The Rivah Visitor’s Guide to 2026 Independence Day Festivities
Scroll down to see our latest listings of music, fireworks, parades and festivities scheduled in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula on the 2026 Independence Day weekend.
Firework shows are highlighted in YELLOW
Rivah Stories are highlighted in BLUE
Making waves: Lancaster County becoming the destination for waterfront access in the Northern Neck
The Rivah has not always been so easily accessible for everyone. That is all changing with investments by Lancaster County for public waterfront access.
Over the past three years, existing boat ramps and fishing piers have been renovated, two new parks have been created and two more are on the way.
“Our strategic plan and comprehensive plan call for these...
Middle Peninsula firm specializes in making stars for flags
If you fly an American flag made in the USA there’s a good chance the stars on the blue section were made right here at The Rivah.
For decades, “Star Fields,” located in Cobbs Creek in Mathews County, has been embroidering stars on a blue background that are part of American flags.
Since 2006, Star Fields has been a division...
Blue Catfish: They are invasive and hurt native species; but with proper controls there are advantages
Blue catfish are one of the most invasive fish in Chesapeake Bay — but they can be good to eat and fun to catch.
During the 1970s and 80s blue catfish were introduced to the James, Rappahannock and York river basins on Chesapeake Bay as a new recreational fish by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Blue cats are...
The Backdraft offers good food and generous portions
I’m embarrassed to say I grew up in Northumberland County and had never been to The Backdraft in neighboring Westmoreland County until a few weeks ago. Well, I’ve been missing out.
Originally opened by retired firefighter Jay Genest and his wife Annie, The Backdraft was purchased by the restaurant’s longtime manager Leah Lewis in 2022. She’ll celebrate her fourth...
