BB&T sponsors the signature activity of the week: the gathering of colorful hot-air balloons for a rally over the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Visitors seeking a breathtaking trip may purchase rides for the evenings of July 3 and 4 or the mornings of July 4 and 5. Launch times are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., but may vary because of weather and winds. For information and reservations, call 540-461-0006. Tethered balloon rides for adults and children also will also be available after 6 pm on July 3 and July 4.

Throughout the afternoon and evening of July 4, the Parade Ground at VMI comes alive with continued music and kids' activities, face-painting, an antique-car display and an amazing array of food and craft vendors. One of the biggest draws each year is "Eleanore's MarketPlace," (a tag sale of gently used items) which will open at 9 a.m. July 4 and continue until about 4 p.m.

Visitors may bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics to the Parade Ground to enjoy a beautiful balloon glow at dusk on the third and a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display on the Fourth at about 9:30 p.m. Vendors will be on hand selling delicious foods of all kinds throughout the festivities on both days.

Admission to the event is free. A bus shuttle is provided for your convenience.

Lexington Sunrise Rotary donates all the proceeds from the event to more than a dozen area charities, especially ones that help children.

In addition to the balloon rally, historic Lexington offers many other things to see and do during July Fourth week, including the VMI Museum, Marshall Museum, Lee Chapel, the Stonewall Jackson House, the Lee Museum and the Lime Kiln Theater. The town's annual July Fourth children's bicycle parade is also a must-see. "

Lexington is at the intersection of Interstate 64 and 81 in Rockbridge County. For more information and updated schedules for the Balloon Rally, check: www.sunriserotarylexva.org .