MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The schedule of events is and has been complete.
But, a few things remain out of the control of Morgantown’s Celebration of America committee.
Joe Kaehler, committee co-chair, was putting his money on a family friend’s optimistic forecast.
“Rebecca said, ‘Nope, it’s going to be good.’ So, I’m going to go with that,” he said.
Rain or shine, managers of the event’s facebook page wrote the fireworks will go on at the end of the night.
The July 4th itinerary begins just before noon.
“The Morgantown Municipal Band, under the direction of C.B. Wilson, starts at 11 o’clock down at the riverfront. That’s always very
well attended. Great music and great set of musicians,” Kaehler began.
Morgantown police will alter traffic patterns for the evening parade downtown and the fireworks scheduled for later.
Beginning at 4 p.m., parking will be restricted on High, Prospect and North High Streets.
Downtown businesses have made arrangements for parking to be free in city lots and garages.
Officers will be manning intersections directing drivers along a detour from Willey Street onto Prospect Street and back to University Avenue.
As many as 85 units are expected to be in the 5 p.m. parade.
A color guard unit will lead the parade followed by the traditional riders who’ve decorated their bicycles for the holiday.
“Right after the parade, we’re changing things up a little bit. We’re going to stop at the courthouse square. That’s where our award ceremony is going to be,” Kaehler added.
Awards will be presented to volunteers of the year, citizen of the year, veteran of the year, employer of the year and distinguished Monongalian.
“We have had all four of the area Rotary clubs step forward and they are actually going to man the awards ceremony. That’s going to be really special. The Morgantown High Band is going to come back up the street in front of the courthouse square and regale us with a little bit of music and play the national anthem.”
Live performances will follow at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheatre.
“About 6:45 p.m. everyone goes down to the river front and enjoys a band called Wildwood. They are a semi-local band. About 8:30 p.m. out of New York called Desert Highway will play until 10 o’clock. At 10 o’clock it’s Zambelli fireworks,” concluded Kaehler.