Elkins is Bringing It for #America250: Don’t Miss These July 4 Events!

Note: This information is subject to change at any time before the 4th of July weekend.

Local organizations — including the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber and Our Town — have planned several events this July to celebrate America’s 250th birthday (the Semiquincentennial, also known as #America250).

A tentative map outlining most of the events is at the end of this article.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming America 250 events!

4th of July Parade

Get your chairs in your favorite spot for the upcoming 4th of July Parade! It begins Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., and should last about an hour.

The parade starts at South Davis Avenue, and continues across the Davis Avenue Bridge through downtown, ending near Randolph Avenue.

If you’re a part of the parade, the line-up and registration starts at 4:00 p.m. at Southern States, 1200 South Davis Ave.

Expect street closures on South Davis Avenue starting on the afternoon of the 4th, lasting through the evening.

A special thank you goes to Kathy Vance and Citizens Promoting Community, which has been taking the lead on organizing this parade and other events.

Fireworks!

A fireworks display is planned for July 4th. The exact time and location will be announced by June 25 on our Facebook page and this website.

Help Raise Funds for the Interact Children’s Museum

Support our new children’s museum while adding a patriotic touch to downtown Elkins! The Interact Children’s Museum is selling spray-painted stars that will be displayed throughout downtown.

• Cost: $20 for one star, $50 for three
• Deadline to purchase: June 30, 2026
• Contact: Lisa Martin at (304) 940-0485 or Interactmuseum@gmail.com

Hot Dog Eating Contest

Jimbo’s is organizing a hot dog eating contest at 6:00 p.m. on July 4, immediately following the parade.

Note: Professional eaters Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo have been rumored to have been invited but have not yet confirmed. That means more hot dogs for our local competitors!

Questions about registering? Call Jimmy Poyner at (681) 298-4173.

Coloring with Veterans

The American Legion invites kids to a free coloring activity on the lawn at Railroad Avenue. Join local veterans from noon to 3:00 p.m. on July 4 for patriotic coloring fun. All ages are welcome.

Mountain State Street Machine Car Show

Our Town has organized the annual Mountain State Street Machine Fourth of July Car Show, which is returning to City Park. It will be open on July 4 and 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Food trucks will also be in the area.

But Wait, There’s More!

On July 4, other events include:

• Bike decorating contest (ages 12 & under)
• ATV/UTV decorating contest (all ages)
• Details to come

Learn more on the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber Facebook page or visit their website directly.

Map of #America250 Events

This map is to help residents and visitors to Elkins understand where various events occur during the #America250 celebration. Feel free to use this map as a suggested guide for the parade and car show. Also, please note that streets and highways closed for the fireworks display on the evening of July 4, all based on information that the City of Elkins has received from the various events’ organizers.

The City of Elkins is not the official host or sponsor for any of the events during the America250 celebration. Please check the Facebook pages for the community volunteer organizations organizing these events, Our Town and Citizens Promoting Community, for updates. The City of Elkins will post updates about the 4th of July weekend’s events on our Facebook page as we receive them. A list of suggested events is available here.

• Yellow: Parade Route, July 4.
• Orange: Staging area for July 4 Parade (including bands, floats, community organizations).
• Green: Public parking at the City Hall lot.
• Red: Harrison & Old Randolph Road blocked due to fireworks display evening of July 4, near the Veteran’s Memorial (This could change: As of now, the time will be approximately from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. July 4; barricades will block Martin St., Reed St. and Old Randolph Road during this time).
• Blue: Car show display area, July 4 and 5, Elkins City Park.

Below is an interactive Google Map.