July 4 events

There are 2 events I'd like to get to: Fourth at the Fort and at least a quick jaunt to Harborfest, to see the newly landscaped Town Point Park. "The makeover includes a relocated main stage, an outdoor cafe, fountains, landscaping, decorative fencing and lighting, promenades and terraced areas. It's the first renovation in the 26-year history of the park, which city leaders credit for helping spark downtown's revitalization." I really want to see Colours, a junkanoo band from the Bahamas. I promised myself last year that I would go this year. I'm browsing the pdf program to see what time they perform...oh cool! Right b4 closing tonight (& five more times Sat & Sun).

Fourth at the Fort - they have this every year at Ft. Monroe. This year local jazz band Against All Odds and several other bands open for 70's super group The Average White Band.
Hampton
Fort Monroe will host a mid-day July 4 Salute to the Union ceremony, an evening concert and fireworks on the shores of Mill Creek. The Salute to the Union ceremony will include a 50-gun salute. Beginning at 5 p.m., a concert will feature Tidewater Drive, Gator Allmond and the Spice of Life Band, and The Average White Band. Fireworks start at about 9:30 p.m. For more info, call 788-3151.
Check out "4TH AT THE FORT....DONNELL SMITH AND AGAINST ALL ODDS BAND" on Hampton High School Crabbers!
Time: July 4, 2009 from 5pm to 11pm
Location: FORT MONROE
This lively celebration of our nation's independence takes place at 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! Walker Field. Free. DONNELL SMITH AND AGAINST ALL ODDS TAKE THE STAGE FROM 6pm TO 7 p.m. Tidewater Drive, Gator Allmond & the Spice of Life Band will open for Average White Band, live, in concert. AWB will take the stage at 8:15pm.
FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

A couple of other events:
This Saturday at downtown Hpt. Summer Streetfest features the Black White Blues Band - one of our former neighbors plays bass in this band. They used to (maybe still) play Goodfellas a lot. They're quite good.

VA Beach always has a patriotic concert - Stars & Stripes Explosion.

Newport News & Yorktown are also having fireworks.

Newport News
• The city hosts its 4th of July Stars in the Sky event 7 p.m. Saturday at Victory Landing Park. The event will have children's rides, music, food vendors and balloon sculpting, and end with a fireworks show choreographed to music at 9:30 p.m. over the James River. Admission and parking are free. No pets, bicycles, alcohol, skateboards, or radios. 926-1400.

Yorktown
• The 30th annual Yorktown Fourth of July fireworks display will begin at 9:15 p.m. Saturday. Visitors arriving early for the fireworks show can enjoy other events and activities, including The Fifes & Drums of York Town, the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band and a children's fun center. 890-3500.

Harborfest (see pdf program for full schedule: pps. 19-33)
Friday: Noon - 11 pm
10:00 pm Fireworks; Elizabeth River; Pyro Shows
10:30 - 11:30 pm Colours Junkanoo Parade;Town Point Park
11:00 pm Festival Closes

Saturday: Noon -11 pm
5:00 - 5:30 pm Colours Junkanoo Parade; Town Point Park
6:30 - 9:30 pm The Deloreans; 80’s Music; Pavilion Stage; Waterside Festival Marketplace
6:45 - 7:15 pm Kenya Safari Acrobats; Festival Field/North Gate
7:30 - 8:00 pm Colours Junkanoo Parade;Town Point Park
8:00 - 8:30 pm Kenya Safari Acrobats; Mercury Landing
9:30 - 9:45 pm Fireworks; Elizabeth River; Pyro Shows

Sunday: Noon - 8 pm
1:00 - 1:30 pm Kenya Safari Acrobats; TowneBank Fountain Park Stage
3:00 - 3:30 pm Living Statue; Festival Field/North Gate
3:00 - 4:00 pm Colours Junkanoo Parade; Town Point Park
4:30 - 5:00 pm Kenya Safari Acrobats; TowneBank Fountain Park Stage
5:00 - 6:00 pm Colours Junkanoo Parade; Town Point Park
6:00 - 6:30 pm Aerialist; Mercury Landing
6:45 - 7:15 pm Kenya Safari Acrobats; Festival Field/ North Gate
7:00 - 7:30 pm Aerialist; Mercury Landing
7:00 - 7:30 pm Juice Performance; Festival Field/North Gate
7:30 pm Colours Junkanoo Parade; Town Point Park
7:30 pm Twilight Fireworks; Elizabeth River; Pyro Shows