WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) — Thousands filled the cobblestone streets of the historic town of Colonial Williamsburg Friday as Ronald L. Hurst, chief curator at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, says many registered for this year’s July 4 event.
More than 21,000 people attended the festivities, enjoying live colonial music, costumed performers and public readings of the Declaration of Independence — all free of charge.
“We’ve never been here, and it’s July Fourth,” said one visitor. “Everything being free is also a good perk.”
Hurst noted the town’s deep Revolutionary roots.
“So much of what became the revolution began here in Williamsburg,” he said.
Hurst added that the foundation is gearing up for the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, with major projects underway, including the opening of a new 40,000-square-foot archaeology center and the unveiling of the historic African Baptist Meetinghouse.
“Colonial Williamsburg is one of the few places in North America where you can experience an entire colonial town,” Hurst said. “And one of the great benefits of that is that you get to see the entire crosscut of society, Black, White, free, indigenous, enslaved men and women. … We tell all of their stories.”
The celebration concludes with fireworks lighting up the night sky over the historic district.
“It’s awesome for people to come together on a day like this,” said one visitor, “to celebrate the freedoms that we were originally created to enjoy.”