Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a multifaceted West Virginia celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Such United States Semiquincentennial celebrations are taking place all across the country.
“You know, 250 years ago there were a ragtag bunch of people, farmers and lawyers and craftsmen and other types of laborers who got together and they decided they were going to defy an empire, and they didn’t want to live in the shadow of unjust laws and have taxation without representation,” Morrisey said.
“They stood up, and many people got together and put together the Declaration of Independence, voted for that and struck that match for freedom, that spark that still burns to this very day.”
In an announcement at the state Culture Center, Morrisey highlighted a four-day family-friendly event from July 2-5 in Charleston, featuring live music, local food and a 230-foot Ferris wheel with a 256-color LED display.
“We’re excited because we think that our capital city is really going to come alive. There’s going to be a lot of live music. There’s going to be children laughing, the best local food and wonderful rides,” Morrisey said.
A Liberty and Light show will project historical stories onto the state Capitol building.
“Early evening, as the sun sets on July 2 and 3rd and 4th and 5th, we’re going to invite everyone over by the Dome, our gold domed Capitol, and there you’re going to witness a stunning 3D light show that’s projected directly onto the Capitol building, and this is actually inspired by a lot of the displays you’ve seen with the Washington Monument,” he said.
“This Liberty and Light show is going to paint the story of our state and our nation in light and sound, highlighting the triumphs of West Virginia and the enduring strength of the United States.”
That’s the same time period as the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. The governor suggested the two nearby celebrations could be compatible and described trolleys that could take people between festivals.
“We’re excited to talk about what’s going on here in Charleston, because I think it’s happening along with the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, and that’s going to make a wonderful week long festival for West Virginians,” he said.
The event will also include a special America 250 pageant and county celebration packages.
The governor said his administration would release the upcoming America 250 music lineup and make additional announcements in the coming weeks.
“We are, fingers crossed, we have some good bands that will be coming, and we have some, hopefully, some good surprises for you, so can’t tell you everything today, right?” Morrisey said.
And the governor unveiled a new commemorative license plate, available for $61.50, with $10 of that going for a special plate fee.
“We want West Virginians to carry that spirit of 1776 wherever you go around the state and across the country,” he said.
“If you want to make sure you have a good memory of America’s 250 you’re going to go out and get one of your limited edition license plates.”
Overall, Morrisey said, the celebration will cost a couple million dollars. But the governor said the commemoration is worth it.
“I think it’s also really, really important to celebrate America’s 250 this is so critical that everyone across West Virginia get a really wonderful education about our state’s founding, our country’s founding, and so I’m really proud of the effort that we’re going to put together, but it does cost some resources,” he said.