After two long years, the Town of Newburgh celebrated the return of Community Day at Algonquin and Cronomer Parks with local food, music, vendors and activities in preparation for the fireworks display later in the evening.

At around 6 p.m., Town of Newburgh residents began to gather at the parks and set up their seating areas for the fireworks display. At one end of the park, ladder trucks from the Cronomer Valley Fire Department and Winona Lake Fire Engine Company welcomed residents with the display of the American flag hanging from their ladders.

Town of Newburgh residents enjoyed freshly squeezed lemonade, soft serve ice cream from Chilly Willy’s, freshly cooked empanadas from the Empanada O’Nada food truck, fries and other food from Baby Dahl’s Catering along with music from the live band, Dead Center.

Residents also had the opportunity to speak with Resorts World Hudson Valley representatives who are currently in the hiring process for the anticipated casino later this year at the Newburgh Mall.

Local vendors offered homemade goods for residents to browse if interested in. Organizations such as the Kiwanis Club of Newburgh offered several games for kids while Keep It Moving, who also offered games, provided information and lessons on Narcan training.

Town of Newburgh Republican and Democratic Committees, American Legion Post 1420, Town of Newburgh Emergency Medical Services [TONEMS], several boy scout troops and other organizations all had several booths with information and representatives along with gifts for kids.

Residents also spoke with Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio, Councilman Paul Ruggiero, Councilman Anthony LoBiondo, Councilman Scott Manley, Orange County Legislator Leigh Benton, Assembly candidate Christopher Eachus, New York State Senate candidates Julie Shiroishi and Rob Rolison and Orange County Sheriff candidate Bernie Rivers who were in attendance for the evening.

Local resident Bob Fischer, who was attending Community Day with his wife that evening, shared that he was glad to see everybody from the town and greater Newburgh area enjoying the night with one another. “Everybody has a good time, lot of vendors,” Fischer said. “It’s a great community. This is a great event here.” Though the last few Community Days were canceled due to COVID, smiles were seen all around and people enjoyed the camaraderie. Fischer encourages everyone, whether they are new or old visitors to come every year to take part in the fun.

“I look forward every year, for this Community Day. It’s a great outing. We get a good variety of people here, good variety of foods,” Ruggiero said. “It’s just a great day capped off with fireworks.”

As the sun began to set and people set up their seating areas, the lights on the fields and around the parks shut off and people cheered in anticipation. At around 9:15 p.m., the first set of fireworks went off and more followed heading into the night, concluding the Community Day celebration.