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For the second straight year, Henrico County has canceled its Red, White and Lights Fourth of July event, which had been scheduled at Dorey Park. County officials made the decision to cancel Tuesday, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was to be the third year of the event at Dorey Park; instead, only the first year (in 2018) actually took place. Last year's event was rained out.
Officials with Henrico's Division of Recreation and Parks determined that the current guidelines for public events would have made it impossible to safely hold the celebration, which has attracted as many as 20,000 people in the past.
“Red, White & Lights is a wonderful, family-friendly event that brings together our residents and community for a celebration of our nation’s independence,” said Neil Luther, director of Recreation and Parks. “While it’s disappointing that we are unable to hold this year’s event, we must continue to make the health and safety of the public our primary focus. Henrico County looks forward to bringing back this celebration when it is safe to do so.”
In lieu of the event, the county will present patriotic displays July 1-5 at Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road, and at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Road in Glen Allen. The displays will feature 70 flags, artwork and a sand sculpture that will be built onsite, beginning Saturday, June 27.
In addition, Uncle Sam on stilts will greet guests from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 3 at Crump Park.
Visitors to Dorey Park will hear the story of London Pleasants, an enslaved man who defined his own independence during the Revolutionary War. A 20-minute presentation by Colonial Williamsburg re-enactor Jamar Jones and a question-and-answer period will occur on the hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All activities will be held in outdoor areas and arranged to encourage social distancing.
