The Town of Newburgh enjoyed its annual Community Day celebration on Thursday, July 3 at Algonquin/Cronomer Park with food, live music, local vendors and a final fireworks display for residents and visitors to enjoy. The annual celebration kicked off the Independence Day weekend in the town.

The festivities kicked off at about 6 p.m. on Thursday evening just after a thunderstorm made its way through the area an hour prior. Vendors and other attendees braved the storm and quickly regathered themselves as the rain ceased in preparation for residents to arrive.

As the sun started to come out, residents made their way onto the park grounds, setting up their seating areas in front of the music stage or on the park fields in preparation for the fireworks later that night. Live music from the band Rivals NY entertained families during the evening.

Despite the previous rainfall, resident Michael D’Addio was happy to see people coming out and enjoying themselves during the evening, supporting the town. During last year’s Newburgh Community Day, D’Addio and his band had the opportunity to perform for residents during the festivities.

“I just really enjoy seeing every person from different walks of life out here, different ages, just really enjoying what is being offered here between the music, all the great food, the fireworks, the camaraderie and just being out and being part of the community,” said D’Addio. “It’s really nice to see the community out here and just being so supportive of everything that’s going on.”

During the evening, town recreation employees and other staff helped behind the scenes, overseeing the parking, helping guide people and making sure the grounds were taken care of for everyone to enjoy.

Mike Paccione of the Recreation Department was happy to see people brave the rain and enjoy their night at Community Day. “People were still coming in, they weren’t letting the rain stop them,” said Paccione. “It’s a day to come together. You meet new people, you possibly make new friends. You see old friends. You see acquaintances, you see work mates, you see colleagues, see family,”
As more and more people arrived, lines began to form at the various food trucks and vendors so people could enjoy a bite to eat. Several food vendors included Empanada O’Nada, Lemon Love, Chilly Willy’s, Cousins Maine Lobster, Bearded Boys BBQ, The Cluck Truck, Twisted Sisters and Baby Dahl’s Catering.

Several booths were set up with vendors selling their goods while kids enjoyed their time walking and hanging out with friends or enjoying a high rise jump attraction and bouncy houses. Local emergency services such as the Boy Scouts, the American Legion and the town’s Republican and Democratic committees handed out information or were places where residents chatted amongst themselves. Local departments such as the Town of Newburgh Police Department, Town of Newburgh EMS, Middlehope Fire Department and more came out with their vehicles for families to see and take pictures with.

American Legion member and veteran Robert Stipak was equally happy to see people coming out after the rain to enjoy a night of fun and celebration. “I love how our town is trying to draw people together and getting neighbors to know neighbors. These community days are what make the community stronger,” said Stipak. “I’m expecting an amazing fireworks display. We’ve got some great music playing right now. I’d love to see this grow. I’d love to see more people in the community just get involved.”

As the sun began to set, people started to get to their seats. After a few test fireworks to start the evening, the park lights went out and more and more fireworks were shot up into the sky, with varying colors. Applause and cheers came from the park and people captured the show on their phones. A final display of fireworks closed out the Community Day celebration for 2025 and people made their way home to enjoy the holiday weekend ahead.