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IVOR

After much discussion and planning, a handful of communities in Western Tidewater have created opportunities for people to celebrate Independence Day this Saturday, the Fourth of July.

As previously reported by contributing writer Merle Monahan, the town of Ivor is hosting its event starting at 2 p.m., complete various family activities, music and food offerings. Fireworks are scheduled to be ignited at approximately 9 o’clock.

Mayor Tara Kea said, “Things are getting better and we will adhere to all of the guidelines. The town council feels that if this is done, people will be safe.”

For details or questions, Call the town office at 859-6397.

Down the road, so to speak, Sedley Events will sponsor the local celebration starting at 4 p.m. Fireworks will be professionally ignited for a show around 9 to 9:15 p.m., according to organizer Brandon Cook. Naturally, there’s to be food, vendors, crafters, games, the premiere of a car and truck show. Call Frank Land Sr. at 653-1933 for details on that one.

For more information, call Cook at 617-3878 or visit Sedley Events on Facebook.

Over in Newsoms, The Ruritan Club is presenting the celebration to begin at 5 p.m. The lineup starts at 4:30 p.m. at Newsoms Baptist Church. All entries welcomed. The Shiloh Bluegrass Band will perform. Hot dogs, sweet corn, chips, desserts, sodas, water and watermelon will be served. For details, call Brent Edwards at 252-862-6235.

Normally, the town of Windsor in neighboring Isle of Wight County would be having its festivity this weekend; likewise for Smithfield. But in the apparent interest of public health, the decision was made to present just a fireworks show at the Joel C. Bradshaw Fairgrounds on Courthouse Highway (Route 258).

Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are to stay in their vehicles. There will no on-site restrooms or trash cans. The fireworks — professionally ignited of course — will begin at 9:30 p.m. or soon thereafter.