By Karen Bloom
It is indeed America's great celebration and Long Islanders certainly know how to throw a party! There are a wide range of festivities to enjoy, from community events to the annual extravaganza at Jones Beach. And, of course, if the local activities aren't enough, there's always the Macy's 4th Of July Spectacular in Manhattan.A local venue that always draws a large crowd is Fireman's Field in Valley Stream. There, the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream host "The 13th Annual All American 4th Of July Celebration."With approximately 20,000 people expected to attend, 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 glorious display, put on by Huntington Station's Bay Fireworks, which is producing many of the region's fireworks shows this season.For a more informal experience, some just watch the fireworks outside the gates of Fireman's Field. However, Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce officials prefer that people actually come into the park, for the event is much more than just the fireworks. For a $5 admission, visitors will enjoy an evening of programming. Gates will open at 6 p.m.; at 7 p.m. Steve Cass Entertainment will begin to warm-up the crowd with music and games. The program will formally begin at 7:45 p.m. with singer Katherine Glen, followed by a brief presentation by local officials. Other entertainment includes Valley Stream South High School Streamers, Nassau County's Third Place Kickline Champions, singer Janine Strong, and a dance performance by students from Edy's Dancin' Feet. There will also be "kiddie rides" provided by Valley Stream's Looney Bin and refreshments. It all culminates with the fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Travelling east, you'll find the big bash at Jones Beach. "The Annual Star Spangled Blast," also features a world-class fireworks presentation by Bay Fireworks, beginning at 9:30 p.m. "The North Fork Bank Star Spangled Blast celebration continues to be the place on the Fourth of July," said New York State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro.The program features a performance by The American Tenors, a new group whose repertoire includes patriotic songs and American classics. The Tenors are 29 year-old Mauricio O'Reilly, 31 year-old Nathan Granner and 24 year-old Daniel Montenegro. Over 150,000 people are expected to attend and are advised to arrive early, by 6 p.m. All parking fields will be open. "Center stage" is Field 4, however the fireworks will be visible throughout Jones Beach State Park. Radio stations WALK 97.5, Q104.3 and Z-100 will simulcast music to accompany the fireworks show.On the North Shore, the Town of Oyster Bay is celebrating its 350th birthday this summer, with a jam-packed Fourth of July, beginning with a parade at 10 a.m. in the village. The program includes a "Rough Rider" re-enactment and guest speakers at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site at 2 p.m. Also, an American Revolutionary Encampment will be staged all afternoon at Raynham Hall Museum. In the evening, from 5-7 p.m., The Waterfront Center will host a Community Barbeque and welcome families to fireworks over Oyster Bay Harbor at dusk. "We're excited to welcome everyone to our beautiful shores," said Rob Crafa, Director of The Waterfront Center. There will be other activities throughout the weekend, part of the "Passport to Historic Oyster Bay" summer weekends program.Fees for the various events vary. For more information call the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce at (516) 922-6464 or log on to the website, www.PassportOysterBay. org.Whatever you do this weekend, be sure to heed John Adams' words and, most of all, have fun!!
