4th of July celebration to be 'bigger and better'
By Alexander Sharp III
Special to the Rappahannock News
“Last year put Rappahannock back on the map for fireworks,” said Robert Glasker of Bobby G. and Friends, the band slated to play from 7 p.m. until the fireworks show July 4 at Thornton Hill Farm, three miles south of Sperryville on Route 522.
“We expect another record turnout. I think this year will be better than last,” he said.
Glasker is both singer and guitarist for Bobby G and Friends, a well known local blues band which includes a drummer, bassist, and second guitar player - all local musicians. The band describes itself as “a little mixture of Blues, R&B, and Soul” that specializes in old familiar tunes.
Bobby G and Friends is one of four bands playing at the second annual Independence Day celebration at Thornton Hill Farm, the location of the Point-to-Point Races and the Steeplechase. Hurt Hollow will play from 2 to 3 p.m.; Ben Mason will play originals about Rappahannock from 3 to 4 p.m.; and The Shenandoah Travellers will play from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by Bobby G and Friends.
“Last year was close to perfect,” said Bill Fletcher, owner of Thornton Hill Farm, some 100 acres of picturesque rolling pasture. “This year the event organizers are already doing a better job.”
According to Fletcher, those in attendance should expect “more music, more food, more views, and better parking.”
Fletcher attributes the improvements this year to a dedicated Rappahannock County Fourth of July Committee and the hard work of the Thornton Hill Hounds Hunt Club, host of the event.
“There has been more interest this year,” said Richie Burke, co-chairman of the committee. “Interest has peaked. There will be more vendors, and a lot more food.”
Those in attendance will not leave hungry. Richie mentioned pork BBQ sandwiches from the Etlan Store, funnel cakes from the Amissville Fire Department, and hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, and iced tea from the Reynolds Baptist Church. The event is also open to for-profit vendors. Businesses interested should call 987-8124.
“We've moved vendors into the main field area where the entertainment is," Burke said. Organizers want to make the stage for musicians the focal point of the celebration. Vendors will line the perimeter. A 20x30' tent in the central area will provide shade.
Gates open at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 4. Admission is $20 per vehicle, or $30 for tailgaters.
Last year’s celebration was the first of many fireworks shows to come. This year’s event is expected to out-draw the 3,500 in attendance in 2007. All of those involved have high hopes for the celebrations to come.
“We’re expecting it to be bigger and better this year,” Bill Fletcher said. “We’re hoping it will get bigger and better every year. We think an event like this can bring Rappahannock together to help preserve its rural character.”