Celebrate the Fourth in Central Virginia

Happy Independence Day, y’all.

Festivities abound in the Lynchburg area today to mark the day — including at the homes of two of our nation’s best-known patriots.

- At Thomas Jefferson’s private retreat home, Poplar Forest, organizers have planned a celebration befitting the author of the Declaration of Independence.

A reading of the declaration will be part of the day’s events, which run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the recitation at 1:30 p.m. But there also will be music, food, games and dancing — and even sword swallowing and fire eating.

Entry is $10 per car and $30 per bus. An admission fee will be charged for interior tours of Jefferson’s octagonal house.

- The historic home of Patrick Henry, Red Hill, will have daylong events and fireworks in the evening.

The Brookneal home, which is now a national museum, opens at 10 a.m.; Fourth of July events begin at 3 p.m. Those include a visit around 7 by the man himself, who will recite his speech with the rallying line, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Other events will include music, food and historical interpretations of period activities, such as spinning, weaving, box making, basket making, blacksmithing and medical practices.

Entry is $10 per vehicle carrying up to eight people.

Other events today include:

- The annual Fourth of July Parade in Lovingston along Main and Front streets is scheduled to step off at 11 a.m. In addition to the marching bands, old cars, horses, beauties and clowns, there’s the children’s bike parade, with sign-up at 10 on Front Street.

- In what has become tradition, fireworks will light up the night after the Lynchburg Hillcats’ games tonight.

- The Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks will go off from The Point of Parkway Marina, offering a chance to view the spectacle by land or water. Saunders Volunteer Fire Department organizes the fest, and all proceeds go to benefit the department.

Fireworks are preceded by activities beginning at 5 p.m. Those are music by the Worx, a custom bike show, an antique and custom car show, and rides for kids — including on the Parkway Carousel.

While there is no admission fee, parking is $10 per car.

- The National D-Day Memorial will be lit up with fireworks, thanks to the Parks and Recreation Department. People still can view the fireworks from various vantage points. The D-Day Memorial itself will be closed by the time they go off, although it will be open for tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Watching fireworks below will cap a day of activities at the Peaks of Otter and The Blue Ridge Parkway.

The day starts with fishing at Abbott Lake by the dam from 9 to 11 a.m. Cane poles, tackle and live bait will be provided. Virginia-Carolina, a bluegrass band based in Roanoke, will play from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Visitor Center.

At 7 p.m., National Park Service rangers will lead a hike up Sharp Top Mountain to watch the sun set and to view fireworks in communities below. Independence Day is the only time hikers are allowed to take the three-mile bus road. The six-mile roundtrip hike is moderately strenuous; hikers should wear sturdy shoes, carry a flashlight and water, and be prepared for weather conditions. The hike will end in the parking area below Sharp Top around 11 p.m.

- For a laid-back night, there will be Bluegrass Under The Stars at James River State Park in Gladstone. In The Tradition is scheduled to perform, with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10, with those 12 and younger admitted free of charge. For information, call (434) 528-4049.