Celebrating Independence Day in America’s Hometown

Growing up, the 4th of July was one of my absolute favorite holidays, it meant summer was finally here! The 4^th of July meant that school was out for the summer, it meant that I got to spend time my best friends, dress up in festive clothing, ride my bike, watch a parade, eat ice cream, go on the boat, usually get chased back inside by an afternoon thunderstorm and watch fireworks! For me the 4^th of July was basically Christmas in July! As a young adult I pretty much feel the same exact way. It is a time for friends, family and summer fun.

There is absolutely no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than Cooperstown, aka “America’s Hometown”, aka “The Best Small Town in America”. There are endless ways to celebrate and I’m so excited to share with you 3 of my favorite traditions that my family and I have done together as long as I can remember. I hope you and your loved ones can get out and celebrate and make some memories of your own!

Cooperstown Fireworks – Saturday, June 30^th

First, let me tell you the great news! Since the 4^th of July falls on a Wednesday this year we get a full week to celebrate, how awesome is that?! Kick off the week-long celebration with a firework display in Cooperstown, overlooking beautiful Otsego Lake. The fireworks are launched from Ferry Springs Park, on the east side of the lake so some of the best places for viewing the fireworks include The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Lakefront Park, Brookwood Point, or floating on the lake. Some of my favorite memories were floating on the lake in our family boat. Watching fireworks reflecting in the water and feeling the boat rock from the movement created by the sound waves is such an awesome experience. Check out this week’s Friday 5 and I’ll tell you about 5 places to watch the fireworks in Cooperstown what makes each place special.

Springfield’s 104^th Annual 4^th of July Parade – Wednesday, July 4^th

The Springfield parade is by far one of the largest and longest running 4^th of July parades in the region. If it’s lasted 104 years, you know it has to be an awesome parade! This event is near and dear to my heart. Growing up, each year my family and I would wake up early, decorate our bikes, put on our most patriotic outfits and head to Springfield. We would have a tasty, festive breakfast at our friend’s house then hop on our bikes and ride to the parade route. As a kid, of course the best part was picking up the candy thrown from the floats and watching the horses. As a young adult, it is so awesome to have the realization that you are taking part of a 104 year tradition and having an opportunity to celebrate our local school music programs and local volunteer firefighters. If you’ve never been to the Springfield 4^th of July parade make sure it is on your list for this year!

Ice Cream Social – Friday, July 6^th

For as long as I can remember the First Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown has put on an Ice Cream Social. This annual event is beloved by the entire community. They grill up hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, served with homemade salads, and SO MANY delicious homemade cakes. OH, and of course, the ice cream! You can’t beat the price, all of that for just $11 and all of the proceeds benefit the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown’s Living Waters Honduras mission and Women’s Fellowship. So you get an tasty meal with served with a side of good feelings that your supporting your local and international communities. This is the epitome of a small town Independence Day celebration, a perfect way to spend Friday evening with the whole family!

Well, I could just go on and on about the many ways to celebrate America’s birthday in Cooperstown, but I would also love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite July 4^th traditions? Email me at hanna@www.wearecooperstown.com to share with me some of your favorite parts about Cooperstown and let me know what you’d like to hear about in future posts. Don’t forget to check out this week’s Friday 5 for some more Independence Day celebration tips!

About the Author: Hanna Joy Bergene, Director of Marketing and Events, Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce

Hi, I’m Hanna!

I am a born and raised Cooperstownian who is deeply, madly in love with this AMAZING small town and the beauty of Upstate New York! I am currently serving as the Director of Marketing and Events at the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce where I have the pleasure of working with over 400 small local businesses.

It is my goal to share my knowledge and passion for Cooperstown and deliver to you some insider secrets. Cooperstown has been named America’s Most Perfect Village and I want to show you why. Whether you’re from across the country or just a few minutes down the road, I hope I can inspire you to come for a visit, or maybe even call this place home!