BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) – Independence Day weekend is here, and communities across North Central West Virginia are celebrating with parades, festivals, and fireworks.

The events we’ve been made aware of are listed below for Friday and Saturday. If you know of an event that’s not listed, feel free to email us at news@wdtv.com.

Friday — July 3

• Elkins’ Red, White & Summer Nights First Friday — Elkins — 4-9 p.m.
• Fireworks on the Hill (sponsored by WDTV and the Bridgeport CVB) — Bridgeport — 9:45 p.m.
• Terra Alta Volunteer Fire Department — Terra Alta — 100th annual fireworks celebration at 10 p.m.
• Burnsville Freedom Festival —Burnsville — parade starts at 6 p.m.

Saturday — July 4

• Mountaineer Days — Thomas — Noon to dark (fireworks included)
• 100th Old Fashion Day in the Park — Terra Alta — 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Morgantown Municipal Band performance — Morgantown — 11 a.m., Parade 4 p.m. and fireworks at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park after dark
• Elkins Fourth of July Parade — Elkins — 5 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Stonewall Resort — Roanoke — Fireworks at dark
• Barbour County Fairgrounds — Philippi — fireworks at dark
• Downtown Weston Street Fair — Weston — fair begins at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
• Downtown Thomas — Thomas — festival begins at 8 a.m. and fireworks at dark
• Jawbone Park — Buckhannon — celebration at 5 p.m. and fireworks at dark
• Palatine Park — Fairmont — fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Monongah Town Hall — Monongah — fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Sagebrush Round-Up — Fairmont — country music and fireworks from 4-10 p.m.
• Fairview Volunteer Fire Department — Fairview — parade starts at 10 a.m., and fireworks start at 10 p.m.
• Burnsville Freedom Festival — Burnsville — event runs from 3-9 p.m. with fireworks at 10 p.m.

Editor’s note: The video for this story will be added once it airs. Please check back for the updated video.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia’s Democratic lawmakers say public education is facing a growing financial crisis, echoing warnings from state school officials.

“We have officially as House Democrats requested a special session. We can not wait,” Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, said. “If we wait to the legislative session, there will be more schools that close.”

Democrats want to change the enrollment based school aid formula, place guardrails on the Hope Scholarship and increase the minimum starting salary for teachers.

More than 100 West Virginia schools have closed over the last 15 years. Most of those closings have involved elementary schools impacting neighborhoods and small towns.

Democrats said 20 more schools are on the chopping block.

Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey recognizes formula changes may be needed but did not seem in a rush when interviewed prior to the Democrats’ announcement.

“Well, we will look at them,” Morrisey said Thursday. “We want to find ways to solve the root causes of the problem. That’s what matters.”

Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, called for Morrisey to take action, arguing education issues can’t wait until next year.

“Once he gets his fair share of funnel cake and the Ferris wheel is packed off and goes to the next town, it’s time for us to get back to work, governor,” Pushkin said. “Call us back into special session. This cannot wait until the next session. We are in a crisis mode right now. We’ve got to save our schools and save our communities. We’re ready to get back to work and take up these important pieces of legislation.”

State education officials recently warned some county school systems could be headed toward financial insolvency without additional funding.