Fireworks, Food & Festivities - Last Minute Ideas for Celebrating Independence Day Tomorrow!

The Fourth of July is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The first public reading of the Declaration was held on July 8, 1776 in Philadelphia’s Independence Square. One year later, on July 4, 1777, Independence Day was celebrated with ringing bells, band music, bonfires and fireworks. This Fourth of July, Long Islanders will continue the tradition with unbroken fervor. The list of parades, picnics, firework displays, concerts, fairs and celebrations on Long Island is virtually limitless. So get ready to enjoy some great outdoor activities and beautiful weather in celebration of our nation’s independence!

Independence Day Celebration
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
20 Sagamore Hill Road
Oyster Bay, NY
516-922-4788
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
11 am – 4 pm
Free

Enjoy an old fashioned Independence Day celebration at the Sagamore Hill home of Theodore Roosevelt featuring James Foote reenacting Theodore Roosevelt, the Sagamore Hill Band, Rough Riders reenactment, storyteller Jonathan Kruk and speeches by local dignitaries. This is a free event open to all. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Food will be available for purchase. Presented by the National Park Service.

Independence Day Celebrations
Peconic Riverfront
Riverhead, NY
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
5-9:30 pm

Celebrate Independence Day on the Peconic Riverfront in Riverhead. A family concert begins at 5:30 pm with Who Are Those Guys, followed by Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could and then the rock and roll superstars tribute band Rock & Roll Review. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012
7pm

On the second day of the celebration come see The Blues Brotherhood – A tribute to the Blues Brothers. The Blues Brotherhood covers the best material from the original "Blues Brothers" as well as other classic blues, funk, and soul tunes in a style unique to the "Brotherhood." So hold on to your hats (and shades, for that matter) as the boys capture the sound, energy, and persona that propelled the original "Blues Brothers" into the phenomenon that still thrills audiences around the world.

Port Jefferson Fourth of July Parade
Main Street
Port Jefferson, NY
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
10 am

Celebrate the decades-old tradition of the annual Port Jefferson Fourth of July Parade sponsored by the Port Jefferson Fire Department.

Storytime for Kids
Barnes & Noble
Country Glen Center
91 Old Country Road
Carle Place, NY
(516) 741-9850
Tuesday, July 3rd & Wednesday, July 4^th
10 am
Free

Bring the kids to Barnes & Noble to celebrate the Fourth of July with story time and a related activity.

Selden Wednesday Cruise Night
Independence Plaza
Middle Country Road
Selden, NY
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
5:30 pm – 9 pm
Free

Selden Wednesday Cruise Night is back for the fourth year! Come down and join other local classic and muscle car owners in a large open parking lot with plenty of room to spread out. This is a landlord-approved site—no loud music and no burnouts! The shopping center offers a many food choices:  Italian, Chinese, Sushi, burgers and more. Cruise night is held every Wednesday from 5:30 pm – 9pm through October 3^rd.

July 4^th Mixer on the Bay Beach
Beach Hut at Venetian Shores
850 Venetian Blvd.
Lindenhurst, NY
631-592-9804
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
5:15 pm – 9:45 pm

7-In-Heaven Singles welcomes all ages to its July 4^th Mixer on the Bay Beach. Come out, meet new friends and enjoy lots of fireworks over the bay! Activities include icebreakers beach volley ball, team trivia game activities at the Beach Hut, live music and dancing, raffle prizes (additional cost) and lobster meal specials. Bring your own picnic or purchase food and drinks from the Beach Hut. $5 pp organizational fee (cash is appreciated). 7-In-Heaven does not charge a membership fee. Free parking. Look for 7-In-Heaven banner!

East Meadow Farmers Market
832 Merrick Avenue
East Meadow, NY
631-323-3653
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
7 am – 1 pm
Free Admission

Veggies, fruits, seafood, jams and jellies, flowers, plants, dairy items, dog treats, and more available at the East Meadow Farmers Market ! Presented by Long Island Growers Market.

(Every Wednesday 7 am – 1pm through November 21^st).

Roslyn Farmers Market
Christopher Morley Park
500 Searington Road
Roslyn, NY
631-323-3653
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
7 am – 1pm
Free Admission

The Roslyn Farmers Market presents an array of veggies, fruits, seafood, jams and jellies, wines, pastas, all kinds of baked goods, pickles, jarred veggies and fruits, pestos and sauces, beef, chickens, eggs and more!

