By Matt de Simone
Botetourt County played host to a variety of festive gatherings and hometown traditions over the July 4 weekend, as residents and visitors alike came together to mark the nation’s birthday with enduring community pride.
In Buchanan, the long-standing Fourth of July Parade rolled down Main Street last Friday afternoon, drawing crowds in red, white, and blue despite earlier weather woes. The Buchanan Carnival, a local favorite, saw a strong turnout following the parade. While the early days of the event were dampened by storms, spirits lifted as the skies cleared later in the weekend.
“Certainly, we took a hit on the early days due to the weather, but the fourth and fifth went gangbusters,” said Buchanan Interim Town Manager Jon Ellestad, reflecting on the weekend and the community’s turnout.
Photo by Melaina Church
Just up the road in the Town of Fincastle, a Sunday night fireworks display lit up the sky following a strategic scheduling move by organizers hoping to out-maneuver the area’s recent stretch of unpredictable rain. Though light showers crept in early that evening, they gave way just in time for the fireworks to dazzle over the historic town. Local VFW Post 1841 added to the evening’s charm, serving up hot dogs and chips to attendees gathered under umbrellas and lawn chairs.
“I thought the show was fantastic,” Fincastle Town Manager Melanie McFadyen said when asked about the July 6 fireworks extravaganza. “Add in a double rainbow and a gorgeous sunset and I don’t think it could’ve gotten any better! Master Displays, Inc. had several pyro-technical experts on hand and there was a never a doubt that the show would happen despite a few showers. We had a great crowd and received some donations to go towards next year’s show.”
As with many small towns across the country, Botetourt County’s Independence Day celebrations were less about spectacle and more about shared traditions and honoring the sense of unity that defines this part of Virginia. Even when the weather refused to fully cooperate, the community showed up—and the spirit of the holiday shone through.
