Celebrate your holiday weekend with fireworks after the annual Saugerties Stallions fireworks baseball game, start a new tradition at Phoneicia’s touch-a-truck bazaar in Phoenicia or attend a foot-stomping tribute to Woody Guthrie in Woodstock. Those are just some of the plans during a jam-packed slate of events to mark American’s 250th birthday this weekend.
It’s also worth remembering our region’s indigenous inhabitants, looking beyond 1776 to better understand the displacement of people such as the Esopus, whose descendants now live in Canada.
As New York endures a prolonged heat wave, the National Weather Service is urging residents to stay hydrated and keep cool.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is also asking New Yorkers to conserve electricity where possible amid higher demand and unexpected strain on the power grid. She recommended setting air-conditioning units between 75 and 78 degrees and avoiding unnecessary appliance use.
Keep in mind that the events listed below were all planned before a so-called heat dome descended on the Northeast. While an extreme heat warning from the National Weather Service expires Friday night, temperatures are still expected to be in the low 90s on Saturday and almost as high on Sunday. Double-check with organizers to determine whether events have been altered, delayed or canceled—and wear a hat, bring plenty of water and don’t skimp on sunscreen!
Saugerties Anniversary Weekend
Saugerties has a weekend of events, starting on Saturday, when Cantine Field hosts a food truck festival from 4 to 9 p.m. featuring wings, burgers, Italian ice and live music by Grey Matters. The event is sponsored by the Community Benefit of Saugerties and benefits the Saugerties splash pad project.
The Fourth of July kicks off at 9 a.m. with an Independence Day 5k run. Organizers will provide plenty of ice and water and urge participants to walk or run at their own pace. A parade sponsored by the Saugerties Fire Department starts at 11 a.m. Follow it up with free hot dogs and a history lesson at the American Legion Museum at 3 p.m., or red, white, and blue snow cones and cupcakes at the Saugerties Historical Society, also starting at 3 p.m.
Meanwhile, Jared Reinmuth and Allisan and Dale Kaffer-Wise will present readings, music, and movement during ShoutOut’s Fiery Words, starting at 5 p.m. at the Saugerties Public Library Community Room at 91 Washington Ave. Music will be by Sarah Mangione and movement by Linda Montano.
Fireworks start at 10 p.m. at Cantine Field, after the Saugerties Stallions take on the Utica Blue Sox at 6:15 p.m. in a battle between the summer collegiate baseball wood-bat teams.
Shandaken Parade & Trucks
Phoenicia’s Fourth of July Parade is set for 11 a.m. at Parish Field, with a rain date of July 5. A Touch-a-Truck Bazaar starts at 11:30 a.m. Both events are hosted by the Phoenicia Fire District and the Phoenicia Business Association. Expect vendors, food and face painting.
Hunter Festivities
The Town of Hunter and the Village of Tannersville host celebrations from 2 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on July 4. The parade will line up at Tops and the Go Green parking lot at 1 p.m. before stepping off at 2 p.m., heading down Main Street and ending at Upper Lake Park. Festivities continue at the park at 3 p.m. with live music from local bands such as Sonny Rock and the Torpedoes as well as a bounce house, vendors, lake activities and food. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. at Rip Van Winkle Lake.
Windham’s 250th Anniversary Weekend
Windham kicks off its America 250 weekend at 6 p.m. July 3 at CD Lane Park, with live music from Flirtin’ with Disaster and a barbecue by the Hensonville Fire Department.
On the Fourth, you can check out the annual sand castle contest at 11 a.m. at CD Lane Park. There’s also live music at the Centre Church by Peter and the Wolves as well as DJ Mike, a laser show, a juggler, face painting, tattoos and lawn games from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Food trucks are nearby. Church Street will be closed from 4 to 10 p.m. for the festivities.
The Windham Parade steps off at 7 p.m. from Route 296 and South Street, ending at the Windham Fire Department, followed by 9 p.m. fireworks over Windham Mountain Club.
Events new to this year’s celebration include an interactive balloon sculpture with Crazy Christine from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where an American flag made of balloons will be created to enter the parade.
Woodstock Music
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Fourth, The Colony will feature a Woody Guthrie Fourth of July Jubilee in its garden, honoring a folk singer focused on working class people with foot-stomping, protest songs and sing-alongs. Attendees under 18 need a parent or legal guardian. A $20 donation is suggested.
Pearl Moon celebrates the Fourth with “Stars, Stripes, and Songs” from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with Brian Mitchell. Tickets are $10.
Nearby Events
America 250 Celebration (Catskill)l – July 3
Celebrate Independence Day at Blackthorn Resort (East Durham) – July 3 – 5
July 4th Community Picnic Day (Coxsackie) – July 4
Red, White & Wild at Bailiwick (Catskill) – July 4
4th of July Parade (East Durham) – July 4
Fireworks & Live Music by Probable Cause (Round Top) – July 4
Sourcing Revolution with Jonathan Palmer (Athens) – July 11
Mia Quick is an editorial assistant at The Overlook. Send correspondence to mia@theoverlooknews.com.
