Known as the “USA’s Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration”, the Ripley 4th of July Celebration dates back to the late 1800’s. It is the oldest parade and oldest Independence Day Celebration in West Virginia. The population of Ripley explodes for the Grand Parade and the various activities held through the day. A vintage photo from that era once published in the Jackson Herald newspaper showed decorated horses, wagons, and riders parading down Court Street in Ripley.

The modern celebration includes daylong, free of charge, live musical entertainment from the stage on the Jackson County Courthouse Lawn on the Fourth of July. There is also a carnival, grand parade, and various food concessions. The celebration has now expanded to include seven days of family fun, events, and activities.

Schedule Of Events:

Tuesday, July 2,2024

5:00 p.m.  Blue Lightning and Madison - Courthouse Gazebo

7:00 p.m.  Ripley Rockers - Courthouse Gazebo

Wednesday, July 3,2024

6:00 p.m. Constellium Bicycle Parade
Patriots on Wheels Bicycle Parade on North Street
It’s called the bicycle parade, but kids on bikes, trikes, wagons and strollers are likely to be seen in this event. Sponsored by Constellium Rolled Products, it begins at 6 p.m. at United Bank’s North Street location.

Click here for parade registration

6:30 p.m. or immediately following bike parade - Donnie Allen DJ on North Court Street for Dancing in the Streets

6:30 p.m. Community Band - Courthouse Lawn

8:00 p.m. Charleston Metro Band - Courthouse Lawn
The Charleston Metropolitan Bands include a concert band and pep bands that play at high school reunions and sporting events. We are volunteer musicians who enjoy getting together to play many different styles of music and provide live musical entertainment throughout the Kanawha Valley and surrounding region.

Thursday, July 4,2024

7:00 a.m. Calvary Pancake Breakfast - Calvary United Methodist Church

9:00 a.m. Little Patriot Hour - Courthouse Lawn

10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony - Courthouse Lawn

11:30 a.m. Race - Sponsored by Main Street

12:00 p.m. Sheetz Grand Parade

Parade Route

Covering 1.5 miles. the Sheetz Grand Parade begins near Ripley High School. The route follows South Church Street (Rt. 33) to Main Street (Rt. 21) and concludes at the intersection of West Main Street and Academy Drive. This year's parade will again be televised live by WOWK-TV 13.

2:00 p.m. Talent Show - Constellium Stage

4:00 p.m. Rewind the Walkman - Constellium Stage

6:00 p.m. Crandall Creek - Constellium Stage

8:00 p.m. Davisson Brothers Band - Constellium Stage

10:00 p.m. - Fireworks

?Friday, July 5,2024

4:00 p.m. - Registration for Mullet Contest - $5 Entry Fee - Courthouse Lawn

5:00 p.m. - Ripley's Top American Mullet Contest - Courthouse Lawn

5:00 p.m. - Registration for Apple Pie Contest - $10 Entry Fee - Courthouse Lawb

5:30 p.m. - Registration for Watermelon Eating Contest - No Entry Fee - Courthouse Lawn

6:00 p.m. - Watermelon Eating Contest - Courthouse Lawn

6:30 p.m. - Class Act - RHS Alumni and Friends - Courthouse Lawn
“The Class Act” is becoming a tradition with the Fourth of July Celebration in Ripley. It serves as an all-class reunion for Ripley High graduates, spouses and friends.  it all begins at 6:30 p.m. on the Courthouse lawn. This is an all-class reunion for Ripley High School grads and friends.

7:00-8:15 p.m. - Painted Man - Constellium Stage

8:15 p.m. - Pie Auction

8:45-10:00 p.m. - Painted Man - Constellium Stage

?Saturday, July 6,2024

6:00 p.m.  U-Turn Concert featuring Jon Micah Sumrall and Honor and Glory - Constellium Stage

Date: July 2-6,2024

Location: Jackson County Courthouse, 100 N Ct St, Ripley, WV 25271.

Click here for more information