City Celebrates Fourth
By NOLAN STOUT
Daily News- Record 7/5/18
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
ABOVE: A crowd watches fireworks at the Turner Pavilion on Tuesday
HARRISONBURG — Although Karen Robles heard good things, she didn’t attend Valley Fourth’s Independence Day celebration last year.
But this year, once she heard that a family friend one a prize in Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s Friendly City Fortune raffle, she decided to come out.
“I said well it’s worth a try,” the Elkton resident said.
Thousands flocked to downtown for the celebration on Wednesday.
For Robles, the event was as fun as she’d heard, and even a little bigger than expected. “I was surprised there’s that many vendors out here,” she said.
Robles leaned against a high top table next to Turner Pavilion, eagerly waiting for her number to be called throughout the afternoon. As of 4: 30 p. m., she was still waiting, increasing her chances of the big $25,000 prize or a 2018 Toyota Tundra. “We’re waiting for the end,” she said, “to get the big one. The annual Valley 4th Run helped kick off the day at 8 a.m. At noon, for the 23rd consecutive year, the Fort Harrison chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution conducted the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Rockingham County Circuit Courthouse steps.
In the afternoon, attendees perused vendors’ wares, food trucks and classic cars and children’s activities around Turner Pavilion.
Although a short- lived heavy rain storm passed through the area in the afternoon and dark, threatening skies loomed overhead throughout the evening, it didn’t dampen celebratory spirits. Festival attendees just huddled under Turner Pavilion until the rain passed.
The festival brought out several first- timers, among them Adam Navone, his wife and two kids.
The Navones moved to Harrisonburg this year from Lake Tahoe, Calif. He waited by the stroller with his mother, Jeryl, while the wife and kids played at the bouncy house.
“We love the people, the beauty of the area, it’s awesome,” Jeryl Navone said.
Adam Navone said it was a great opportunity to meet people.
“Looking to connect with community [ and] try and meet some people to see what Harrisonburg is all about,” he said.
The family planned to stick around for the grand finale — the fireworks show, but only “if our kids don’t melt down,” Adam said.
The fireworks, which went off about 9:10 p.m., were shot off west of downtown, despite a small shower passing through. Throughout the day, organizers were announcing the 49 winners for the second annual Friendly City Fortune raffle. The raffle awarded $ 250,000 in cash and prizes, announcing a winner every five minutes.
A grand prize included a new pick- up truck.
Proceeds from ticket sales supports HDR’s downtown beautification projects, community- building initiatives and business assistance programs.
The raffle attracted some people to Valley Fourth for the first time. Others, like Bev Garber, took the chance in buying a ticket, but weren’t holding their breath to win.
The Timberville resident came to town with his two raffle tickets Wednesday afternoon just to make sure he was right.
“I had to see what I won,” he said. “I think I already know the answer. ... I wasn’t going to stand around all day.”
RIGHT, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: The Lovin’ Crab co-owners Kelsey Lounsbery and Angel Trujillo and employee Caitlyn Lass prepare crabcakes for customers during the Valley Fourth celebration Wednesday at Turner Pavilion. BELOW: A car flies Old Glory during the day’s classic car cruise-in.
BELOW LEFT Festivalgoers eat and listen to music during the Valley Fourth celebration at Turner Pavilion on Wednesday. BELOW R: Eliza, 4, and Tyler Gregory, 2, of Harrisonburg, play in a puddle after a rain shower
BELOW LEFT: Samuel (left), 2, and Benjamin Juster, 4, of McGaheysville, draw on the sidewalk beside city hall. BELOW RIGHT: Calli Bobbins of Bristol and Spencer Menditto of Richmond dance to Erin & The Wildfi re during the celebration.