The extreme heat wave continues this Friday with another afternoon of temperatures forecast to be above 100°F. The National Weather Service has issued another advisory for today and tomorrow warning people to be cautious.
Some organizations are making adjustments to holiday events accordingly. On Friday, Supervisor Ann Mallek of Albemarle’s White Hall District wrote this newsletter to announce the Earlysville July 4th Parade has been canceled.
“This is a disappointment to all who had prepared floats and decorated bicycles, but the risk is too high to watchers and participants,” Mallek said. “Let’s gather again later in the season to celebrate our nation and our community.”
The Town of Louisa will continue to hold a festival on Independence Day beginning at 5 p.m. but one of the scheduled activities will no longer take place.
“After careful consideration and consultation with emergency management and public safety officials, the Town of Louisa has made the difficult decision to cancel the July 4th parade,” reads a notice on the Visit Louisa page.
Fireworks are expected to take place after sunset and a corporate donor is providing additional bottled water.
The Crozet Volunteer Fire Department will continue to hold their annual parade but have shortened the route which will now conclude at the intersection of Jarmans Gap Road and Crozet Avenue.
“This change was made after careful consideration, with the well-being of parade participants, spectators, and the first responders providing traffic control along the route as our top priority,” reads an announcement posted to the CVFD’s Facebook page. “Currently, the forecasted heat index is between 110 and 113 degrees.”
The CVFD had considered delaying the event and running on the traditional route but are also monitoring potential storm activity after build-up over three days of heat and humidity.
The Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department is also making adjustments to the operating hours for the City Market on Saturday. The market will close at 11 a.m., two hours earlier than usual.
“Forecasters are predicting heat index values approaching 103 degrees by midday, creating an increased risk of heat-related illness for vendors, customers, volunteers, and staff,” reads an information release sent out on Friday. “The adjusted schedule is intended to allow the community to enjoy the market while avoiding the most dangerous afternoon conditions.”
Activities scheduled Friday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Downtown Mall will continue as is. That includes a birthday party at 4 p.m. in Central Place with ice cream and entertainment events. For more information, take a look here
“We have arranged to provide water to attendees and are encouraging people to follow proper heat safety guidance,” said Afton Schneider, the city’s director of communications and public engagement.
Before you go: The goal of Town Crier Productions is to increase awareness about what is happening at the local, regional, state, and federal government levels. Please share the work with others if you want people to know things. Paid subscribers cover the cost of conducting research for this article which was originally published in the July 3, 2026 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. You can either subscribe through Substack or make a charitable contribution.
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