To all who made the Fourth spectacular . . .

The Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department sponsored their eighth annual Rappahannock County July Fourth Celebration at the Thornton Hill Hounds Racecourse last weekend. Independence Day was celebrated in spectacular fashion as the American flag flew high over the event, reminding everyone of the freedoms we enjoy each and every day. A good time was had by all and the weather could not have been better. The celebration ended with a spectacular fireworks show and magnificent grand finale.

This annual celebration is sponsored by the Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department. However, the success of the event is not possible without generous contributions from our underwriters: Jamie, Lilla and Bill Fletcher; B&B Signal Company; the Greve Foundation; Hampton Foundation; Greg Williams Tree & Landscaping Service; Hampton Inn; Cheri Woodard Realtors; Union First Market Bank; and an anonymous donor. The SVFD membership would like to thank these underwriters for their continued support to this event and we ask that the public thank them personally when they see them in the community.

In addition to the underwriters, 23 local corporate sponsors participated in this year’s celebration. They consisted of local businesses and nonprofit organizations who celebrated Independence Day with their employees and families. Corporate sponsors are equally important to the sustainability of the event. The SVFD thanks them for their support as well.

Special thanks go out to the fire and rescue departments that participated in this year’s event. Their contributions are invaluable, not only with the event, but throughout the year as they provide emergency public service to the citizens of Rappahannock County. The Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office is recognized for their efforts with event security and traffic control and kudos to the Boy Scouts for their tireless efforts with parking vehicles. Good job by all!

The Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department membership deserves a round of applause for their countless hours of hard work leading up to the celebration. They are committed volunteers with a desire to serve Rappahannock County. The July Fourth Committee recognizes our fellow members for a job well done!

Thanks to everyone who attended and celebrated our country’s independence as a community. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

On behalf of the July Fourth Committee: Richie Burke, Chucky Jenkins, Larry Grove, Mike Leake and Gregory Williams,

GARY SETTLE Chairman