Citing financial constraints, 4-H Center cancels annual Independence Day celebration

FRONT ROYAL – The Northern Virginia 4-H Educational and Conference Center announced earlier this week that it has canceled the annual Independence Day Celebration scheduled for June 30.

The organization, in a written statement said that “based on competing financial priorities associated with our primary camping and conferencing missions” the cancellation was necessary. The cancellation will include the fireworks display and all associated events, according to the statement.

“We are most grateful for wonderful support and participation of the Front Royal/Warren County community and we look forward to future Independence Day Celebrations with our friends and neighbors,” said Toby Smith, President other Board of Directors, Northern Virginia 4-H Educational and Conference Center.

For many years, the 4-H Center has proudly sponsored this event to honor the nation and celebrate its independence, according to Maile Armstrong, interim center director.

The 4-H Center reached out to both the Front Royal Town Council and the Warren County Board of Supervisors, requesting $2,500 of each to pay for this year’s event. Contacted by phone Saturday morning, Front Royal Mayor Hollis Tharpe said the item was, in fact on the work session agenda for the Monday, June 18 meeting, but he got word that the event permit had been canceled.