Independence Day Celebration in Waynesboro Coming Up on July 3rd

The 4th of July holiday is right around the corner, and the annual July 3rd Independence Day Celebration in Waynesboro, presented by Wayne Halfway House and the City of Waynesboro, promises to once again bring great food, sensational music, and awe-inspiring fireworks.

Gates will open at Waynesboro City Park at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3rd, for the Independence Day Celebration. Food trucks are already reserving their spots, where they will offer delicious food options for event attendees.

The headlining musical performer at the Independence Day Celebration is Chayce Beckham, who will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. Four years after becoming the only artist to win American Idol singing his own songs, country artist Chayce Beckham is living proof of his belief that “You can’t tell someone how to write a song.” According to Beckham’s bio, the fiery singer-songwriter laid out a course only he could follow, and today remains even more dedicated to his unique creative compass.

In late 2020, Beckham was working as a heavy machinery operator in his native southern California. Just two weeks before he auditioned for American Idol, he was involved in a near-fatal car wreck. Beckham remained determined to audition for the popular television show and went on to win the competition, setting out on his promising new musical career.

A California native schooled on tough times and a mix of country, rock, and beyond, Beckham started a habit of heart-on-his-sleeve songwriting after some hard times when he felt he had nothing left. His debut album embraces a timeless country-rock sound defined by fiddles, steel guitar, and plenty of against-the-grain attitude.

Closing out the musical performances for the evening will be Drake White, an up-and-coming singer/songwriter with a powerful comeback story. He grew up singing in his church’s youth choir in Alabama where he was born and raised. He had already begun touring the country to perform his innovative country-soul music, when in August 2019 he collapsed on- stage due to a hemorrhagic stroke. Doctors told him he might never perform again, but he has since proven them wrong. After undergoing a series of surgeries to repair his Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) and going through months of physiotherapy, White has picked up right where he left off. He has received accolades from Rolling Stone magazine and the Grammy’s Artist of Tomorrow, and was awarded the British CMA Awards’ International Song of the Year.

Following the musical performances, the Waynesboro skies will once again light up with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are always a breathtaking ending to a night of celebration and fun.

Watch upcoming editions of The Wayne County News for more details on the Independence Day Celebration.