July 4 celebration, parade to be held in Ashland

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- An "old-fashioned" Fourth of July celebration will be held in Ashland on Friday with basset hounds, lawn chairs and apple pie.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 4, a Parade and Celebration event will be held near the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, located at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland, in honor of Independence Day.

Friends of the Library book sale

Starting from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., people can browse thousands of books, CDs, DVDs and more at the Ashland Branch Library, located at 201 S. Railroad Ave., with sales to support the library.

According to officials, those who visit the event closer to 2 p.m. have the chance to grab a whole bag of books for $5.

Apple pie drop-off and judging

Interested in entering the apple pie contest? You can deliver your delicious creation to the Hanover Arts tent, sponsored by Bravo Bakeshop.

Prizes for the contest will go to the Best Overall, Most Patriotic, Best Kid's Pie for ages under 11 years old and more. The winning pies will then be auctioned to benefit Hanover Arts.

Apple pie judging will begin from 11 a.m. to noon at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. Winners will be announced at 12:30 p.m.

Parade line-up at Henry Clay Elementary

At 11 a.m. the parade will begin marching from Hanover Avenue into the Hanover Arts and Activities Center and will feature patriotic bikes and pets, basset hounds, The Cacophony of the Universe Marching Band and The Famous Lawn Chair Brigade.

Pet costume contest

A pet costume contest will be held at Pet Comfort Station located on Cox Lane, where four-legged friends dressed in their best patriotic outfits will have the chance to win prizes from Fin and Feather Pet Store.

Check-in for the pet costume contest will begin at 11:30 a.m., with judging to take place at noon and winners announced at 12:30 p.m.

Presentation of Colors, patriotic concert and lawn party

The Hanover Concert Band will perform a "heartwarming" lawn concert at 11:45 a.m. Afterwards, at noon, a lawn party will begin with classic games and food.

For more information about Ashland's July 4 Parade and Celebration event, visit the town's website.