ROCKETS RED GLARE – The City of Weirton provided the fireworks display which capped off Saturday’s Independence Day festivities in Weirton. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — The Weirton community came together Saturday afternoon to celebrate the founding of the nation, capped off by an annual visit from the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks display.

Under the direction of John Devlin, the symphony performed a variety of selections reflecting the patriotic spirit of the July 4 holiday, along with music derived from popular culture, and a few reminiscent of the history and culture of West Virginia.

“It is always such a pleasure to join you each and every summer,” Devlin said while addressing the hundreds gathered at the Weirton Event Center.

Saturday’s concert was the third stop in the 2025 edition of the Wheeling Symphony’s Celebrate America tour, which also included performances in Wheeling, Clarksburg, and Canaan Valley.

This year, the symphony was joined by guest vocalist Vanessa Becerra, who lent her talents to renditions of “Over the Rainbow,” “Chacun le sait,” “Somewhere,” and “Country Roads.”

RED, WHITE AND BLUE – Various area businesses and organizations made their way down Main Street Saturday afternoon for Weirton’s Independence Day Parade, organized by the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation. -- Craig Howell

“This is my very first trip ever to West Virginia,” she said. “I’m happy to add Weirton to places I’ve sung.”

The performance by the symphony was made possible through the support of the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Expand Energy, along with several local sponsors.

Saturday’s activities also included the Weirton Independence Day Parade, organized by the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation, featuring entries representing a few dozen area businesses and organizations.

The parade was followed by a street fair near the Millsop Community Center, courtesy of the City of Weirton and the Weirton Festival Committee, which included several food trucks, activities for youth, live performances by Restless Hearts and Everett Metz, inflatables, and competitions such as the Patriotic Pet Contest, Pie Baking Contest, and Bike Decorating Contest.

AFTERNOON FUN – A variety of food, games, and entertainment were set up in front of the Millsop Community Center following the parade Saturday, courtesy of the City of Weirton and the Weirton Festival Committee. -- Craig Howell

SPECIAL GUEST – Vocalist Vanessa Becerra joined the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra for its performance in Weirton Saturday evening. The annual performance at the Weirton Event Center is part of the symphony’s Celebrate America Tour. -- Craig Howell