WAYNESBORO — The holiday festivities will continue this weekend as Waynesboro celebrates the Fourth of July with a free concert, food trucks, kids events, a race, fireworks and more.
It’s all part of the city’s Spectacular event that runs from sunrise to past sunset Saturday, July 8.
The event used to be known as Summer Extravaganza, but was rebranded a year ago. While there is a full day of activities planned, Sunset Spectacular will be the highlight with a free concert followed by a fireworks display shot off from the top of Sunset Park.
Beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, the Skillbilly’s take the stage at Constitution Park for a free concert.
The group’s Facebook page describes them as “a group that can take you from the most traditional flavors of country music, to the soulful drive of southern and classic rock. From foot stompers to heartfelt ballads….the Skillbilly’s bring their A-game.”
There will also be plenty of food with Shredders BBQ, Cheesesteak Scenarios, Lucky Duck Kettle Corn, and Kona Ice on hand. Fireworks from Sunset Park follow the concert around 9:45 p.m.
A release on the city’s website said that setting the fireworks off from Sunset Park “should provide for a spectacular view from just about anywhere in Waynesboro … If you can see Sunset Park, then you’ll be able to see the fireworks.”
Sunset Park itself won’t be open to the public. The former Waynesboro landfill is undergoing construction with plans to open this fall.
Earlier in the day Saturday, things get started with the Sunrise Spectacular, offering both a 5K and 10K race at Ridgeview Park beginning at 8 a.m. Registration is available at runthevalley.com. According to the website, the “Sunrise Spectacular 5K and 10K offers a challenging run through the beautiful neighborhoods of Waynesboro.” Registration cost is $45 and available online only. No registration online or in person on race day Saturday.
At 9 a.m. there will be a Spectacular Book Sale by Stone Soup Books at the South River. And from noon until 6 p.m. the Downtown Spectacular is planned for Lumos Plaza. That event will feature kids’ activities, vendors, face painting, a hot dog eating contest, a hula hoop contest and more.
More: Reggae FreedomFest part of the growing musical scene at Wayneboro’s Plaza Antiqua
More: Tick talk: Expert tips for removing, avoiding and identifying ticks in the Valley
— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
