Independence Day Celebrations

Even before the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, there was sedition in the British colonies in North America. Finally by 1788 the thirteen colonies became the United States of America. Termed the “great experiment,” the country has survived almost two and a half centuries. Hardly perfect, yet still a major power.

If you are looking for some things to occupy children while you prep for the long weekend, head to the dollar store and pick up some small flags. Line the driveway, add them to your potted plants, or find unique places to show your patriotism.

Consider some volunteer work at a VA hospital. Support a veteran’s small business by directing your shopping spree in their direction. Create a care package to a member of the military. Check with UPS about their free kits and websites like Solider’s Angels offer great ideas about items to include. Remember that there are five branches of the military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

Of course, there are some local gatherings that you may be interested in:

Canandaigua

The Lincoln Farms Light Up the Fourth at the Farm is free admission. (Lincoln Farms, 3792 RT-247, Canandaigua, NY). They encourage participants to bring their own chairs or picnic blankets. They are providing Live Music by ROC Star Academy | Red, White & Brew Special and fireworks after dark.

They open at 1:00 p.m. and shut down at 10:00 p.m. Between those hours there are lawn games and visits with live goats. There will be lots of food and beverages for purchase at the silo bar and designated food area.

Check their website for full details including parking areas.

Ithaca

There are lots of activities around Ithaca including the public parks. Even if you have seen them before, you can still appreciate the nuances of the trails and waterfalls you encounter while hiking and biking.

There are a number of fine dining and casual meals available like the Boatyard Grill that will give you the experience of good food and beverages while enjoying the afternoon or evening sights. While the Glenwood Pines is closed on Independence Day, they are open with regular seating both prior and following the holiday.

2022 Fireworks and other Events
Ithaca & Tompkins County

• Sunday, July 1: Town of Groton Annual Fireworks
• Friday, July 1: Friday Night Farm Jams at Finger Lakes Cider House –  6:30 to 8:30pm, enjoy delicious cider and local farm-to-table food, there will also be live music on the farm ($5-$10 cover fee)
• Saturday, July 2: Brooktondale Outdoor Summer Concert Series – 1 to 4pm, free and open to the public
• Sunday, July 3: Inn at Taughannock Fireworks Show
• Sunday, July 3: Club Cayuga Sunset Cruise, 7:30 to 9:30pm, lively music on board the MV Teal, operated by Discover Cayuga Lake
• Sunday, July 3: Treleaven Wines – 1 to 4pm, house-madeBBQ with live music
• Monday, July 4: Mondays with MAQ at South Hill Cider – outdoors, 5:30 to 8:30pm

Other Finger Lakes Festivities:

• Friday, July 1: Candor – Fireworks, Young Explosives Corp. at dusk.
• Saturday, July 2: Cortland – (July 3 rain date) Dwyer Memorial Park in Little Lake 2 to 10pm.
• Saturday, July 2: Fair Haven – fireworks at 10pm at the southern end of the bay
• Saturday, July 2: Hammonsport / Keuka Lake– fireworks at 10pm, watch at school or fire department
• Sunday, July 3: Watkins Glen – fireworks at 9:30pm at Seneca Lake Events Center
• Monday, July 4: Branchport/Keuka Lake – parade at 2pm, fireworks at 10pm

Read more at: https://www.fingerlakes.org/news/july-4th-2021-events-finger-lakes