Wythe readies for Fourth
Independence Day celebration opportunities are thick this weekend in Wythe County.
Along with the annual Fourth of July celebration in downtown Wytheville, the county is bringing Independence festivities back to Rural Retreat with the three-day Liberty at the Lake event, set for July 3 to 5.
Liberty at the Lake marks the return of fireworks and Fourt festivities to Rural Retreat Lake for the first time since 2012.
"We've been working for months to create a weekend that families will remember," said Alicia Sides, director of Wythe County Parks and Recreation. "Whether you're spending the day at the pool, enjoying live music, watching the fireworks over the lake or participating in one of our competitions, there's something happening from morning until night. We encourage everyone to come out, explore the festival and celebrate Independence Weekend with us."
Liberty at the Lake kicks off Friday, July 3, with artisan and food vendors, inflatables and family activities, live performances by Mak Marie and Midnight Blue, open swim at the Rural Retreat Lake Pool and a fireworks spectacular over Rural Retreat Lake after dark.
Activities continue Saturday, July 4, with an all-day patriotic pool party featuring games and activities, the Stars & Strides 1-Mile Color Fun Run, cornhole and horseshoe tournaments, the Air Guitar Competition, food and artisan vendors, children's activities, All Star Pro Wrestling, and the America: Made in Virginia 250 Years Together livestream,
The celebration wraps up Sunday, July 5, with another day of swimming and pool fun, additional family activities, vendors, live performances by The Fritz Schindler Band and The Holiday Band, Movies Under the Stars.
With thousands of visitors expected throughout the weekend, attendees should allow extra travel time, follow posted parking and traffic directions, and be prepared for hot summer weather by drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen and seeking shade when possible.
The complete festival schedule, activity registration, parking information, festival alerts and event updates are available at wytheco.org/libertyatthelake.
On July 4, Downtown Wytheville will continue its tradition of bringing the fun to town, preparing to draw more than 12,000 attendees to Main Street for celebration of America’s 250th.
The event showcases on-the-rise musical performances on various stages throughout downtown, craft vendors, a vintage car show and kids’ activities, capped off with a July 4 fireworks display. This year there will also be a recognition of veterans and active duty service members.
Providing entertainment will be Georgia Randall, Morrison & Perkins, Kaitya Baker, The Hatfield Duo, Count Me In and the Keith Goggins Band. Closing out the day, on the main stage, will be Magnolia Boulevard followed by J & The Causeways.
Bella Cooley has some fun with Goofy at EPCOT on June 1.
Bella Cooley has some fun with Goofy at EPCOT on June 1.
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New state laws hit the books July 1 (copy)
While changes in firearms laws have garnered much of the attention, several other news laws hit the books in Virginia July 1.
Doctors, lawyers, nurses, counselors, social workers and other licensed health care professionals can no longer be bound by no-compete agreements. No compete agreements can only be enforced on employees fired without cause if they got severance pay, or other disclosed compensation up front.
Employers will be required to post a “good faith" salary or wage range on job listings and are barred from asking applicants what they made on previous jobs. Â
Local governments will now be allowed to use AI powered cameras at stop signs and crosswalks particularly in school zones. The criminal records and clean slate act will allow many misdemeanor offenses to be sealed from public view.
With the exception of violent, sex or firearm offenses, class five and six felonies may be sealed by petition. Â Landlords covered under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act must accept checks and money orders for rent and deposits, and they can't charge processing fees higher than what it actually costs to process the payment.Â
 A new law also changes the amount of notice a landlord must give a14 day notice before filing to evict for nonpayment. Drivers caught going over 100 miles per hour will be required to have a speed limiting device installed in their car.
A Styrofoam ban originally passed in 2021 and phased in is now applicable to all food vendors. Unemployment compensation payments will increase by $48 per month for applications filed after July 5.
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County payment process disrupted
Wythe County will experience a temporary disruption in its ability to accept payments in person and online as county financial systems transition from Fiscal Year 2026 to Fiscal Year 2027.
The interruption will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, and is expected to continue through Wednesday, July 1.
During this time, payments cannot be processed by several county departments and services, including:
- Wythe County Water and Wastewater
- Wythe County Building Inspection and related permitting services
- Rural Retreat Lake Campground reservations and related payments
In addition, the Wythe County Treasurer's Office will be unable to accept payments on Wednesday, July 1, while the fiscal year transition is completed.
County staff will announce when payment processing has been fully restored.
Residents and customers are encouraged to plan ahead if they need to make a payment before the transition begins.
Wythe County appreciates the public's patience and understanding during this temporary service interruption.