Huntington Summer Arts Festival in July
213 Main Street
Huntington, NY
631-271-8423
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
8 pm
Admission Free

The Huntington Summer Arts Festival has earned a reputation for presenting top talent to the community with superb performances from local, national and international artists. This summer marks the Festival's 47th year. Celebrate our nation’s independence as the Huntington Community Band presents “A Salute to America with Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue”.

Adult Adventures:  Just a Hike (Periphery)
Caumsett State Historic Park
25 Lloyd Harbor Road
Huntington, NY
631-473-1770
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
9:30 am – 12:45 pm

Adults ages 18 and up are welcome for this 6-mile, hilly, moderately-paced hike at Caumsett State Historic Park. Bring lunch and drinking water. While questions are most welcome, there will be no formal nature discussion during the hike. There will be a fee of $4.00 per adult. An $8.00 parking fee must be paid during the fee collection season. Advance reservations are required. To register, please call (631) 423–1770, between 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please call and cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. Please be prompt. If others are waiting, your place may be given to them if you have not arrived when the program starts. Outdoor programs will take place rain or shine, so please dress appropriately.

Here’s a listing of fireworks shows from Monday, July 2 through Wednesday, July 4.  Please note Grucci fireworks generally start shortly after sunset.  Start out early to get the best viewing location!

Long Island Ducks Ballgame and Faireworks
Bethpage Ballpark
3 Courthouse Drive
Central Islip, NY
Monday, July 2, 2012
7:05 pm

Watch the Long Island Ducks play against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs and then enjoy a Grucci fireworks extravaganza! Tickets are available online or by calling 631-940-3825.

Peconic Riverfront Fourth of July Celebration
(Behind Southern Main Street)
Riverhead, NY
631-727-0048
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
6 pm – 9:30 pm

Enjoy a concert featuring local bands, followed by fireworks at the Peconic Riverfront Park.

Go 4th on the Bay
Great South Bay off Fire Island
And Middle Bay off Connetquot River/Nicolls Bay
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Dusk

Enjoy fantastic Grucci fireworks displays in the Great South Bay. Show will be visible on the shoreline from Smith Point to Bay Shore and from the bayside beaches on Fire Island. For stunning views from the water, climb aboard one of the Captree Fleet boats that will launch from the Captree State Park Dock between 6:30 and 7 pm. For details about the Captree Fireworks cruises, click here.

Port Jefferson Village Fireworks
East and West Beaches
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
9:30 pm

Port Jefferson Village presents Independence Holiday fun and fireworks! Enjoy DJ entertainment from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm on the west beach. Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm (viewable from east and west beaches). Residents only.

Fourth of July Carnival and Fireworks
School Playing Fields
720 Front Street
Greenport, NY
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
6 pm - 11 pm
Free

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Greenport this year! Enjoy all the fun and excitement of a carnival, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, then lay back on the Greenport school grounds lawn and watch as fireworks explode overhead. Parking is available in front of the carnival on Moore’s Lane or in the school parking lot entrance off of Front St.

Stars Over Montauk
Montauk's Independence Day Celebration
Umbrella Beach
Old Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY
631-668-2428
Wednesday, Jul 04, 2012
9 pm

View spectacular Grucci fireworks in Montauk from any ocean town beach. There are several town lots close to Umbrella Beach that do not require a permit, or you can park along the roadways (rain date is July 5^th).

Star Spangled Blast at Bald Hill
Brookhaven Amphitheater
1 Bicycle Path
Farmingville, NY
631-293-2222
Wednesday, Jul 04, 2012
7:30 pm

Celebrate the 4^th with Grucci fireworks at Bald Hill! The Long Island Philharmonic will present a free concert followed by a spectacular fireworks show. Parking lot opens around 4:30pm and doors open around 5:30pm.  Refreshments will be available.

Long Island Ducks Ballgame and Fireworks
Bethpage Ballpark
3 Courthouse Drive
Central Islip, NY
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
7:05 pm

Watch the Long Island Ducks play against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs and then enjoy a Grucci fireworks extravaganza! Tickets are available online or by calling 631-940-3825.

Village of Valley Stream 20^th Annual Fireworks Show
Fireman’s Field
Emerson Place or Albermarle Avenue Entrances
Valley Stream, NY
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
6:30 pm

The Village of Valley Stream presents its 20^th annual fireworks show. Tickets are $5 and are available at Collision Concepts on Rockaway Avenue at Sunrise Highway, Hendrickson Pool Facility, Village Hall and the library. Children under 2 are free. Parking is available at the Hendrickson Pool Facility with free transportation to the show. Rain date is July 5. For more information, call Boris at Collision Concepts 516-825-4433.