County Supervisors Briefed on Local Focus on Coming Events Related to Start of Multi-Year Honoring of the U.S. Revolution

In its first work session of 2026, following its first meeting four working days prior, the newly aligned Warren County Board of Supervisors reviewed four items of coming business, the final one added at the meeting’s outset. That added item by Chairman Cheryl Cullers was “discussion of work sessions and budget meetings”.

The original three agenda items to be discussed were: first, the County’s plans for a year-long local celebration of a statewide initiative in recognition of the 250th anniversary of Virginia’s role in the American revolution; second, ongoing management of the County’s Emergency Operations Plan; and third, committee assignments for the coming year. Here we will focus on the work session’s first agenda item, plans for the coming year and beyond related to increased tourism promotion linked to a statewide and national recognition of the 250th anniversary of the outset of the American fight for independence.

Deputy County Administrator Jane Meadows presented that first item (00:50 linked County video mark), summarizing the County plan to utilize the coming statewide celebration to increase the tourism attraction of Warren County beyond its natural resources and the Fall changing of the leaves season, to include Virginia’s pivotal role in the execution and success of that nation’s move toward indpendence. During the discussion (11:49 linked County video mark) Chairman Cullers pointed out that the statewide effort was only the kickoff year of a planned six-year celebration nationally of the buildup to and successful conclusion of the American Revolution after an 8-year effort.

Deputy County Administrator Jane Meadows presented an overview of coming 2026 community and tourism events related to WC VA250. Below, Board Chair Cheryl Cullers noted the listed events actually begin a 6-year and beyond schedule of events pointed at long-term increases in tourism and related local business revenues. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

“It wasn’t a short war,” Meadows observed of the American Revolution.

The presence of officials from various county organizations that are likely participants was acknowledged by Meadows. Those included Samuels Library and the Warren Heritage Society. Others include The Stone Branch Arts Center and the Blue Ridge Arts Council, among others.

Overview of the 2026 Signature Events:

A summary of some of the planned events and their purpose was listed in the agenda packet. Those included:

1) From Lanterns to Liberty – Opening Ceremony & Glow Walk

• Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026 11 a.m – 9 p.m.
• Concept: Countywide kickoff ceremony with patriotic programming and a family-friendly glow walk that symbolizes “lanterns” and the call to liberty.
• Key Elements: Short ceremony program, demonstrations at the Warren Heritage Society, interactive history stations, photo ops, vendor/community partner involvement, lantern/glow walk route.

2) Freedom Flows Festival – Shenandoah River & Revolution

• Date/Time: Saturday, May 30, 2026
• Location: Eastham Park
• Concept: Festival connecting the Shenandoah River to local Revolutionary-era themes and the county’s natural/cultural heritage.
• Key Elements: Education + recreation blend, exhibitors, demonstrations, kids’ activities, local vendor village, interpretive programming tied to “Freedom Flows.”

3) Liberty Day: American Revolution Heritage Festival

• Date/Time: Saturday, October 3, 2026
• Location: Rockland Park
• Concept: Large-scale heritage festival serving as the capstone celebration—community gathering to “Gather, Celebrate, Remember.”
• Key Elements: Main stage programming, living history/re-enactors, heritage partners, food/vendors, patriotic moments, interactive exhibits, family activities.

These events are designed to:

• Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through local storytelling and education;
• Highlight Warren County assets, including the Shenandoah River and county parks;
• Strengthen resident pride and drive visitor activity that supports local businesses;
• Build long-term heritage tourism programming beyond 2026.

County and Community Value

These events are expected to deliver measurable public benefits, including:

• Increased visitation and economic activity for local businesses;
• Expanded community partnerships (schools, heritage groups, nonprofits, Town of Front Royal, etc.);
• Enhanced public engagement with local history and civic pride;
• Positive regional media exposure and stronger destination branding for Experience Warren County.

Planning and Partnership

The Tourism Committee is coordinating with county departments and community partners to finalize event plans, including:

• Parks & Recreation (park logistics, site layouts, scheduling)
• Public Works (site readiness, traffic/control support as applicable)
• Sheriff’s Office and Fire & Rescue (public safety planning, EMS readiness)
• Communications/PIO (Public Information Office) support in marketing and public messaging)
• Community partners (Warren Heritage Society, Samuels Public Library, schools, service clubs, local businesses and non-profits, Town partners)

The other work session items will be summarized in a related Royal Examiner story.

Click here to watch the Warren County Board of Supervisors Work Session of January 13, 2026.