Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s freedom with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop. Living historians will read from the steps in front of the 18th century building at 11am, 1 pm & 3 pm. Join us for this FREE community event as we honor the enduring legacy of the Declaration. It’s a fun Fourth of July tradition for the entire family!

Be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This family-friendly Americana-themed Independence Day event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation in a setting rich with Revolutionary history. Join us for a day filled with games, hands-on activities, crafts, living history demonstrations, reenactors, and engaging programs presented by community organizations from across the region. Fabulous Fourth offers a meaningful and memorable way to honor our shared heritage and the enduring spirit of independence.

Celebrate our nation’s 250th along with the area’s historic sites and educational entities. With dozens of things to see and do, guests will be entertained by performances by the Wil Gravatt Band, Colonial Faire, and Riverside Theater, demonstrations by the Patawomeck Indian Tribe, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the Fredericksburg Area Museum, James Monroe Museum, National Park Service, Washington Heritage Museums, Art Cart for Kids, Civil War reenactors, historic food preparers, James Ingram of Colonial Williamsburg, FACES of the 18^th Century, the Scandalous Women of the Civil War Guild, and many others!

Returning performers include Enduring Freedom, the 23rd USCT, and the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society.

Also witness a live archaeological excavation, watch living history in action, take a Washington House tour, and grab a bite from food trucks. Kids can enjoy a hands-on dig of dinosaur and other fossils, play colonial games, make crafts, and more.

11:00 am – Inspiring Speeches and Flag Retirement Ceremony

Just $3 per person, ages 3 and up. Purchase tickets on-site, no advance ticket sales.

Free shuttles will run between the Eagles Lodge parking lot on Cool Springs Road and the Ferry Farm and Fourth in Fredericksburg events. Handicap parking only available on-site at Ferry Farm.

Event is rain or shine. No pets, no weapons, no coolers, and no alcohol permitted.

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 540-370-0732.

Looking for a fun and educational way to engage your animal-loving kids when they are out of school? The Fred SPCA’s Compassionate Care Camp offers a hands-on opportunity for children to learn about animals and become advocates for their well-being in the community. Campers will discover more about dogs and cats, explore animal-related career fields, learn how to provide daily care for pets, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the work we do at the Fredericksburg SPCA. With engaging discussions and interactive activities covering a wide range of animal welfare topics, this camp is the perfect summer experience for any young animal enthusiast.
Half-Day and Full-Day Camp Sessions Available.

Dog Week, July 6-10 – Learn about dog care, behavior, and communication through fun enrichment activities, games, and hands-on exercises. Group projects help adoptable dogs while building teamwork and confidence.

www.fredspca.org/humaneed