Breaking News
zWeekendNewsletter

Star-Spangled Fun: Crowds turn out for Ripley’s Fourth of July celebration

By Brett Dunlap 3 min read

RIPLEY -- Many people came "home" to Ripley this weekend for the traditions and fun of small town patriotic festivities during the 154th annual Fourth of July celebration.

Ripley Mayor Carolyn Rader said everything had come together for the town to be able to put on the "acclaimed America's Largest Small Town Independence Day Parade."

People from all over the area gathered in downtown and along Main Street Friday to watch the Grand Parade, which Rader said had over 160 parade entries highlighting the area as well as America itself.

"They are all really into celebrating the birth of our nation," Rader said.

Festivities included the parade, concerts and more.

The mayor welcomed everyone who came to Ripley this weekend to share this celebration

"I hope people who come to Ripley feel comfortable and welcome," she said. "I hope everyone who comes will want to come back next year for America's 250th anniversary and be together right here in Ripley."

William White of Elkview has come to the parade for the last five years. He said he enjoys the atmosphere of the event and always has a good time.

"It is just a big party and a big festival here to celebrate America's independence," he said.

Brittany Ward of Reedy and her family made a weekend of it, attending all the different events in town, enjoying the food and watching the parade as well as going to the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair at nearby Cedar Lakes Conference Center.

"It usually takes us two (or) three days to be able to see it all," she said. "We have always attended the Ripley Fourth of July Parade.

"We enjoy the parade itself and all the festivities that go with it."

Ward credited Rader and city officials for putting on a good event that really brings the community together.

"It gets everyone outside," she said. "It puts everyone in the spirit of celebrating the Fourth of July and celebrating our full independence."

Jenna Snyder of Ripley said she and her family come to parade every year.

"It is the perfect small town celebration," she said. "It has something for everybody. We have been doing it for as long as I can remember and now we bring our kids as well."

Jason Cuttingham of Ripley said the parade and festivities bring in people from all over the area.

"It has been a family tradition for almost 40 years," he said. "I was born and raised here.

"It is what you do. It probably takes an hour-and-a-half to watch the parade."

In addition to the parade there is something for everyone with concerts, a talent show, food, a big fireworks show and more.

Starting at /week.