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The crowd gathered in the downtown area Wednesday night. Some sat in lawn chairs, while others were on the sidewalk and a few kids sat up on the top of their parents’ car. The community came out to witness Fireworks After Dark, the first in a series of celebrations across the region to highlight Independence Day.

Things got started at 6 p.m., when the first band got started on the Crute Stage. But once the sky got good and dark, it was time for the main event. The fireworks were shot off from the roof of Farmville’s town hall, much to the excitement of kids around the area. And here’s where we single one thing out, as it gets asked every year. No, these weren’t the same type of fireworks you’ll see in Meherrin or elsewhere. Due to how close buildings and people are to the downtown fireworks, Farmville uses what’s called close proximity pyrotechnics.

What’s the difference? Well, these aren’t as loud and don’t have the fallout of regular fireworks. Even so, they still brought the same bright colors, as you’ll be able to see below. 

Beyond Fireworks After Dark, more events

And that’s just the kickoff to a series of celebrations throughout the region. On July 4, Patrick Henry’s Red Hill will host an Independence Day celebration, running from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Brookneal.

The event starts with tours of the historic buildings, food vendors, face painting, live music, kid games, and both museum and Quarter Place tours. Patrick Henry Jolly will perform “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” and read the Declaration of Independence at 8 pm with fireworks beginning at 9:15 pm. If you want to read the document on your own, you can do that here.

As for Red Hill’s event, unlike Fireworks After Dark, this one costs to get in. General admission tickets are $10/car and can be purchased online or at the gate.

Pamplin sets up its own event

Shifting gears to Prince Edward County, this marks the ninth year Pamplin has celebrated Independence Day with an event. This time around, it’ll be held this weekend. The activities start on Saturday, July 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the historic Pamplin City Train Depot. That’s located at 115 N. Main Street. 

Doors will open up at 5:30 p.m. as we mentioned, with the music starting at 6 p.m. This year’s event will feature a number of local musical groups. Along with music comes food. The menu this year in Pamplin includes hot dogs, both beef and Alpha-gal friendly, cooked on different grills. There will also be homemade baked beans and coleslaw, grilled vegetables grown by local farmers and chips, along with watermelon and cookies for dessert. Now the meal is free, but any donation given to PALS would be welcome, town officials said. 

The music this year will be from the Farm Use String Band, town officials said. The group features a lineup including fiddle, clawhammer banjo, guitar, harmonica, washboard, upright bass and vocals. There will be a chance to try out some dancing, with styles including contra, reels, circles, squares and free dance. 

More fireworks after dark in Meherrin

Meanwhile, Meherrin will continue a longstanding tradition on that same night as Pamplin. The 38th annual celebration actually starts at 11 a.m., with Meherrin Fire and Rescue’s stew sale. Then the rest of the event, including food trucks, music and a fireworks display takes place at 102 Moores Ordinary Road, beginning at 4 p.m. Of course the fireworks will start once the sun goes down. 

And if you want to see more of Farmville’s Fireworks After Dark display, just click here and watch the videos on our Instagram feed.