Greene County gearing up to celebrate America’s 250th birthday

CATSKILL—Greene County will launch Independence Day weekend with an America 250 Celebration on Friday, July 3, in the Village of Catskill, bringing together residents and visitors for an evening of history, community pride, live entertainment, family activities, and patriotic celebration.

Beginning at 2:30 p.m., Main and Church Streets will close to traffic as the village transforms into a festive gathering place featuring local businesses, vendors, exhibits, demonstrations, children's activities, sidewalk sales, outdoor cafés, and food trucks.

At 5 p.m., the Greene County Courthouse will serve as the setting for a commemorative America 250 ceremony honoring the nation's 250th anniversary. Highlights will include the dedication of two America 250 historical plaques, the filling of a community time capsule, multiple color guards, a gun salute, ceremonial cannon firing, flag-folding presentation and patriotic performances.

"This is a chance to honor the people who came before us and leave something meaningful for the people who come after us," said Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden.

"The plaques and time capsule will help preserve Greene County's story for future generations,” he said.

From 6 to 9 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music by the Second Chance Band, interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities and demonstrations from local organizations and businesses. Entertainment throughout the evening will include a roaming magician, balloon artist, street chalk artist, wood carving demonstrations and line dancing

"The America 250 Celebration is really about community," said Patty Austin, director of Tourism.

"We're bringing together local businesses, organizations, historians, veterans and residents to celebrate our nation's history and showcase what makes Greene County such a special place,” Austin added.

As the nation marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Greene County's celebration also highlights the Great Northern Catskills' role in America's fight for independence and the people whose contributions helped shape both the region and the nation.

The America 250 Celebration is free and open to the public. Residents and visitors alike are invited to spend the evening exploring local history, supporting local businesses and celebrating the spirit of independence in the heart of the Village of Catskill.

In addition, communities across the county are hosting celebrations on Saturday, July 4.

Athens

Festivities start at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 at Riverfront Park. There will be a band, bounce house, face painting, hot dogs, cupcakes to decorate, and other children's activities, as well as a biodegradable luminary release at dusk.

For information, visit https://www.greatnortherncatskills.com/events/town-and-village-athens-4th-july-celebration.

Cairo

On Saturday, July 4, the Town of Cairo will put on the largest fireworks display in the history of the town. It begins at dusk at Angelo Canna Town Park.

Coxsackie

The Village of Coxsackie will host a July 4th Community Picnic Day in celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. All are welcome for an afternoon and evening filled with games, music, food, fireworks and fun from 3-10 p.m. at Riverside Park.

Bring a tent, lawn chairs, yard games, and the whole family to enjoy delicious food and drinks from local vendors and food trucks—or fire up your own BBQ and picnic with friends.

Enjoy live music from local musician Luke Barnhart, followed by The Ultimate’s, who wowed crowds at last year’s Friday night Block Party before the Riverside Festival.

And if you loved the fireworks at the Riverside Festival, get ready, because this year they are going even bigger.

For information, visit https://www.greatnortherncatskills.com/events/july-4th-community-picnic-day.

Durham

The Durham Task Force will host the annual Independence Day Parade. It steps off from County Route 20B and 145 on Saturday, July 4 at 11:30 a.m. and marches to the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Centre. This year’s grand marshal is Lt. Col. Dermot J. Gavin.

Tannersville & Hunter

The Village of Tannersville and Town of Hunter will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence on Saturday, July 4 with a community parade, live music, and a full day of festivities at the Upper Rip Van Winkle Lake Park in Tannersville.

The parade steps off from the Tops/Go Green parking lot at 2 p.m. and ends at the Upper Rip Van Winkle Lake Park.

Festivities begin at 3 p.m. at the park with live music throughout the day, including Sonny Rock and the Torpedoes, along with bounce houses, vendors, lake activities, food, and family-friendly entertainment until dusk.

The celebration concludes with a fireworks display over Rip Van Winkle Lake at 9:30 p.m.

For information, visit https://tannersvilleny.gov/celebrate-250-years-of-americas-independence-with-the-village-of-tannersville-and-town-of-hunter.

Windham

Windham Hose Company No.1 will host the July 4th Parade with step off at 7 p.m. Line up is on Route 296 and the parade marches to the firehouse. Fireworks will shoot off from Windham Mountain Club following the parade, at dusk.

In addition, there will be entertainment, food, music and activities throughout the day at the Centre Church, as well as the annual sandcastle contest at CD Lane Park at 11 a.m. For information, visit https://townofwindhamny.gov/community/windhams-july-4th-celebration-america-250.

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