Both the towns of Cornwall and Highlands will celebrate America’s 250th birthday this weekend, with events for everyone. In all of the communities, please pay attention to post road closings and new traffic patterns throughout the activities. For instance: In Cornwall-on-Hudson on July 4, there will be no parking on both sides of Hudson St. from Lafayette St. west to First St. from 4-7 p.m.
As well, due to the extreme heat conditions this week, there is the possibility of some events being postponed, rescheduled or adjusted. Check the Cornwall website and Highland Falls social media pages for updates.
Here’s a rundown of the fun:
Highland Falls: There are three days of activities.
On Thursday, July 2, starting at 5:30 p.m., make your way to Roe Park where a celebration of the parade grand marshal, Suzanne Brahm, will take place as will decorated bike, stroller and wagon judging and a fire department tug-o-war. At 6 p.m., at the Ed Lewis Field, the annual July 4th youth baseball game will take place, and from 7-8:30 p.m., the Uncanny Earworms will perform at the Roe Park pavilion.
On Friday, July 3, the place to be is Main St. at 5 p.m. for the popular bed races, followed by a 5:30-7 p.m. block party right there, with DJ Redbottom. Then at 7, head up to Roe Park for a community cookout, music and kickball game.
On Saturday, July 4, start the day off bright and early with the 8 a.m. Firecracker 5K. If you need to register, do so the evening before or at least an hour before the race takes off. Then, the annual Independence Day parade will step off at 3 p.m., heading from West Point’s Thayer Gate. After the parade, starting at about 5 p.m. at Roe Park, enjoy a teen idol competition, pie and watermelon eating contests, family activities and more until the fireworks begin at about 9:15 p.m.
For updates on activities and events, follow the Village of Highland Falls and Town of Highlands 4th of July Celebration Facebook page. To register for the 5K visit the Highland Falls Annual 4th of July Firecracker 5K and Childrens’ Fun Run Facebook page.
Cornwall: Cornwall’s events are all on Saturday, July 4. Start your day with the Cornwall Independence Day Breakfast at Highland Engine from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. and then head to the Riverlight Park area.
There will be a craft fair from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; a kids’ art show at the Ice House all day; food vendors will be on hand from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and the new beer garden will be open from 2-9 p.m. in front of Town Hall. A kids’ pie eating contest starts at 12 at the main stage area.
The much-awaited pet show is from 10-11 a.m. (registration at 9 a.m.) It’s hosted by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. The very fun 5th Annual Duck Derby will take place at Rings Pond from 1-2 p.m. There will be a performance by Rock Voices from 2-3 p.m. at the main stage. Performing after that are Macaroni the Clown, Tony DePaolo & The Electric Gypsies, Emily Music for Kids and Stumble Street.
For those wanting to learn more about Cornwall’s role in the Revolutionary War, during the day, the Sands-Ring Homestead will host an open house from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (with the reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3 p.m.), and the Cornwall Historical Society will be open from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The annual Historical Pageant will take place at the band stage from 6:30 – 7 p.m.
Runners and walkers can sign up for the Main St. Mile, which starts at 4:30 p.m., with awards at 5:30 p.m. The parade steps off at 5 p.m. and a patriotic ceremony follows at 6 p.m. The fireworks, at Rings Pond, begin after dark.
For the latest and most specific information, visit cornwall4th.org. A link to the Main St. Mile registration can be found there, too.
West Point: Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at West Point’s Independence Day Celebration on July 4 from 3 to 10 p.m. at Trophy Point. Enjoy a live performance by the West Point Band, family-friendly activities in the Kids Zone, a variety of food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display to cap off the evening.
The event will include a patriotic program of music honoring our nation’s history, service members, and enduring spirit. Audiences can also experience the West Point Band in their own communities with America 250 run-out concerts featuring the Concert Band, along with a series of run-out performances by the Benny Havens Band, America’s favorite high-energy popular music group.
A historical Army Air Corps flyover honoring America’s 250th is planned with several Commemorative Air Force aircraft flying down the Hudson River from north to south over Trophy Point between 6:30 and 7 p.m. Aircraft confirmed include the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-29 Superfortress, P-51 Mustang, and C-47 Skytrain.
All events are free and open to the public. Attendees should enter through Thayer or Stony Lonesome gates. Proper identification is required upon entering academy grounds and all vehicles are subject to search. Visitors are reminded that West Point enforces a 25-mph speed limit--please drive safely.
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Because the Independence Day holiday falls on a Saturday this year, but the observed day for local municipalities is Friday, July 3. Town and Village Halls will be closed. The U.S. Postal Service will work on July 3, but there will be no mail delivery and post offices will be closed on Saturday, July 4. Also:
In Cornwall: The Sanitation Department will be closed on Friday, July 3, with no trash or recycling pickups. Trash pickup will resume as scheduled, Tuesday, July 7 for residents who normally have trash pickups on Tuesday & Fridays.
Recycling will have to be held until the following week, Friday, July 10.
In Cornwall-on-Hudson: There will be no trash pickup on July 4, and the village offices are closed.
In Fort Montgomery: There will be no recycling collection on Friday, July 3. It will resume the following week.
In Highland Falls: Both Town and Village Halls are closed in observance of the holiday.