Valley celebrates America 250, fireworks and fun

BY KADIE TAYLOR

FOR THE LAFAYETTE SUN

VALLEY — Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting three events to celebrate the Fourth of July and America 250, with everything from music to fireworks for community members to enjoy. 

Fireworks

Grab lawn chairs for a night under the lights. Valley Parks and Rec is hosting forth of July Fireworks, which can be seen from the Industrial Park, on July 4 beginning around 9:45 p.m. ET.

“We encourage everyone to have a safe day on a river, and then join us for the fireworks after,” said Valley Parks and Rec Program Coordinator Annabel Thompson. “I've seen a lot of people on Facebook, like, ‘Oh yeah, we've got to make sure to get a good spot.' And that's the perfect thing about Valley, is I think from kind of anywhere you'd be able to see them from a good view, and of course, all that additional parking we're planning for is perfect too. 

“Having these things in the city where you live is so important, and it's safer. Fourth of July can be a not-safe holiday with people drinking and driving. So to have something in Valley that's right there, you can probably see it most from everywhere on your back porch in Valley, but you know it's going to be safe. Our police officers are going to be out patrolling and making sure everyone's good and helping with everyone getting in and out [to watch fireworks]. It’s completely free, and that's a huge thing.”

Creative Art Competition

Valley Parks and Rec is calling all artists to help celebrate America 250. Submit an original piece of artwork celebrating America's 250th Anniversary for a chance to have your creation displayed in the Valley Community Center for the entire community to enjoy.

This challenge is free to enter; participants are encouraged to use any artistic medium or materials. Artwork must be patriotic, creative and include the number 250. Thompson said she wants to encourage locals to think outside the box. Spell out "250" with popsicle sticks, paint the Statue of Liberty wearing sunglasses with "250" on the lenses, create a sculpture or snap a patriotic photograph.

“Offering things besides sports, besides recreation, is so important, because that's not what every single person is interested in, and you may not even know what you're interested in,” she said. “I would love if a whole family entered submissions. It's not just for the little daughter who loves doing art class at school, it should be everyone, because you may not know that you find art fun if you submit it. That's your entryway into doing something a little more creative, but it's definitely important to offer things broader than sports and fitness classes and things for people. It creates a sense of belonging and connection that gives you something you know to look forward to and to be proud of.”

For more information, visit www.vpr.recdesk.com/Community/Program. 

Community Choir Program

Enjoy patriotic music on the morning of July 4. Visit Valley City Hall on July 4 at 9 a.m. ET. The program features patriotic songs and hymns, followed by a special presentation on the significance of America's 250th Anniversary. Light refreshments will be served after the program.