Staunton’s Happy Birthday America 2026 just around the corner
Happy Birthday America celebration in Staunton includes a parade, music, a 5K race, fireworks and more.
- Applications are now open for Staunton’s 2026 “Happy Birthday America” Independence Day celebration.
- The three-day event will feature a parade, carnival, fireworks, and a Firecracker 5K race.
- Country and gospel artists Wilson Fairchild and Jimmy Fortune are scheduled to perform.
- The nonprofit is seeking volunteers, vendors, parade participants, and sponsors for the festivities.
Happy Birthday America, the volunteer-led nonprofit organization behind Staunton’s annual Independence Day celebration, has officially opened applications for volunteers, parade participants, pageant contestants, food concessions, non-food vendors, and the Staunton Firecracker 5K as part of the organization’s 2026 Fourth of July festivities.
Sponsorship opportunities are also now available for businesses and organizations looking to support one of the Shenandoah Valley’s largest free community celebrations.
The expanded three-day celebration begins Sunday, June 28, with the Happy Birthday America Beauty Pageant. Festivities continue Friday, July 3, with a patriotic kickoff event featuring live music, inspirational speakers, and special performances. The celebration culminates Saturday, July 4, with a full day of family-friendly events including the Firecracker 5K, the annual patriotic parade through Gypsy Hill Park, food and artisan vendors, carnival rides, live entertainment, and an expanded fireworks finale.
This year’s event will feature headline musical performances from country and gospel favorites Wilson Fairchild and Jimmy Fortune, with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. on July 4 at Gypsy Hill Park. Admission is free to the public.
Volunteer opportunities
Volunteers are essential to making Happy Birthday America possible each year. Community members are invited to assist with event setup, parade operations, information booths, logistics, and event breakdown throughout the celebration weekend.
Parade applications
Applications are now open for one of the Shenandoah Valley’s and Virginia’s largest Independence Day parades. Organizers encourage businesses, churches, schools, civic groups, marching bands, veterans organizations, equestrian units, dance teams, emergency vehicles, and community organizations to apply early, as parade space is expected to fill quickly and there are limited spots remaining.
Pageant applications
Contestants are invited to participate in the annual Happy Birthday America Pageant, where winners will serve as official ambassadors for the 2026 celebration and lead the July 4 parade.
Food and non-food vendors
The celebration offers vendors an opportunity to connect with thousands of attendees during one of Staunton’s biggest annual events. Food vendors, artisan businesses, nonprofits, and local organizations are encouraged to apply.
Staunton Firecracker 5K
Runners and walkers of all skill levels are invited to participate in the Firecracker 5K, widely recognized as one of the area’s largest and most competitive Independence Day races.
2026 Event highlights
- Official America250 block party location and VA250 Commemorative Partner
- Kickoff event featuring patriotic and gospel music
- Large-scale patriotic parade commemorating America’s 250th anniversary
- Free live concert featuring Jimmy Fortune and Wilson Fairchild
- Family-friendly carnival, food vendors, artisan marketplace, and activities
- Expanded July 4 fireworks spectacular
About Happy Birthday America
Happy Birthday America is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to hosting a free, large-scale Independence Day celebration in Staunton, Virginia. As an official America250 Block Party location and VA250 Commemorative Partner, the organization brings together families, businesses, nonprofits, and visitors from across the Shenandoah Valley and beyond to celebrate America’s independence through music, community events, and patriotic traditions.
Monique Calello is a reporter at The News Leader in Staunton covering business, dining and entertainment. Connect with her at [email protected].
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.newsleader.com ’
