HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! 


Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain. On Staten Island, we celebrate by attending the 4th of July Parade in Travis,  barbecues, picnics, baseball games, family reunions, celebrating the history and traditions of the United States.  Patriotic songs such as "The Star Spangled Banner", "God Bless America",  "America the Beautiful", "My Country, Tis of Thee", "This Land is Your Land", "Stars and Stripes Forever" are played and sung at events on this day and bring tears to my eyes.  I Love America, the best country in the world! 

The 105th 4th of July Parade begins with a ceremony at noon in front of P.S. 26 in Travis and steps off at 12:30.  Save a favorite spot for your friends and family and arrive early.  (Don’t forget your sunscreen!)  It is a wonderful event and not to be missed. 

Where can you see the Macy’s Fireworks Display on Staten Island?  Your best bet is anywhere on the Richmond Terr. or Bay St. side of the Island, any hillside venue—roof, porch overlooking the Bay or City or perhaps at the Staten Island Yankees game.   

 

If you want to start celebrating early, attend the Conference House FREE concert tonight, Thursday, 7/2 at 7 with various bands and groups and fireworks display at 9:20 over the Raritan Bay.  Sponsored by the Borough President Oddo and Councilman Ignizio and partnered with the cities of Perth Amboy and South Amboy, N.J., the South Shore will light up tonight. 

The Staten Island Philharmonic will celebrate the holiday weekend with free outdoor concerts beginning Friday, 7/3 at 4, near the Carousel for All Children in Willowbrook, 7/4 at 6 at the Alice Austen House Museum, 1 Hylan Blvd, Sunday at 4 in Conference House Park.  Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics.  I promise, you will enjoy the Philharmonic!

On 7/4 at noon, join Staten Island Out Loud for its annual reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Conference House. 

If you (or your child) have never participated in the Huck Finn Fishing Tournament, do so this year.  On 7/4 at at Willowbrook Park, the Andrew E. Zimmer Club will host its 87th Annual Huck Finn Fishing Tournament. Open to children 5 through 14, contestants will be supplied a bamboo fishing pole as well as bait.  Tournament will run from 9-11 a.m. Registration is between 8:15 and 10 a.m.  Once the last fish has been caught, the Joseph Michael Hightower Memorial Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher costume contest will begin at 11:15 a.m.

Attend the Fireworks: An Art Exhibit from noon-6 on 7/3-5, at S.I.A.B.C (Staten Island Artists Building Corporation) 73 Wave St. Curated by Douglas La Tourette, this exhibition provides a cultural alternative to Americana. Featured artists are Anne Marie McDonnell, Elaine Mendez, Deborah Woodbridge, Diane Griffiths, Elizabeth Sollazzo, Erin Kelli Kilbane, Jack Freedman, John Exit, Julianne Leigh Forsyth, Kuwe Molly, Marcus Allen, Mary Anne Kinsella, Mary Campbell, Nancy Quin, Rachel Sanchez, Stephanie Konsinski, Tiffany Porcu and Vincent Verdi. For more information, call 917-560-5439 or visit siabc.net

Have a safe and happy weekend.  Fly your flag proudly!  God Bless America!

If you would you like to share your photos of the 4th of July weekend,  I will post them in next week’s blog. You can call me at 646-258-9696, leave a comment below or e-mail me at joan.coogan@gmail.com

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