Charleston prepares for America 250 celebrations
June 24, 2026
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) – There is just a little over a week left until America turns 250, and communities throughout the Tri-State region are preparing for multiple celebrations.
Those who’ve driven by the West Virginia State Capitol recently likely saw the red, white and blue decorations lining the dome.
Employees have been working hard to prepare for the four days of celebrations taking place on the Capitol Complex grounds.
The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce said the anniversary celebration is something they have been preparing since last year.
“One of the things we’ve been doing is kind of a monthly email campaign for a little bit over a year now, really tying West Virginia history to the revolution and the role that West Virginia played in the establishment of the United States,” said Lilly Barickman, senior manager of communications and engagement at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
Barickman said it’s important to add some history to next month’s celebrations.
“West Virginia has played a large role in the American Revolution from the beginning. Obviously, we were part of Virginia as a whole. And then, we did break off. And, I think there’s a lot of history that a lot of people aren’t aware of. And, the march from Shepherdstown, the Bee Line March, things like that. That was one of the things that we really played focus in on,” Barickman said.
West Virginians and people visiting from across the country can expect a 230-foot Ferris wheel that offers views stretching up to 14 miles from the top.
West Virginia Tourism said visitors can look forward to live music, a West Virginia artisan market, history reenactments, Capitol tours, a light show, fireworks and more.
The events at the Capitol will kick off on Thursday, July 2, and runs through Sunday, July 5.
For more information on the celebrations, go to wv250.com
For more news from across the Tri-State, click here.
Story by Delaney Wells, WOWK