The City of Hopewell Turns 100
Since being incorporated in July 1, 1916, the City of Hopewell is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, with the main event on Saturday, July 2.
This central Virginia city has been the primary the location for several manufacturers, including a dynamite factory and companies such as American multinational conglomerate company Honeywell. According to the City of Hopewell’s website, many notable products have been manufactured there, including Kraft paper and cardboard boxes, the first automatic dishwasher and china. The website also says the city was named after an English ship.
On July 2, says Charles Dane, assistant city manager, “We will have a full day of activities, starting with a ceremony on the front steps of City Hall at 3 p.m., lasting about an hour. The big event follows.”
From City Hall, visitors and residents can head over to Festival Park behind Beacon Theatre for a concert featuring three bands, including The Commodores, the American funk/soul band known for the hit song “Brick House” in 1977. Gates open at 4. Tickets are available through the city of Hopewell, beginning at $20.
A second concert will be presented at Appomattox Manor, featured the 392nd Army Band. This performance will be free but limited to 600 people, so advanced tickets must be obtained at Beacon Theatre.
Tickets for both events are available at Beacon Theatre’s box office.
For more information, visit the theatre’s website.
Learn about more of the city’s festivities for the 100th anniversary here.
To end the day’s celebration, fireworks will be set off from a barge on the Appomattox River near City Point at 9:30 p.m. You can catch the display at several spots, including Appomattox Manor at City Point, Festival Park, John Randolph Medical Center and Riverside Harbor Park.
To ensure ease of parking and transportation for all participants, the city is providing a shuttle bus from Hopewell High School. The shuttle will go to both concert sites as well as to the hospital, for those who just want to see the fireworks (no parking at the hospital for the show).
