05/20/2020 - The Latest from York County - Historic Yorktown Begins Process of  Re-Opening

As Virginia enters the first full week in Phase One of re-opening the state, Riverwalk Landing Piers continue to welcome transient and recreational boaters looking to dock and shop, pick up to-go food orders, and exercise at the waterfront. The Yorktown Fishing Pier is also open but remains limited to no more than 10 people at a time with at least six feet of physical distance. 

Many Riverwalk Landing businesses are also slowly beginning to unlock their doors as well - each with enhanced health and safety measures for employees and customers. Lodging facilities are once again taking reservations. In addition to new takeout and patio dining options for restaurants, outdoor recreation rentals have begun as well, including paddle board, bicycle, and kayak rentals. The Riverwalk is also open to walking, bicycling, and jogging, as long as visitors maintain appropriate space between themselves and others. 

Per the Governor's order, beaches - including our Yorktown Beach - remain closed. While many localities allow the beaches to be used for exercise and fishing, Yorktown Beach's small size makes the required social distancing difficult, if not impossible.
 
Rescheduled Events
 
Yorktown Market Days
Customers can once again enjoy spectacular views of the York River as they shop an array of vendors and artists at Riverwalk Landing, scheduled to return to the waterfront on Saturday, June 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The market has been operating under a drive-thru model for pick-up of pre-orders Saturday mornings at the McReynolds Athletic Complex and will continue through June 6. Three themed markets originally scheduled in the spring have been postponed to later in the year as outlined below. 

• Pirate Invasion Market: Step back into the Golden Age of Piracy as Riverwalk Landing and the Watermen's Museum are invaded by seafaring marauders on August 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore a pirate encampment, sing along with sea shanties, take part in a digital treasure hunt with participating Yorktown businesses, and don't miss exciting cannon demonstrations. Young visitors can actually sail the "stormy seas" of the York River with Captain Mayhem aboard the Schooner Alliance. While most of the family-friendly fun is free, Pirate Adventure Cruises do require a paid ticket which can be purchased at www.sailyorktown.com. 
• Go Green Market In collaboration with York County's Department of Public Works and the York County Beautification Committee, the market begins at 8 a.m. and there will be free family activities from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 12 to help promote environmental sustainability. Educational exhibits will be on site as well as free children's crafts, activities and games. Call (757) 890-5900 for more information. 
• Sister Cities French Market: Modeled after the market in Yorktown's sister city Port-Vendres France, shop for French favorites on September 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing. Shoppers will find fresh-baked bread, croissants and pastries; chocolates & macarons; wine; soaps and more! Enjoy a Wine Garden featuring French wines, a silent auction and student exchange raffle. Call (757) 877-2933 for more information.

Grace Church Virtual Memorial Day Ceremony
Grace Church announced it will be holding a virtual Memorial Day ceremony this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The event will be streamed on the church's YouTube Channel to commemorate the end of World War II and will take place Monday, May 25 starting at 10 a.m. - https://bit.ly/2YUNYOA. Opening remarks will include the history and meaning of Memorial Day and the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II, followed by prayers offered by Grace Church Parishioners. A reading of the names and service of the 102 known Veterans buried in the Grace Church Cemetery will be followed with the playing of taps and ringing of the Historic Church Bell (ca 1725). A copy of the Commemorative Program and listing of veterans will be also be available online. For more information, please contact Al Crane LtCol USAF (Ret) at (757) 867-8643.
 
Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival
Sample dozens of craft beers, dig into some amazing BBQ and listen as some of the best blues musicians in Hampton Roads take the stage at Riverwalk Landing on the new date of Sunday, August 9. Back by popular demand is a Wine Garden, included in admission. Call (757) 877-2933 for more information.
 
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Yorktown's Sounds of Summer concert series has a new anticipated start date of July 9. There will be no concerts at the waterfront during the month of June. The series will run through August 27 on Thursday nights from 7 to 9:30. Tentative line-up below. More details to come in future release.

• July 9: The Uptown Band
• July 16: Strictly Bizzness
• July 23: The Main Event Band
• July 30: SlapNation
• August 6: Woah
• August 13: Soul Expressions
• August 20: Bachelor Boys Band
• August 27: Band of Oz

Canceled Events
 
Canceled in June: 1775 Yorktown Muster (June 6) & Yorktown's Military Appreciation Weekend (June 13 &14)
 
Canceled in July: As previously released - the health crisis, along with the severity of the financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, have forced the County to continue making operational reductions now and into the next fiscal year.  This includes the difficult decision to cancel the July 4th fireworks and parade. While public restrictions on large gatherings may very well be relaxed before July 4, financial commitments needed for these events must be made far in advance.  The savings to the County budget is very important and necessary at this time.
 
As a result of the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic - all York County sponsored and partner community events are subject to postponement or cancellation. This includes changes to dates, times, and locations.