By Karen Bloom
Jones Beach
For many, it’s not a Fourth of July celebration without braving the crowds to find a spot at Jones Beach for the annual fireworks extravaganza. Every year, many thousands of hardy souls brave the jam-packed thoroughfares leading to the park for the impressive light show. The reason: After dusk descends on the park, 9:30 p.m. to be precise, visitors enjoy what many consider to be the best fireworks display around.
This year’s show, produced by Garden State Fireworks, is a spectacular half-hour show using the latest in pyrotechnics. The company uses sophisticated computer-controlled technology to entertain spectators with vibrant colors simulcast to a rousing musical array of patriotic songs.
Of course, prepare for crowds. Over 250,000 people are expected to attend. Spectators are advised to arrive early on Saturday, before 7:30 p.m. “Center stage” is Field 4; but you can gaze at the fireworks throughout the length of the beach.
Valley Stream
Another venue that always draws a large crowd is Fireman’s Field in Valley Stream. There, the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Valley Stream are hosting the 18th annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show.
With approximately 25,000 people anticipated to enjoy the festivities, this is considered to be one of the largest fireworks displays in the area, according to Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce officials. Visitors will be treated to a gloriously patriotic display of fireworks, with a talent show preceding the main event.
For a more informal experience, some just watch the skies outside the gates of Fireman's Field. However, Valley Stream officials prefer that people actually come into the park, for the event is much more than just the fireworks. Tickets – which sell out quickly – are $6. They are available at Village Hall, the Hendrickson Pool facility and Administration Building, and at Collision Concepts. Gates open at 6 p.m. Enter at Emerson Pl. or Albermarle Ave. entrances to Fireman's Field, Valley Stream.
Old Fashioned Fourth Of July
While fireworks receive most of the attention during July 4th festivities, there’s more to an Independence Day celebration than the light show. Those nostalgic for those days gone by can spend their holiday in the 1860s, courtesy of Old Bethpage Village Restoration, at a rousing Fourth of July celebration as it would have been commemorated in 1865 at the end of the Civil War.
Instead of fireworks think musket fire and a picnic with old fashioned fiddle music; instead of holiday barbecues blasting the popular sounds of today.
The festivities mark the return to Long Island of Union soldiers, with a traditional Independence Day parade with a marching band (at 2 p.m.) and a performance of historical musical selections by the Old Bethpage Village Brass Band (at 3:15 p.m.). Patriotic speeches, musket firing and children’s games add to the day. At 3 p.m., the soldiers will drill one last time and fire a salute to their fallen comrades.
Guests are invited to bring their own picnic lunches to a “Victory Parade” behind the Noon Inn, where the sounds of old-fashioned fiddle music can be heard from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Also, baseball fans can watch a circa 1880s all star “base ball” game played at Hewlett Field at noon, as OBVR recreates the exciting matches held in Brooklyn and Queens at the time.
Step back in time, Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $10, $7 children 5-12 and seniors. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. For more information, contact (516) 572-8400.
Red, White And Blue 4th
Independence Day was an important holiday for President Theodore Roosevelt, who often spoke at his Oyster Bay home and then gathered his extended family and friends at Sagamore Hill for a day of celebration. Cousins and friends enjoyed the day here participating in flag-waving outdoor activities for all.
Celebrate the holiday in the Roosevelt tradition, with a day of family activities at the former presidential residence.
The day begins at 11 a.m. with a “Birds of Prey” demonstration presented by the Theodore Roosevelt Audubon Sanctuary. Get a close-up look at raptors – including a hawk, owl and falcon – and hear about their life at the Sanctuary.
During the afternoon, beginning at 1 p.m., an old-time red, white, and blue Fourth of July celebration will start with an equestrian demonstration by “Rough Rider” re-enactors demonstrating riding techniques used by mounted soldiers during the Spanish American War. A period encampment will be set up as well.
Kids can take part in old-fashioned games (including a three-legged race, egg and spoon race, potato sack race, and tug—o-war.
A band concert, at 2 p.m. with the Sagamore Hill Band, features music of the time of TR, with speeches by local dignitaries, and an appearance by the Presidentt himself, as portrayed by re-enactor, James Foote.
Visit Sagamore Hill at Sagamore Hill Rd. in Oyster Bay. For further information, call (516) 922-4788 or visit our www.nps.gov/sahi.
Long Beach
Long Beach honors Independence Day next Friday, July 10, with a dazzling fireworks display. The festivities begin at 8 p.m., on the beach, with music by T’Bazco Road. The band entertains with its New Orleans-style blend of blues, honky-tonk piano and funky rhythms at the bandstand between Long Beach Blvd. and Riverside Blvd.
The fireworks, begin at 9 p.m., from a barge off the Long Beach shoreline. Visitors can sit on the beach to watch the show, or view the lights from any point along the boardwalk. City officials encourage everyone to arrive early and use public transportation as parking will be limited. For further information, visit www.longbeachny.org.
Rockville Centre
The Village of Rockville Centre holds its Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 11. Once again, festivities feature the South Shore Symphony performing a pops program of summertime favorites, at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks display over the Mill River follows, produced by the Grucci family, begins about 9 p.m. It takes place at Centennial Park in Rockville Centre. The rain date is July 12. For further information, visit www.rvcny.us.
