Gov. Patrick Morrisey elaborated on plans for West Virginia’s America 250 celebration, touting a line of themed merchandise and a statewide bell-ringing initiative.
Sporting an America 250 baseball cap during an appearance at the state Culture Center, Morrisey described the continued build up to the Fourth of July weekend event.
“This is going to be something that West Virginia is going to remember for the rest of your lives. This is pretty amazing,” Morrisey said.
Earlier this month, 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.
West Virginia’s governor has 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.
“I want people to understand this big wheel, this is a big deal, because we know we can have over 1600 people an hour, I’m told,” Morrisey said.
But wait, there’s more, he said today.
Morrisey showed off official merchandise, including Tshirts and hats that he said could be purchased at state parks or online at shopwvstateparks.com, They say “West Virginia Celebrates Freedom.”
“I think it’s very, very cool. We may add a few along the way, but whether you’re talking about hats and shirts and other different types of trinkets and events, it’s pretty cool, and there’s going to be some commemorative coins and lots of nice things,” he said.
The bell-ringing initiative, he said, means inviting churches, community organizations and local leaders across West Virginia to to ring bells in unison at noon July 4.
“And look, this has a lot of meaning,” Morrisey said. “It’s a powerful, synchronized tribute to our liberties, to our communities to the citizens of our state — and it’s going to really show the patriotism that all West Virginians have.”
There’s still more detail to reveal over the next month or so, including musical entertainment.
“In the next few weeks,” Morrisey said, “we’re going to be announcing our musical acts, which we’re working on.”