SEDLEY—Sedley will start Independence Day off in Western Tidewater with a recognition program for area veterans at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4. They and their families are invited to Sedley Baptist Church on Johnsons Mill Road.

Patriotic music will be performed, and Joe Winn will speak about his experience on a Navy submarine.

Following that will be a group photo of the veterans and light refreshments.

The Sedley Woman’s Club, a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, is the sponsor.

For the second consecutive year, there will be no fireworks that night.

The Sedley Recreation Association, which has been organizing the July 4th celebrations since 1987, sent the following statement to The Tidewater News:

“There are many changes in state laws concerning pyrotechnic displays. This causes concerns for many small communities that have had beautiful firework shows for many years with no incidents or problems. If shows are done and rules not followed you could be fined and most small communities or organizations are on a tight budget due to the economy and don’t want to take a chance.”

The organization has observed that other communities in Southampton County have created their own celebrations and parades, but without fireworks in Sedley people are staying in their respective places.

“We have decided to move our Patriotic Celebration to November,” wrote the association. “There will be a parade, craft items, children’s games, food, music and many more fun and exciting things for all ages. Time and date will be announced later and also hopefully a special event that is being planned for this day. Happy 4th to everyone.”

Speaking of local communities, Newsoms has announced it’s offering a parade at 5 p.m.

Betty Darden, a resident, said the lineup will begin from 4 to 4:30 p.m. at Newsoms Baptist Church. The parade will travel down South Main Street; go past the Methodist church, cross the railroad track onto North Main Street. The parade will then turn around at the intersection of North Main and General Thomas Highway. Spectators will get to see it twice as the parade will follow the same route on the return trip.

Free hot dogs, chips, corn on the cob, watermelon, desserts and drinks will be served behind the Ruritan Building following the parade.

Donations will be accepted. The Shiloh Band will perform. Bring a lawn chair.

Windsor in neighboring Isle of Wight County will have a Fourth of July celebration starting at 5 p.m. The day’s events are being sponsored by the Town of Windsor, its civic organizations, friends and other residents. They’ve announced the following:

Be aware that Church Street will be closed from its intersection with Route 460 to the main entrance at Windsor High School from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Handicap parking will be offered on the Duke Street parking lot, which is accessible from Court Street to A Street to Duke.

These events will be held at Church and Duke streets:

• Music by “Island Boy” from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
• Antique Car Show from 5 to 8 p.m., with awards presented at 7:30 p.m.
• Children’s Inflatable Activities from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
• Children’s Patriotic Parade, starting at the entrance to Windsor High at 6 p.m.
• A Corn Hole Competition from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Dinner at 7 p.m. Sidewalk chalk drawing, hula-hoop, water balloon and an ice cream eating contest will be held after dinner
• Fireworks when it’s dark.

The timing of events may be moved up if inclement weather is approaching.

Attendees are asked to bring a dessert to share, and don’t forget your chair or blanket.