Schedule of events for July 2-4

By Beth Sergent

For Mason County Extra Edition

POINT PLEASANT — The City of Point Pleasant begins its three-day celebration of the Independence Day holiday this evening (Sunday, July 2), starting with Praise Along the River, which is a kick-off event for Liberty Fest activities. Liberty Fest then continues this Monday and Tuesday, culminating in what is being described as a “gigantic” fireworks display over the Ohio River on July 4.  

“The Fourth of July has always been a big event in this city; a fun, family gathering of city residents enjoying our freedom and love for this great city and country,” Mayor Brian Billings stated via email to Mason County Extra Edition.

When the Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta ended a few years ago, it left a significant space on the events calendar downtown, which included a parade, vendors, food, family-friendly activities and fireworks. The city stepped in to create a new experience for residents and visitors, which included a variety of those family-friendly activities, fireworks and more, every year on the Fourth of July. This effort eventually grew to be called Liberty Fest; an idea which began as a one-day event but has grown in duration and popularity.

“We want to continue to grow and make this celebration bigger than the year before,” Mayor Billings stated. “In 2021 the Liberty Fest began as a one-day event. In 2022 we grew to two days and now in 2023 we will celebrate our independence with three, big days. Our hope is to add more to each day and continue with additional activities and events. I feel we are gathering steam to grow with the participation of businesses, groups, churches, and individuals who are wanting to help.” 

Schedule of events

Sunday, July 2

Praise Along the River begins at 7 p.m. at Riverfront Park. The welcome will be given by Mayor Billings, followed by prayer offered by Pastor Nathan Fowler from Bellemead United Methodist Church. There will be performances by Inheritance Quartet, Randy Parsons and Generations Quartet. Pastor Mark Mayes of Point of Faith Church will be speaking. Also offering prayer will be Pastor Bo Burgess of Jordan Baptist Church.

“I hope with the participation of area churches that we can continue this each year and bring more to the community,” Billings stated. “Last year’s event saw over 200 people at Riverfront Park. We will always hold this event on Sundays and share the gospel through music and word.”  

Monday, July 3

Free concerts will be held at Riverfront Park as Liberty Fest continues on Monday. Taking the stage at 7 p.m. is Blue Moves, a popular local duo known for their rendition of 70’s and 80’s classics. Closing out the night will be MFB, a popular band based out of Cabell County with Mason County roots. MFB performs 70’s and funk music and will be taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. The concerts are free.

Tuesday, July 4

Liberty Fest activities on Tuesday kick off at 6 p.m. with the annual parade. Lineup for the parade is at 5 p.m. at 11^th and Main streets.

Then, at 7 p.m., Jesse Crawford, a popular local act who performs country music, takes the main stage at Riverfront Park.

At 8:15 p.m., city officials will welcome visitors and introduce royalty at the Riverfront Park main stage.

At 8:30 p.m., Flatrock Revival, a festival favorite, will return with its popular brand of music from the past from the main stage.

Then, at 10 p.m., “gigantic” fireworks on the Ohio River return.

“Amherst Madison once again will be bringing the barge to the center of the mighty Ohio River across from the Riverfront Park so that we all will see one of the biggest and best fireworks displays in the area,” Mayor Billings stated. “This has been one of the best things to happen to our Fourth of July celebrations. Amherst Madison has made a big difference with the barge to shoot off the fireworks and I feel certain this is why more and more people are coming to watch the fireworks.”

Also, on Tuesday, from 5-9 p.m., there will be bounce houses, and from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., face painting will be available.

Food and merchant vendors will also be set up.

“Proud to say that we will have an increase in vendors this year, so when that happens, people are seeing that this historic city has something going on and want to be a part of what is happening,” the mayor added.  

City administration, city council members, city employees, volunteers and sponsors help bring Liberty Fest to life. Admission to all Liberty Fest events, is free.

© 2023, Mason County Extra Edition, all rights reserved.

Beth Sergent has nearly 20 years of experience in journalism, having worked as both a reporter and editor. She has a BLA in English from Marshall University, and a certificate in Technical Writing from Duke University. She is a lifelong resident of Point Pleasant, in Mason County.

(Editor’s Note on accessibility: Mason County Extra Edition attempts to use accessible fonts and alternative text for photographs, to be inclusive of all readers.)