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.

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, June 29th, 2023

6:00 p.m: 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.

?Later that evening, enjoy a courthouse lawn concert by the Charleston Metro Band at 8 p.m. Musical selections range from classic hits to patriotic favorites.

Register for Bike Parade Here

8:00 p.m: Charleston Metro Band

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.

Friday, June 30th, 2023

6:30 p.m: Class Act

“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 7 p.m. on the Courthouse lawn. this is an all-class reunion for Ripley High School grads and friends. A DJ plays nostalgic tunes for all to enjoy.

8:00 p.m: Nashville Country Music Star Ronnie McDowell

An American country musician, McDowell shot to fame after his 1977 hit, “The King is Gone”, following the death of Elvis Presley. Throughout his career he has amassed 30 top ten records, appeared in movies and TV, and continues to tour.  

?McDowell has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and with artists such as Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette, and Loretta Lynn. His most recent project is a new country album titled “Ronnie McDowell Country”, which includes a collection of six new songs.  

Saturday, July 1, 2023

6 p.m. to 10 p.m: Ben Fuller

Music has taken Ben Fuller’s life and made it into something he never would have dreamed. Ben grew up in Southern Vermont on his family dairy farm working along-side his father. He'd pass the time by singing to old classic country tunes as he witnessed first-hand the hard work and dedication it took to run a farm. The songs never stopped and somewhere between the farm and college, he picked up a guitar and never looked back.

U-Turn Concert

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Glen Shelton 6 p.m.

As a young singer, Glen opened for Randy Travis. Glen has also shared the stage with more than 50 National Acts including Joe Nichols, Jameson Rodgers, and many other well-known artists. Glen has recently been working with Bruce Allen and Jim Jordan in Nashville from Jordash Records, who signed Glen to this record label on March 14, 2022. His first national Country music release (“Writing You A Love Song”) with Jordash Records is scheduled for July, 2022. Glen is so thankful to Jordash Records for giving him this opportunity to be a Nashville Recording Artist with this Record Label.

Morgan White 7:30 p.m.

Morgan White returns to Ripley and the Constellium Stage for a 7:30 pm performance on Saturday, July 2nd.

?Morgan White has always known that singing would carry her far beyond the Appalachian peaks that she calls home. Born in the Southern coalfields of West Virginia, she is referred to as a modern day “Coal Miner’s Daughter”! Her first album entitled “I’m Gone” produced TWO #1 Singles!!! The album's title track "I’m Gone" remained at the top of the charts for TWELVE WEEKS STRAIGHT on Hot Country Radio in the Carolina’s.

Monday, July 3, 2023

6:00 p.m.

5 Spot Band will be on the Constellium Stage

?Adam Tucker a.k.a. Vegas McGraw will be on the Constellium Stage for an 8:00 pm performance on Sunday, July 3.

?Adam recently WON episode 3 on the new hit TV show executive produced by Jimmy Fallon Called Clash of The Cover Bands! He and his talented crew have opened up for 42 National Acts all over the United States, including: Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Charlie Daniels, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Tracy Lawrence etc. The response has been overwhelming and invitations from large corporate events to fairs, festivals, casinos and charity benefits have presented themselves. The timeless sound of Tim McGraw proves appealing to audiences of all ages, bringing back memories and touching the hearts of all. This talented group of musicians showcase Tim McGraws' mega-hits from the 90's such as Dont Take The Girl, I Like It I Love It, Everywhere and his current radio hits of today! This tribute was formed to salute Tim McGraw and bring his music to your city, so get ready to experience the best Tim McGraw tribute show going today!

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

7:00 p.m. - Calvary Pancake Breakfast

9:00 a.m. -  Little Patriot Hour - Mountaineer Mascot

10:00 a.m. - Opening Ceremony

Honoring Three Recipients

11:30 a.m. - Race

12:00 p.m. -Parade

?Noon – 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.

2:00pm: Kids On First & Kurt Shultis

Kurt Shultis has performed 3 times for the crowd at Ripley’s Fourth of July Celebration. The talented singer and songwriter is making his fourth appearance on the fourth in 2022. He is performing at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 4 on the Constellium Stage on the lawn of the Jackson County Courthouse. Shultis sings in a variety of genres including pop rock and country. He serves as an instructor at the Jackson County School of Music and recording studio in Ripley and recently released the 8-song album “The Great Divide.”

4:00pm: Ultra Sound

Ultra Sound features music from the 80’s with a touch of today’s hits. The high energy band, which has a strong Jackson County presence and following, is making its return to Ripley’s 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy the show at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 6 on the Constellium Stage on the lawn of the Jackson County Courthouse. Expect to hear songs made popular by such bands as Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Guns ‘n Roses and AC/DC, among others.

6:00pm: Power of Love Tribute Band

The POWER OF LOVE is a group of masterful, extremely talented musicians performing the greatest hits of one of the most beloved and iconic acts in music history.

The POWER OF LOVE front-man has traveled the world honoring his craft working with some of the greatest rock and rollers ever: Chubby Checker, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Bo Diddley and dozens more!

8:00pm: US Military Band

10:00pm: Fireworks

Fireworks are the classic conclusion to “America’s Largest Small-Town Independence Celebration.”

?Sponsored by Dutch Miller of Ripley, the dazzling display will light up the sky at 10 p.m. on Monday, July 4th.

Date: June 29 - July 4, 2023

Location: Jackson County Courthouse - 100 North Court Street Ripley, WV 25271

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