Independence Day event to feature Richmond Symphony, laser-light show finale
Henrico County will present its annual Red, White and Lights community celebration of Independence Day on Thursday, July 4 at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Road.
The free event, produced by the Division of Recreation & Parks, will begin at 5 p.m. and provide an evening of family entertainment, including a performance by the Richmond Symphony featuring a repertoire of patriotic and America-themed selections with associate conductor Chia-Hsuan Lin and a laser-light show finale. Gates will be open from 4 to 8:45 p.m. Guests will need to be in the event area to see and hear the show.
“We’re excited, just two weeks after Juneteenth, to give families the opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July,” said John Zannino, director of Recreation & Parks. “Henrico’s community celebration of Independence Day has been a wonderful event for more than 30 years. We look forward to having the community join us again at historic Meadow Farm.”
Live music will begin at 5 p.m. with Henrico Police Acoustic Blue Band, J. Roddy Walston, “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Sarah Walston and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Desiree Roots. The Richmond Symphony with artist J. Roddy Walston will perform at 8 p.m. under The Big Tent, a state-of-the-art mobile stage that allows the orchestra to take its music into communities. Starting about 9 p.m., the Richmond Symphony’s performance will be accompanied by a laser-light show. The show is suited to those who may be sensitive to loud noises and will not include a fireworks display.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs and to arrive early to enjoy a kids’ zone and refreshments. The kids’ zone will include inflatables, games, the Fun Bus mobile gym, face painting, balloon art, a community art project and entertainment by juggler Jonathan Austin and Uncle Sam on Stilts. Greg McQuade, a reporter for WTVR CBS 6, will serve as emcee for the evening. Sixteen food trucks will be onsite to offer a meal, snack or dessert.
For event details and tips, go to henrico.us/rec or henrico.us/calendar/red-white-and-lights-2023.
