Morrisey announces America 250 Celebration at WV Capitol, $2M price tag at this point

Standing between red, white and blue balloons, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a large celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in West Virginia.

The event marks the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. 

A four-day, family-friendly event is planned on the State Capitol Complex grounds from July 2-5. The centerpiece of the celebration will be the “America 250 Wheel,” according to Morrisey. Standing at 230 feet tall, it is the world’s tallest portable Ferris wheel. Rides will be free for attendees. 

“We’re excited because we think that our capital city is really going to come alive,” said Morrisey, who held a press conference on Tuesday at the Culture Center in Charleston. “There’s going to be a lot of live music, there’s going to be children laughing, the best local food and wonderful rides.”

The event is expected to cost a minimum of $2 million, which will be paid for out of the Governor’s Civil Contingent Fund. Lawmakers put money into the fund each year, often earmarking money for certain projects, but the money is largely used at the governor’s discretion. 

Morrisey’s celebration announcement came one day after he said that the state may have to make cuts to a number of state-run programs, including a clothing voucher program that helps low-income children buy school clothes. There could also be funding reductions to the state’s childcare assistance program, leading to fewer families having access to childcare. 

The programs have been funded through temporary federal dollars, and Morrisey said there is now a projected $40 million structural deficit in that funding. The governor did not say if he would use state dollars to backfill the funding gaps. 

“Obviously when you’re doing something this magnitude, whether you’re talking about the fireworks, whether you’re talking about the Ferris wheel, that does cost something, but I think it’s also really, really important to celebrate America’s 250,” Morrisey said. “I’m really proud of the effort that we’re going to put together, but it does cost some resources.”

The 250 celebration at the state Capitol will also include inflatables, games, food vendors, Capitol tours and more. Each evening will conclude with a 3D light projection show on the Capitol building inspired by the Washington Monument display in Washington, D.C., that highlights American and West Virginia history.

Musical guests will be announced soon, Morrisey said.

The event coincides with the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, a large entertainment and family-friendly event held two miles away. 

“There’s going to be a real effort to make sure that this is not in conflict with one another, and that’s the goal. So, there have been a lot of discussions about that,” the governor said. 

Free shuttle service will connect the Capitol Complex and Regatta festivities throughout the event.

Additionally, as part of the 250 celebration, counties will be sent celebration kits that include balloons, a 250 flag, time capsule and more. 

“We want every county to participate in this incredible moment,” Morrisey said.

Residents can request a limited edition license plate commemorating the 250th anniversary. The license plate design features stars, stripes and fireworks with the New River Gorge Bridge and mountain scenery. 

“From the hollows to the mountaintops, this license plate is not only a testament to our country, but a memorial to the men and women who have served and sacrificed so that America remains free,” said Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Everett Frazier. “This is not just a license plate. This is an opportunity to be inspired by their lives, to remember them, and to have pride in their contributions to keeping us free.”

The license plate will be available at all DMV offices within the state by the end of the week on a first come, first serve basis, with no personalization or special characters.