WHY ALL THE CHANGES?

On February 29, 2008, officers of the Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration Committee met with representatives from the York County Sheriff's Office and York County Parks and Recreation Division, Community Services Department, to discuss the increasing costs and manpower requirements of the July 4th celebration, York County's largest, single, annual event.  Discussions were aimed at determining ways to reduce the various event-related expenses for all organizations involved without reducing or downgrading the amenities and services provided on this special day of the year.  Consideration was also given to our other key partner in the day's event, the National Park Service.  After much discussion, it was decided that by making two major changes, (1) moving the 5K Run from Colonial Parkway and the major streets of Yorktown to the Battlefield Tour Road, and (2) moving the majority of the day's activities to the afternoon and evening, significant savings could be realized by all partners of the celebration.

On Thursday, March 20th, a more in-depth discussion was held among members of the Fourth of July Celebration Committee, York County Parks & Recreation, Fire and Life Safety, and Sheriff's Office and the National Park Service.  That meeting resulted in a plan that was to be presented to the entire membership of Committee that all parties felt would result in even greater savings. This plan was presented to the Committee on Tuesday, March 25th, and was accepted by majority vote.  As the plan called for significant changes to the long-established, July 4th schedule, the Committee requested that a post-event evaluation meeting be held to determine the true cost benefits of the changes prior to a long-term commitment.   

We, the partners in the celebration, seriously considered the impact of some of the changes that will go into effect this July 4th and determined that, though some may be inconvenient, the overall benefits warrant such changes.  We gratefully appreciate your patience, understanding and tremendous support in implementing these changes and we are confident that you will have an enjoyable day in Yorktown on July 4th.