Independence Day is more than just an action movie from the mid-90s. It’s the day we, as Americans, celebrate our independence from the rule of Great Britain in 1776. Now we commemorate the day by paying homage to our homeland, raising the Flag and enjoying quality time with family and friends. Much like many summer-themed events, the day is often spent outdoors. And, of course, fireworks are an essential part of every Fourth of the July celebration. If you live (or plan to visit) Westchester County during the week of the fourth, you’re in luck! There’s plenty to do to celebrate the day and see some awesome fireworks shows. And it’s all family-friendly!
1. Fireworks at Playland Pier (Rye, NY)
Where else is a better place to spend an American holiday than at “America’s Premiere Playground”? Opened on May 26, 1928, the original design included a boardwalk, ice-skating rinks, a swimming pool, and two beaches, as well as amusement park rides, some of which are still in use. Built in 1929, the Dragon Coaster still serves as the park’s mascot and appears in the Playland logo. The Dragon Coaster is one of roughly 100 wooden roller coasters s t ill in operation in the United St ate s. Once providing a practice space at the Playland Ice Casino for the New York Rangers, along with appearances in several movies (including such box office hits as Big, The Muppets Take Manhattan and Fatal Attraction), it is no wonder that Playland was declared a National Landmark in 1987.
Still open and functioning as a fun-filled amusement park for the whole family, Playland hosts fireworks shows every Wednesday and Friday night throughout the summer, starting on July 1st and ending September 2nd. The weekend of the Fourth, however, fireworks are the forefront of this historic Playland’s calendar. Enjoy a renowned fireworks display, accompanied by music at 9:30 pm on Sunday, July 3rd and Monday, July 4th at Playland Pier. It’s sure to be an amazing show!
Location: Playland Pier
Playland Parkway
Rye, NY 10580
Contact: (914) 813-7010, www.ryeplayland.org
Price: $10 for parking ($5 after the holiday)
Date & Time: July 3, July 4 9:15 p.m.
2. Old Fashioned Fourth of July at Muscoot Farm (Somers, NY)
Celebrate the nation’s birthday at a landmark farm almost as old as the country itself! Spanning across 700 acres, Muscoot Farm makes the list again, proving it’s a great family place to visit all year round! Founded by Ferdinand T. Hopkins in 1880, Muscoot has operated as a dairy farm until Westchester County opened Muscoot Farm as an open air interpretive museum and park in 1974. It features year-round displays of various farm animals, hiking trails, original barns and allows everyone the opportunity to participate in educational programs.
This Fourth of July, Muscoot Farm promises all-American fun for the whole family, including old-fashioned games and ice cream making! This fun and history takes place on Sunday, July 3 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. While you may have to look elsewhere for fireworks shows later on in the night, this provides a great opportunity for the kids to have some fun (and maybe even learn a thing or two!) during the day.
Location: Muscoot Farm
Route 100
Somers, NY 10589
Contact: (914) 864-7282, http://www.muscootfarm.org/
Price: Free
Date & Time: July 3, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
3. Fireworks at Kensico Dam (Valhalla, NY)
For a dazzling fireworks show, be sure to check out the Kensico Music Festival at the Kensico Dam. (Only about a 30 minute drive from Somers, the show is great for the family following the events at Muscoot Farm!) Built in 1885, the Kensico Dam provided an additional source of water for New York City. A reservoir w as needed that would contain waters from various new reservoirs and act as a holding tank for distribution to New York City. The construction for this began in 1913 and w as concluded in 1917–three years ahead of schedule–at a cost of more than $15,000,000. The dam is 1,825 feet (556m) long. It stands 307 feet (94m) above its foundation and contains 1 million cubic feet (28,000 m3 ) of m as onry. The dam is able to hold back about 30 billion gallons of water. It is no wonder the massive structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation!
The dam often hosts a series of fun, family events throughout the summer. Their biggest draws are the various festivals that take place celebrating cultures all around the world. And for the celebration of America, visitors are invited to the dam to enjoy music and fireworks. All are advised to bring blankets and chairs. It is also a good idea to carpool, since finding parking can be difficult. However, even if it takes a hike from parking to the actual show, it’s sure to be worthwhile trip!
Location: Kensico Dam Plaza
Bronx River Parkway
Valhalla, NY 10595
Contact: (914) 328-154, www.westchestergov.com
Price: Free
Date & Time: July 3, Music begins at 6:00 p.m.
4. Annual Fireman’s Carnival (Mamaroneck, NY)
And as for my favorite Westchester Independence Day event, be sure to visit the lovely town of Mamaroneck! For the ever-exciting, good ole carnival fun, check out the yearly week-long Fireman’s Carnival at Harbor Island Park. Harbor I sla nd Park’s sprawl i ng 44 acres makes i t the largest park i n Mamaroneck. Located on a protected harbor overlook i ng the Long I sla nd Sou nd , the park’s central locat i on makes i t a popular dest i nat i on for Mamaroneck v i s i tors a nd res i dents al i ke. S pec i al events a nd concerts are often held at Harbor I sla nd ; and the views are always breathtaking and refreshing!
This year marks the 64th annual Fireman’s Carnival to take place at the Harbor. Food, rides and games are available to all patrons, and the annual fundrasier supports the 100% volunteer fire department. In addition the carnival, a parade will take place on June 29th! (Visit the link for parade route). It always promises fun for the whole family, and it never disappoints! And what better way to celebrate America than to support some of the men who keep us safe on a regular basis?
Location: Harbor Island Park
Mamaroneck Ave, S & E Boston Post Road
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Contact: (914) 825-7777
Price: Free parking lot (possible fee week of carnival, meter parking in town, various prices for tickets, games and food, inexpensive to moderately pricey)
Date & Time: Week of June 28 – July 5, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. nightly, fireworks take place on July 4 from 9:15 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Whether you decide to check out all or some of these events, or just kick back in your own (or a family member or friend’s) backyard, be sure to have a healthy, happy, safe and most of all fun Fourth of July!
