Linda Cicoira photo.

Final night of the Wachapreague Carnival

Accomac Debtors’ Prison to Celebrate Grand Reopening on July 4

ACCOMAC, Va. — The historic Accomac Debtors’ Prison will officially reopen to the public on Saturday, July 4, 2026, following a comprehensive restoration funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia and Accomack County.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m., led by Accomack County Supervisor Robert S. Crockett. Special guests are expected to include Virginia Delegate Rob Bloxom and noted local historian and educator Dennis Custis.

Following the ceremony, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the newly restored building. To ensure everyone’s safety, children must be accompanied by an adult while inside the prison.

Each visitor will receive a complimentary copy of the newly revised Accomac Debtors’ Prison brochure, highlighting the building’s nearly 250-year history and recent restoration. Although artifacts are not yet on display, the restored structure offers a rare opportunity to experience one of only three surviving debtors’ prisons in the United States listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Debtors’ Prison will be open on July 4 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The building will also reopen in September 2026 for a special Fall Tour featuring volunteer docents and an exhibit of period antiques and historical collections.

The grand reopening is one of many events planned during Accomac’s Independence Day celebration. Visitors are encouraged to begin the day with the Accomac Parade at 10:00 a.m., enjoy Court Green Popsicles at 10:30 a.m., attend the special program at St. James Church featuring Dennis Custis and Kellee Blake beginning at 12:00 noon, and support the annual barbecue fundraiser at Drummondtown Baptist Church.

Friends of Accomac welcomes residents and visitors alike to celebrate this important milestone in preserving Accomack County’s rich history. Spend the day in historic Accomac and be among the first to experience the beautifully restored Accomac Debtors’ Prison while enjoying the many Independence Day activities throughout our community.

For additional information about the Accomac Debtors’ Prison, upcoming tour dates, and the complete schedule of July 4 activities, visit www.accomac.org.

Exmore’s 4th of July Bike Parade

Cape Charles Independence Day Parade and Celebration

Drummondtown Baptist Church 22nd Annual 4th of July BBQ

The Revolutionary Shore with Dennis Custis and Kellee Blake

St. James’ Episcopal Church on Drummondtown Road in Accomac will host its 3rd Annual History Talk, “Revolutionary Shore,” on July 4, 2026, at 12 noon. The program will feature Dennis Custis and Kellee Blake, along with a patriotic sing-along led by Kelly Harris. Cupcakes, ice cream and lemonade will be served afterward.

101st Annual Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival and Fireworks Celebration

The Mayor and Council of the Town of  Chincoteague would like to welcome you to the 101st annual Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival and fireworks celebration! The fireworks celebration will be on July 4th and will start at 9:00 pm. Time may
be adjusted dependent on the weather.

For your safety and enjoyment, you are asked to use The Pony Express trolley service which will be FREE for this event. Trolley stops are located throughout the island with a stop at the back of the carnival grounds. Also, a free shuttle bus from the Chincoteague High School will go directly to the carnival grounds. Parking will be limited at the carnival grounds.