O Say, Can You See Some Fireworks
Funny how fireworks, invented by the Chinese in the 12th century, still inspire more awe and delight than anything Disney (studio and parks divisions combined) has conjured up so far. This weekend there will be many displays, the big challenge, apart from nabbing a parking spot with a view (despite extra-high parking charges, sanctioned lots fill up fast), is figuring out which display is what night. The rockets start their red glare at one locale on Friday the 2nd and go off somewhere in our region every evening through Monday the 5th.
Berkshire County
Shakespeare & Company holds its seventh annual reading of the Declaration of Independence July 4 at 3 p.m. under the tent at the outdoor Rose Footprint Theatre. That evening, at Tanglewood, also in Lenox, July 4 marks the midpoint in James Taylor and Carole King’s big weekend. Following the duo’s pyrotechnics on stage, there will be a fireworks display that will also be visible from many locales in the immediate vicinity. Olivia’s Overlook on the Richmond Road, an obvious choice, is best approached on foot as that small, free lot fills early.
Pittsfield honors America’s independence, as always, with its legendary 4th of July Parade, which this year is being held on Monday, July 5. The big news (at least from our perspective) is that Rural Intelligence‘s own Dan Shaw will be joining the roster of distinguished judges. But by 10 a.m. Monday, when the leader strikes up the band, Pittsfield’s fireworks will have already taken place, the night before, on July 4th, after the Colonials 6:30 p.m. game at Wahconah Park. Since the fireworks don’t begin until the game is over, it’s impossible to give an exact time, but if the game doesn’t go into extra innings, think 9:30ish.
The annual Independence Day Parade in Williamstown steps off from Southworth Street at 11 a.m. on Saturday the 3rd and culminates with a reading of the Declaration of Independence. That same evening at Joe Wolfe Field in North Adams, following the game (SteepleCats v. Vermont Mountaineers), there will be fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Columbia County
There are a couple of really sweet, old-fashioned, unflashy parades during the day on the 4th—The People’s Parade (think antique cars and kids on bikes) in Kinderhook, and the Old Chatham Parade, whose organizers boast that there are, “no celebrities.” (So if you are a celebrity and plan to attend, wear a disguise.) The culmination of Chatham‘s FamilyFest, on Satuday, July 3rd, will be a fireworks display, scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown, home of a Signer of the Declaration, is splitting it’s popular, history-rich celebration in two. Their Old-Fashioned Independence Day, complete with costumed Revolutionary War re-enactors and fife-and-drum corps, food and games, will take place on the 4th. But, as the town of Saugerties, across the river, has scheduled its fireworks for Monday night, Clermont, which has a clear view of the Saugerties skies, will also be open on the evening of Monday the 5th from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Farther north in the county, Lebanon Valley Speedway, in New Lebanon will hold it’s display following the races on Saturday the 3rd.
Dutchess County
Poughkeepsie will hold its fireworks celebration on the 4th at about 9 p.m. People can view it for free at Waryas Park, but the best perch is probably the splendid new Walkway Over the Hudson. Those wishing to view it from on high must buy a special $10 wristband, available at various area stores, in order to gain admittance. Since, for safety, the number of people allowed on the Walkway must be limited, so are the number of wristbands, which are expected to sell out fast.
The Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck is having fireworks displays on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The Friday night sky show follows a rodeo, Saturday’s a demolition derby, and on Sunday the first rocket goes off at the culmination of a concert by the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. These are all ticketed events, but, except for Sunday, admission to the grounds is free. However, as with most fireworks venues, there is a parking charge, so check for details on the fairgrounds’ website (link above).
Litchfield County
Every year Lime Rock Park in the town of Lime Rock in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Salisbury hosts the local fireworks show. This year the fireworks will be Saturday, July 3, following Lime Rock’s NASCAR Doubleheader weekend (July 2-3). The cost is $10 per car. Gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking; fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Please leave the dog at home.
New Milford‘s annual Independence weekend carnival, featuring rides, game booths, and food, will take place at Young’s Field beginning on Thursday July 1st and continuing through Saturday, July 3rd, culminating with a free fireworks display on the 3rd, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Fort Hill Still Meadow (behind Starbucks).
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Posted by Marilyn Bethany on 06/28/10 at 04:40 PM • Permalink
