertainment, fireworks…and the only thing you pay for is food, and if you want a duck in the Duck Race,” said Wood. “It’s a great way to celebrate America as a community.”
For more information on the Town of Luray, CLICK HERE.
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