Clifton Park community celebrates Fourth of July with parade CLIFTON PARK, N.Y.

Clifton Park community celebrates Fourth of July with parade
CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. — The Clifton Park community celebrated the Fourth of July in its traditional fashion this year, with crowds of people gathered for a parade, fireworks and more.

After a scaled-down celebration in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local leaders were thrilled to once again present the full-blown patriotic festival this Independence Day.

“We weren’t sure this year how big the parade might be, coming off obviously a difficult past year and a half for our community and society, but boy it was fantastic,” Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett said during a ceremony at Clifton Common immediately following the parade. “It’s great to see so many people here and celebrating what it is to be an American, and to show appreciation for everything we have as Americans.”

The all-day event featured The Freedom Mile run/walk, a large parade with floats and marchers, a ceremony honoring the anniversary of American independence, a craft show, pony rides, a petting zoo and live entertainment by local acts Sirsy and Ten Most Wanted - all leading up to the grand finale fireworks display.

Clifton Park’s July Fourth bash was one of several taking place throughout the Capital Region over the weekend, though some places that typically present fireworks did not host events this year.

Those who attended the Clifton Park event also had the opportunity to hear Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, Senator Jim Tedisco and Congressman Paul Tonko speak during the ceremony about the significance of the occasion.

With most mask and social distancing guidelines recently removed, Walsh said it was lovely “just to see everybody smiling and see all the community pride that’s here.”

Tedisco lauded the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces in his comments. “We are the greatest nation in the world because of one group,” he said, praising the country’s military members as the best, brightest, most courageous and compassionate fighting force for good.

Calling Sunday’s parade and gathering a great expression of community, Tonko reminded folks in attendance about the humble beginnings of the United States of America on its 245th birthday.

“As a nation, we have much to celebrate,” the congressman said to the crowd.

Working from the framework authored in 1776, “We as a nation, as a people, are in search of a more perfect union,” he said. “And we continue to work to be that perfect union. We will achieve that perfection through the ages, but it is good to know that through our halls of government we can continue to advance what is right and strong and absolutely powerful for the people that claim this wonderful flag to be theirs.”

Tonko concluded, “We are at our best when we really pay attention to that framework that was designed by our founding parents, and as they challenged us to continue to search for a perfect world.”

Fourth Fest Caps Off Fourth of July Weekend
DULUTH, Minn.– For those who didn’t get enough of all the live concerts over at Bayfront Park this Fourth of July weekend, music enthusiasts were jamming out again Sunday night at Bayfront Festival Park.

The free event known as Fourth Fest capped off the Independence Day weekend festivities in Duluth.

Gates opened at 4 this afternoon with a few bands and the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. It all led up to the fireworks that lit up the sky Sunday night.

Those at fourth fest were excited to see some more live music.

“It’s very nice. We’re enjoying it. The whole lineup looked good. I guess we didn’t have any favorites picked out but we’re just glad that there’s live music going on,” said Kristi who was there for the live music.

Others at the show were there to make sure they got a look at the fireworks. Including a couple, who is spending their mini-honeymoon on this hot summer day checking out Fourth Fest.

“Fireworks. Fireworks always. The joys of freedom,” said Brenden and Caitlin Stay. “This is obviously the place to be and I came here one year with my family. It was really fun. I’ve been here before, it’s the best show in Minnesota that I’ve seen.”

This wraps up the weekend festivities that featured Country Jam on Friday and the rock group hairball on Saturday.

Need July 4th plans? Now, 'Go 4th on the River' caps off 11 celebrations Saturday and Sunday
With the last-minute announcement from actor Will Smith that he'll sponsor New Orleans' Go 4th on the River fireworks show Sunday, pyrotechnics will once again light up the sky over the river at the French Quarter for Independence Day.

The show was canceled in 2020 during the pandemic and hadn't been scheduled this year. That all changed on Friday, when the actor declared the fireworks show was a gift from him to the city this year. The event starts at 9 p.m. Sunday.

Smith and his company Westbrook are in town working on his latest feature film, "Emancipation." 

Wilson Phillips and the Guess Who headline a list of entertainers at Uncle Sam Jam Saturday at Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie. Groups at the Al Copeland Concert Meadow Stage will include Phunky Monkeys, Creole String Beans, The Total Betty's and the Topcats. The Marine Forces Reserve Brass Band starts at 3 p.m., with a hot dog championship at 3:30 p.m. Fireworks are planned at 9 p.m. Food and drink will be available. The festival is free but Stars and Strips VIP passes are $50. Check it out here. 

