A
s America prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the Kanawha Valley is gearing up for a four-day festival-like commemoration in honor of the occasion, timed to coincide with the July 4th holiday.
During a Tuesday press conference at the Culture Center in Charleston, several state officials, including Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, announced West Virginia's official America 250 celebration. The event is scheduled to take place from July 2-5 on the grounds of the Capitol Complex.
“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, West Virginia is proud to host a celebration that honors our nation’s history while bringing families and communities together,” Morrisey said. “We’re excited to showcase our Capitol Complex and welcome families from across West Virginia and beyond for a world-class Fourth of July celebration in the Mountain State.”
The centerpiece of the celebration will be the America 250 Wheel, the world’s tallest portable Ferris wheel, offering free rides and breathtaking views of the Capital City. Held alongside the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, the Capital City Celebration will add to the excitement of the July Fourth weekend in Charleston.
“We’re thrilled to host a larger-than-life event to honor America’s 250th anniversary,” said Ruby, the state's secretary of tourism. “With the nightly light show and America 250 Wheel, this event celebrates our nation while giving guests once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”
Capital City Celebration Event Highlights
The four-day celebration will transform the West Virginia Capitol Complex into a destination for family-friendly entertainment and patriotic celebration.
Standing 230 feet tall, the America 250 Wheel will offer panoramic views stretching up to 14 miles from the top. The wheel features 45 gondolas, each representing a U.S. president, with seating for six riders per gondola and the ability to accommodate up to 1,600 guests per hour. At night, a 256-color LED display will illuminate the Charleston skyline.
The celebration will also feature inflatables, games, food vendors, Capitol tours, and living history experiences for visitors of all ages. Free shuttle service will connect the Capitol Complex and Regatta festivities throughout the event.
Each evening will conclude with a 3D light projection show on the State Capitol inspired by the acclaimed Washington Monument display in Washington, D.C. The presentation will highlight key moments in both American and West Virginia history.
More information on West Virginia's America 250 celebration is available online at wv250.com.
