Purcellville Cancels Fourth of July Parade, Wine Festival

PURCELLVILLE, VA — The Town of Purcellville canceled its Independence Day parade and the Purcellville Wine and Food Festival, which was scheduled for July 11, in response to continued restrictions related to the coronavirus crisis, the town said Thursday. The town said it is considering a variety of ways to unite the community on July 4.

Purcellville also is exploring ways to virtually feature the wineries and breweries that have attended the Purcellville Wine and Food Festival in the past. The Purcellville Parks and Recreation Facebook page will have information about future plans for a virtual showcasing of wineries and breweries.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam confirmed Wednesday the first reopening phase will start for much of the state on Friday. However, Northern Virginia will remain in what he calls "phase zero" with a two-week delay before some coronavirus-related restrictions will be eased.

The phase one delay applies to Loudoun County and eight other jurisdictions in Northern Virginia: Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas and Manassas Park.

These localities collectively have a population around 2.5 million, compared to the state's 8.5 million, but state officials see a trend of Northern Virginia accounting for a large portion of new cases.