Happy 3rd of July and Carousel Gardens Opening will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. on the Great Lawn across from the Tolmas Visitor Center, 8 Victory Ave., City Park, New Orleans. After more than a year, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park reopens to the general public (Friday is a free day for first responders), including two cafes and 18 rides. The historic carousel is still under renovation. The Marine Forces reserve band plays at 7 p.m. at the Independence Day celebration, with fireworks to follow 9 p.m. Chairs, blankets and picnics are encouraged. Concessions and snoballs will be available. Get a preview here. 

Madisonville's Old Fashioned 4th of July actually takes place on Saturday, July 3, in downtown Madisonville. Independence Day fun features a variety of contests (horseshoes, watermelon eating, rooster crowing) starting at 10 a.m., a tribute to veterans, a parade at 5 p.m. and fireworks along the banks of Tchefuncte River. Take a look here.

It's red, ripe and delicious at the Creole Tomato Festival Saturday at the French Market, Moonwalk and area restaurants, North Peters Street, New Orleans. The annual celebration of the Creole tomato has both live and virtual components this year, with food booths and a kids’ activities area at the market, a bloody mary trail at participating restaurants, a parade and more. The second line includes the Yellow Pocahontas Black Masking Indians, a baby dolls marching group, a brass band and more, and it begins at Washington Artillery Park at 11 a.m. Take a taste here.

Make sure to check out Sparks in the Park Saturday in Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Drive, Covington. Free festival with music, entertainment, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, fireworks and food and beverage vendors. The park opens at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, with music starting at 5 p.m. Fireworks will be at 8:50 p.m. See more about the sparks here.

Under the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge, the St. Charles Parish fun kicks off Independence Day Celebration Saturday at 6 p.m. in Bridge City Park, 13825 River Road, Luling. Entertainment will include the Goovy 7, a flag raising, remarks by Parish President Matthew Jewell and fireworks at 9 p.m. Reserve parking and VIP area will be provided for veterans. Local non-profit organizations will sell food and beverages. Get cracking here. 

Taking a look at liberty is the Slidell Heritage Festival Saturday at Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane. The free festival opens at 6 p.m. with food trucks and beverages for purchase. Witness takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Take a look here.

Head down to "da Parish" Sunday when St. Bernard Salutes America at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center Grounds, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette. The free celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. with music and a variety of vendors providing food and beverage, plus more. Fireworks will light up the night starting at 9:30 p.m. Get the 411 here.

Light Up The Lake Sunday along the Mandeville Lakefront between Coffee and Carroll Streets. The Independence Day Celebration for the city of Mandeville begins with picnics at 10 a.m. (no charcoal or glass). Entertainment stars at 6 p.m. with the Boogie Men, a military tribute, food trucks at 5 p.m., a kids' tent and fireworks over the lake at dusk, about 8:45 p.m. Get the lowdown on the lake here.

Head to Olde Towne Slidell for the 4th of July Summer Concert and Fireworks Sunday throughout the district on and near the 2200 block of Carey Street. Two stages of music start at noon on Cousin and Carey Streets, with Amanda Shaw taking the stage at 6 p.m. During the day, there's a kids activity zone, a hatchet throwing contest, food, beverages and misting stations to beat the heat. 
July 4th Fireworks, Concerts & Events Around Greater Houston
Celebrate the Fourth of July with our guide to fireworks, parades, concerts and more happening around Greater Houston on and before Independence Day, Sunday, July 4, 2021.

This year, the Fourth of July brings us events, celebrations, and fireworks displays that everyone missed out on in 2020.

From Galveston to Conroe and everywhere in between, cities across the Greater Houston area are gearing up for big firework spectacles, concerts, and much more. Check out our guide below to find a celebration near you.

City of Houston presents Freedom Over Texas on ABC13 | Independence Day, Sunday, July 4 | Virtual Entertainment & Live Fireworks | FREE – Though the City of Houston won’t be hosting its annual day-long festival, there will still be plenty of Independence Day revelry to be had when ABC13 hosts a live broadcast of the Shell Freedom Over Texas event, featuring live concerts and a fireworks spectacular. This year, the fireworks will reach nearly double the height of the traditional show, making the spectacle just west of Downtown viewable from further open spaces and neighborhood parks. Eleanor Tinsley Park will be open for fireworks viewing only for those that wish to park Downtown and walk. 7pm to 10pm; live fireworks are expected to start shortly after 9:30pm.
Live 4th of July Fireworks Over Downtown Houston | Independence Day, Sunday, July 4 | FREE – Even though the live festival is shuttered for one more year, a larger-than-ever-before live fireworks show has been promised by the City of Houston. Live, for-real fireworks are expected to reach almost twice the heights of former years, offering more Houstonians a chance to celebrate and view the spectacle from around the city. If you want an up-close view, head to Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou (just expect to park in Downtown, since both Allen and Memorial parkways will be closed for fallout). Fire