RIPLEY, W.Va. — Officials are gearing up for the city’s 156th annual Fourth of July parade on Saturday.
Ripley Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Brenda Mobley told MetroNews it’s a jam-packed weekend full of activities. Events have already begun throughout the week in the buildup to the 4th.
“Ripley is probably one of the biggest patriotic towns in the United States,” Mobley said. “We’re so proud to be able to celebrate this country, and the people that have made it what it is and protected us for this freedom. So, the parade, I give honor to all our veterans for that.”
The festivities officially begin Saturday with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. from the Jackson County Courthouse. Gov. Patrick Morrisey is expected to take part in the Grand Parade at noon as it travels through Ripley. Lineup for the parade is at 11 a.m. with the parade beginning the next hour.
Mobley estimated over 200 entries have been made into the parade. She noted that high temperatures will impact how many of those entrants participate. The large number of people expected to take part in the parade has excited the Ripley CVB, Mobley said.
“It’s going to be one of the biggest, I think, that we’ve had in a while,” Mobley said.
Country music singer-songwriter Darryl Worley will perform in a free concert on Saturday night. He’ll perform from the Constellium Stage Courthouse starting at 8 p.m.
The skies will be lit up with fireworks to honor America after Worley’s performance. The fireworks show is set to begin at 10 p.m.
Mobley said there are tons of free events and entertainment throughout the weekend. She encouraged people to come and check it all out but stay safe in the process. She added to bring an umbrella or canopy to battle the heat while the parade is going on.
“There will be, my understanding, some cooling stations set up on the Courthouse lawn,” Mobley said. “There are a few businesses along Main Street that are going to open as cooling stations. People will be distributing water.”
Mobley advised people to keep an eye on the open facilities, as time in the cool air is important to avoid overheating.
The Ripley 4th of July Celebration is all thanks to the homegrown people making it happen, Mobley said.
“Our hometown people who create these floats, decorated cars, bicycles, horses, they’re our special treasure,” Mobley said. “We shout out to them for taking part in this event and making memories for everyone.”
The parade has a rich history throughout the years. United States President George W. Bush even attended the 2002 celebration and gave an address.
“To have a president come to Ripley for a parade was a huge honor,” Mobley said. “We’re very proud of that, and appreciative. It was a sight to see; a lot of additional people came to town for that celebration.”
Find the full Ripley celebration schedule here.