February 10, 2023

Yorktown in the News; Winter Markets Begin; Black History Month at Tabb Library

Princess Cruises to Visit Yorktown in 2024

This week, there was a lot of exciting news being reported about Princess Cruises visiting Yorktown starting in 2024. The current president of Princess Cruises, John Padgett, is a Yorktown native and is championing the idea. While $7.5 million in state funding is proposed for a permanent pier, the County’s understanding is that this is a one-year pilot program that would have passengers tendered to the current Riverwalk Landing Piers. These additional visitors via the cruise line would contribute to the region’s economy, benefiting shops, restaurants, and regional attractions, as well as generating revenue for both the Commonwealth and multiple local governments most significantly through increased tourism, which is a major part of York County’s economic base. The state award, if approved, would fund the needed infrastructure and a new tender pier located adjacent to the Watermen’s Museum. This opportunity for investment also provides a unique chance to reimagine and reconstruct the Watermen’s Museum, expand its educational contributions, and further enhance the museum offerings and experience.

Yorktown Market Days - Valentine's Day Market

Valentine’s Day Market Kicks Off A Year of Returning Favorites in 2023

Yorktown's first event of the year is tomorrow (2/11) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Head over to Riverwalk Landing for the Valentine’s Day Winter Market where vendors will be selling everything you may need to spoil your significant other, including sweet treats, soaps, jewelry, and flowers. Be sure to bring the kids…they'll be able to create a LOVEly holiday craft that you'll want to keep for years to come. Along with Market Days, there are many exciting events planned for this year, including Pirates Invade Yorktown, Art at the River, and the Sounds of Summer and Rhythms on the Riverwalk concerts. So, save the dates of the family-friendly fun, including an all-new event this year -- The Colonial Cobia Classic Fishing Tournament! For more information on “what’s happening,” including local attractions, museums, and restaurants, visit the website, or call Visit Yorktown at 757-890-5900. Check out the online event calendar periodically to view full event details and enhancements.

Black History Month Presentation at the Tabb Library

Black History Month Presentation at Tabb Library

Visit the Library on Tuesday, February 21 and learn about “The Reservation,” a historic free African-American community that was honored last fall with a VDOT historic marker. Dr. Jajuan S. Johnson, the Mellon Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow with the Lemon Project at William & Mary, presents an introductory talk about reclaiming black community narratives and a panel discussion with representatives of the Friends of the Reservation. This presentation is in the Tabb Library Meeting Room (100 Long Green Blvd.) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is recommended, but not required.

Also at the Library This Month…

Adult patrons are invited to a fun evening of Book Speed Dating on Wednesday (2/15) at 7 p.m. where you get to know a few great books, five minutes at a time. The following day (2/16), a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association will give a presentation from 12 to 1 p.m. on Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body that covers the latest research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement. Registration is recommended, but not required, for both programs and is available via the event calendar.

Household Water Assistance Program Available

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program helps residents with water and wastewater utility bills and has assisted over 6,000 households to date. This temporary, federally-funded program is open to Hampton Roads households through September 30, 2023, or until funds are utilized. Certain eligibility criteria are required for this program. For more information, or to apply, visit the website or call 888-373-9908.

Additional Notes for the Week…Hands-only CPR class is available this month from Fire & Life Safety. See the registration form for dates, times, and details about the classes, part of the Take 3 Steps initiative that helps save lives. The deadline to nominate a 9-12 grade student for an Outstanding Youth Award Scholarship is next Friday (2/17). Information is available here.

Start your Public Safety Career with York County

Citizen News Weekly is compiled and published by York County Public Affairs each Friday to share news and events with our citizens and neighbors. This weekly newsletter is placed on our website and delivered directly to your inbox. Questions? Contact Gail Whittaker, Public Information Officer: 757-890-3310 or whittgl@yorkcounty.gov.