Summer is underway here in Cortland County, and that means it's time to start making plans for July 4th! Here we celebrate America's birthday with dazzling firework shows, patriotic festivities, historic programs, free concerts and more.
Keep reading for the can't-miss Independence Day events in Cortland County!
For a full list of county-wide events, visit www.experiencecortland.com/events.
CATCH A FIREWORKS SHOW
It isn’t a 4th of July celebration without fireworks, and in Cortland County there are great places to watch the sparks fly. The Annual Cortland County Independence Day Spectacular will take place on Saturday, July 2nd from 2-10 p.m. at Historic Dwyer Memorial Park. This year visitors will be treated to live entertainment, delicious food vendors and a firework show. Don’t forget to turn your radio to x101 Always Classic at dusk for the annual sky concert during the show.
Admission is free, with a $5 per car parking fee that will begin at 8 a.m. Rain date for the fireworks is July 3rd. The annual Independence celebration is brought to you by Cortland County.
If you can't make it out to Dwyer Memorial Park, the Town of Virgil will be holding their Hope Lake Park July 4th Fireworks Display at Hope Lake Park on Saturday, July 2. The park will open at 10:30 a.m. for families to enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming. Live music by Good Time Rebels from 6-9 p.m. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the fabulous fireworks display at dusk over the park’s beautiful lake.
HAVE FUN WITH HISTORY
This year’s Independence Day agenda includes a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Center for the Arts Homer on Monday, July 4th. All are invited at 10 a.m. to listen to Charles W. Jermy Jr. and Charles W. Jermy III recount the circumstances that led up to the Declaration’s adoption in 1776 and talk briefly about its signers. Those in attendance will then be invited to read a short portion of the Declaration of Independence, following the reading, bells in the buildings surrounding the Homer Village Green will be rung 50 times.
You don't have to drive far to dust off your beach chairs and towels - Cortland County has its very own sandy oasis. Hope Lake Park is open at 10:30 a.m., and boasts a small lake with a swimming beach. Only five minutes from downtown Cortland you will find Yaman Beach, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The park features a small pond with a swimming beach, with spacious picnic areas with pavilions and grills if you're with a large group of family and friends. If the water doesn't tire out the kiddos, the playground and skatepark will.
If you're looking for a little less sand, then the C.C. Wickwire Pool at Suggett Park is the spot for you. The swimming pool is open from noon to 7 p.m. and has a separate toddler play area, as well as a Splash Pad. Within the park, there is a playground, two basketball courts, and a softball field. Regardless of where you choose to cool down, don't forget the sunscreen!
Put on your patriot best and join friends and neighbors at Rose Hall, Friday, July 1 at 6 p.m. for an evening of live tunes at the Main Street Music Series. The following day will feature an evening full of music with Quona Hudson at Homer Hops, The Ripcords at Heuga's, and The Mix Tapes at Glen Haven.
Check out the Experience Cortland events calendar for more live music options.
CATCH EVENING BASEBALLThere’s no better way to celebrate the United States’ birthday than enjoying America’s favorite pastime! Bring your whole family to cheer on the Cortland Crush as the team takes on the Sherrill Silversmiths (July 2) and the Syracuse Spartans (July 3) at the Gutchess Lumbar Sports Complex. Every game will have fun specials for all fans.
Visit www.CortlandCrushBaseball.com for more information.
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