September 24, 2021

Tall Ship Makes a Visit, Phase 3 of Business COVID Relief Opens, NPS Confirms Yorktown Day Parade Cancelled

Visiting Tall Ship Dazzles Visitors at Riverwalk Landing
The Nao Santa María, a full-size replica tall ship, extended her stay in Yorktown this week after approximately 7,000 people visited Riverwalk Landing piers during her original five-day visit of September 15-19. Of those 7,000, close to 3,000 visitors were able to take advantage of free self-guided tours offered during the week with an additional 1,300 paying for ticketed tours of the ship during the busier weekend times. This ship is a replica of the largest of Christopher Columbus’ three ships used in the crossing of the Atlantic in 1492. We wish the captain and crew “Fair Winds and Following Seas” on their voyage back to their home-country of Spain.

York County Public Library Offers Free Access to The New York Times
A new service offered by our Library and The New York Times allows readers to log in and read the articles of this daily newspaper and also play games such as the well-known and often quite challenging crossword puzzle. For access, users can visit the Library’s website and click on the link to go to the “Newspapers” page. Once you select either the paper or the games, a redemption code will be provided. Copy the code and then register with The New York Times. The redemption code gives you 24 hours of access and, after that time expires, simply select and enter the new code for additional access. More information is available on the website.

More Grants Available for York County Small Businesses – Applications Now Open for Phase 3
York County has been awarded additional grant money through the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development to assist businesses in York County, Williamsburg, and Poquoson that have 20 or fewer full-time employees. This is the third phase of the program being offered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses are eligible to apply for grant funding up to $15,000 for rent or mortgage expenses (maximum of six months of payments). As in the other phases, York County serves as the lead applicant and fiscal agent for this Community Development Block Grant. Previous recipients who have not reached the maximum amount may apply for additional funds. Eligibility requirements and applications are available on our Economic Development Authority’s website.

Yorktown Day Parade Cancelled, Other Commemorative Events Scaled Back
The scale of this year’s Yorktown Day event has been reduced, according to information received from the National Park Service (NPS) at Colonial National Historical Park. COVID-19 case rates remain elevated in the region and the NPS is following guidance from the Department of the Interior related to gatherings to promote the health and safety of visitors and employees. Among this year’s changes are: cancellation of the Yorktown Day Parade and limited attendance at the Yorktown Victory Monument ceremony. Other Yorktown Day events being held include ceremonies at the French Cemetery and Memorial. Visitors are encouraged to follow the park’s Facebook and Instagram for posts and programs related to Yorktown Day. Other events occuring in Yorktown are included on our Visit Yorktown website calendar.

Additional Notes for the Week…..Don’t forget the Art Stroll is this Sunday (9/26) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along the waterfront. A wide variety of art will be on display and available for purchase. Next week’s Rhythms on the Riverwalk concert features Bobby BlackHat Band taking the stage from 6:30 to 8:30 on Thursday (9/30). Bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating! Movies in the Park is tomorrow (9/25) at Charles Brown Park. The movie Home will begin just after sunset. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating to this free event. Concessions will be for sale. Adult co-ed recreational volleyball league is October 4 through December 2. Registration ends Monday (9/27). Cost is $50 per person. Registe on the Parks and Recreation website. The deadline to submit photos for the 2022 Beautiful York County calendar art contest is next Friday (10/1). Selected photos receive a prize! Complete rules and the submission form are available on the Waste Management website.

Citizen News Weekly is compiled and published by York County Public Affairs each Friday to share news and events with our citizens and neighbors. This weekly newsletter is placed on our website and delivered directly to your inbox. Questions? Contact Gail Whittaker, Public Information Officer: (757) 890-3310 or whittgl@yorkcounty.gov.