Freedom Fest 2008

By Catherine Amos

Published: July 3, 2008

On the eve of our nation’s 232nd birthday, dozens of volunteers are working nonstop to prepare for tomorrow’s celebration of America’s independence.

Beginning at 8 a.m. with a 5K race up Blue Ridge Avenue, the medley of events commemorating July 4th range from the Main Street parade to a car show to a greased-pig chase.

The Culpeper Festival Committee, a nonprofit organization that organizes the annual event, estimated nearly 10,000 people attended last year’s downtown festivities. New this year are the Culpeper Olympics, the “best seats in the house” contest and judges for the parade.

“We’re really excited about those new activities that are not only for the kids but for the adults, too,” said CFC chairwoman Marlys Houston. “That is really exciting.”

The parade will begin at 4 p.m. at Main and Piedmont streets and end at Main and Mason streets. Later in the evening, judges will give out awards for best patriotic spirit, most historic, best use of red, white and blue and best overall parade entries.

The Culpeper Olympics will commence in Yowell Meadow Park following the parade with a variety of contests for all ages. Mitch Sneed, publisher of the Culpeper Star-Exponent, came up with the idea after noticing a lull in activities between the parade and the fireworks last year.

Sponsored by the Star-Exponent, the Olympics will feature an egg toss, a sack race, a newspaper throw, a hula-hoop contest, a three-legged race, an obstacle course, a peanut drop, a water balloon toss and a three-legged race. And don’t forget the greased-pig chase.

In addition to the relays, there will be a hog — courtesy of a local farmer — greased up with Vaseline and set loose. Ten lucky participants will vie for a cash prize, awarded to the contestant with the quickest feet and strongest grip. The contest will be within a fenced area in Yowell Meadow Park and anyone willing to risk his pride can sign up for a spot.

More traditional events include the reading of the Declaration of Independence at the courthouse. The Sons of the American Revolution will march from the Depot to the courthouse in traditional garb and read at noon.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., motor enthusiasts can enjoy a car and bike show along East Davis Street and outside the Depot. Last year, there were 150 registered cars dating from 1928 to present-day hot rods, said Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. director Diane Logan. CRI is sponsoring the show, which also features antique and new motorcycles.

“We had an early registration from 800 miles away,” Logan said of one participant from Florida. “Folks hear about us and are willing to travel that distance.”

Pre-registration for the automotive event is $10 through today and $15 Friday morning. Judges will award trophies for best in show and the top 50 entries.

Culpeper’s Fourth of July celebration was first organized in 1995 and has evolved into the daylong festival it will be this year. The CFC comprises 14 board members, with one vacancy. They work for more than eight months collecting donations and planning the day’s activities.

“We appreciate (the volunteers’) time, effort and all they do for the community,” Houston said. “It’s quite an undertaking.”

The evening culminates at dusk — around 9 or 9:15 — with the fireworks show, which the town and county co-sponsor. The show costs $10,000 and the CFC purchases its pyrotechnics from Pennsylvania-based Zambelli Fireworks International, the same company they have used for the past 10 or 15 years, said show organizer Maxie Brown.

“Everything is going according to plan and we’re looking forward to a great day and a great show,” Brown said. “Hopefully Mother Nature will be cooperative and this will be successful.”

The fireworks’ rain date is Saturday night. Brown said the program will be the same as last year and Zambelli representatives will be in Culpeper early Friday morning to set up the show.

“I’m looking forward to just enjoying the day with everybody in the park and the parade,” Houston said. “I am just excited to share with everybody that day and to celebrate the freedoms that have long been fought for us. I just appreciate the soldiers so much and what they do for us.”

Catherine Amos can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 138 or .

What to do and where to go:
Visit Culpeper4thofJuly.com for complete details. Visit StarExponent.com for street closings.
8 a.m. — Freedom 5K Race at Gold’s Gym in Southgate Shopping Center
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Youth soccer and little league in Yowell Meadow Park
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — CRI’s Car and Bike Show at The Depot and along East Davis Street
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Windmore Art Show at The Depot
Noon — Patriotic program: Reading of the Declaration of Independence on the courthouse lawn
12 to 4 p.m. — State Theatre Open House
4 p.m. — Main Street Parade
4:30 p.m. — Culpeper Olympics at Yowell Meadow Park, including a greased-pig chase
5:15 p.m. — Dinner and music at Yowell Meadow Park with live music from “After 5”
9:15 p.m. — Fireworks at Yowell Meadow Park
For safety reasons, dogs are not permitted in the park during any 4th of July events.

Donate for next year’s celebration
The CFC will be collecting donations Friday for July 4, 2009. There will be an information tent at Yowell Meadow Park where you can donate or purchase a commemorative Culpeper Fourth of July T-shirt for $12 or two for $20.

The best seats in the house
The Culpeper Festival Committee is offering a pair of reclining chairs from Aaron’s Rents, along with a steady breeze (via fans), dinner and refreshments in a special VIP section of Yowell Meadow Park for the fireworks show. To bid on the package, call 825-0771 ext. 102. Bids start at $250 and deadline is today. Proceeds benefit next year’s celebration.

Helpful hints from the organizers
-Wear sun protection and a hat
-Drink plenty of water
-Wear protective eye wear to avoid ashes in the eyes during fireworks
-Handicap parking is available in the county parking lot across from Yowell Meadow park.