Jenna Nichols
Contributing writer
Radford celebrated the Fourth of July by bringing the community together for live music, local vendors and fellowship at Bisset Park for the “Spirit of America” celebration.
Radford held its July Fourth “Spirit of America” celebration at Bisset Park. In addition to the festivities, memorials for veterans and fallen soldiers in the park were commemorated in honor of the day where visitors could pay their respects to those who served their country.
Above all, the meaning of freedom rose above the celebration and fireworks.
The sense of Radford’s community was evident at the celebration where crowds gathered enjoy a day of freedom. According to Mayor David Horton, the city embodies what it means to be free.
“The spirit of America…is the unbridled enthusiasm of our citizens,” said Horton. “Radford has a long history of embracing the freedoms that we hold dear as Americans.”
“From our early days as a respite for travelers on the Wilderness Road at the edge of the frontier to this very day, Radford has been a home for the entrepreneurial and pioneer spirit that so embodies Americans,” he added.
Horton said events such as the July Fourth “Spirit of America” celebration are important because they bring the community together to celebrate and reflect on what being free in America means.
The events can also mean a boost to local tourism.
“They bring many people to the city to enjoy our parks, restaurants, the New River and all the wonderful things Radford has to offer,” he said.
Throughout the day’s events, residents and visitors flocked to Bisset Park. A main attraction for children at the celebration was the activity area.
Children scaled to the top of a rock wall while parents stood at their feet taking photos. Others bounced and climbed on multiple inflatable obstacle courses. Brave children tried to ride out the clock on a bucking mechanical bull.
Some visitors decided to enjoy the Fourth of July in a traditional Bisset Park manner. They floated down the New River gently riding the current of the waters.
The largest crowd was drawn near the park’s gazebo where artists sang a variety of music. Visitors relaxed in lawn chairs, some shaded themselves from the sun with umbrellas, while the music echoed throughout the park.
The main event of the day was the fireworks, which took place in the Radford night sky. Crowds who enjoyed the colorful display not only filled Bisset Park, viewers also filled areas throughout the city to catch a glimpse.
Firework displays were originally envisioned to be part of Fourth of July festivities by John Adams to celebrate the spirit of American freedom.
Radford’s firework display for the July Fourth “Spirit of America” celebration was fitting to close a day of successful camaraderie among its residents and visitors.
