“Freedom lies in being bold.”
– Robert Frost
Independence Day celebrations
According to John Adams, “Independence Day ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” Let’s get to it!
• Saturday, June 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Senate House Independence Day. Patriotic ceremony, dramatic readings, music, 18th-century daily life and militia demos, hands-on activities, Ben Franklin! Outdoor activities free, museum and tours cost $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, free for ages 12 and under. 296 Fair Street, Kingston; (845) 338-2786; https://on.ny.gov/2Kds3w5.
• Wednesday, July 4, 2 to 4 p.m.: A Grand Celebration: A Family Fun Fourth at Washington’s Headquarters. Outdoor activities and crafts for all ages; guided tours. Free admission. 84 Liberty Street, Newburgh; (845) 562-1195; www.facebook.com/events/190626231594651.
• Wednesday, July 4, 2 to 10 p.m.: An Old-Fashioned Independence Day at Clermont. 18th-century crafts, reenactors, music, entertainment. Later, live music and great views of Saugerties fireworks show. $12 per car; $10 for members. 1 Clermont Avenue, Germantown; (518) 537-4240; www.facebook.com/events/451775005279156.
• Wednesday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Independence Day Celebration at Knox’s Headquarters. Small cannon fired at 1 and 4 p.m. Free admission. 289 Forge Hill Road, Vails Gate; (845) 561-5498; https://on.ny.gov/2yGsSb2.
• Wednesday, July 4, 7 to 10 p.m.: Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at Walkway over the Hudson. $12.50 general admission; $10 for Walkway members, veterans and seniors; free for ages 10 and under. West/Highland entrance: 87 Haviland Road, Highland; East/Poughkeepsie entrance: 61 Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie; (845) 454-9649; https://bit.ly/2siCzrb.
• Wednesday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Independence Day Celebration at Hanford Mills Museum. Kid fishing derby, frog-jumping contest, homemade ice cream chilled with ice from the Ice Harvest Festival, demonstrations and more. $9 general admission; $7 for seniors; free for children 12 and under. 51 County Highway 12, East Meredith; (607) 278-5744; https://bit.ly/2tuLDcr.
FRIDAY, JUNE 29
Group hike at Ferncliff Forest
If you ever go to Rhinebeck the back way, you have passed this trailhead a million times. This weekend, take some time to check it out! On Friday, June 29 at 5 p.m., hike the Ferncliff Forest Preserve for a three-mile excursion and climb up the fire tower! I love this hike because it’s doable for most ages and available at almost any time. The entry is located at 68 Mt. Rutsen Road in Rhinebeck. Reach out to the leader to let them know you’re attending at barrettinclinton@gmail.com, (315) 527-8478, or visit https://midhudsonadk.org/outings.
The REAL Story of Little Red Riding Hood at Mac-Haydn Theatre
If your kids are at that magical age to understand the humor behind “reverse” nursery stories, you are all in for a treat! This Friday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Mac-Haydn Theatre, get ready for a hilarious fresh take on a classic, The REAL Story of Little Red Riding Hood. Tickets cost $10 to $12. The Mac-Haydn Theatre is located at 1925 Route 203 in Chatham. For tickets, more information or a complete schedule, call (518) 392-9292 or visit https://bit.ly/2KpgaCe.
SATURDAY, JUNE 30
Elizabeth Mitchell at Woodstock’s Maverick
At the longest continuously running summer chamber music series in the US, Maverick Concerts, this is a must-see this summer: This Saturday, June 30 at 11 a.m., all ages will delight in lovely singer (and person!) Elizabeth Mitchell. Designed for ages 5 through 11, kids can get right up close to the stage on the floor, and parents will enjoy original, traditional and overall awesome tunes with acoustic instruments. I have taken my kids to the Maverick for years; if this is your first time, make it Elizabeth Mitchell. The cost is free for youth under 16 years, $5 for adults.
Maverick Concerts is located at 120 Maverick Road in Woodstock. For more information and a complete schedule of Young People’s Concerts, call (845) 679-8217 or visit https://maverickconcerts.org/schedule/you-are-my-flower.
Family Fun Festival at FDR site in Hyde Park
Think festivities done right that you don’t have to organize yourself: a raptor show, bird walk (register), Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, gardening and painting activities, cider-pressing, tinsmithing, face-painting and more – on FDR’s lawn! This Saturday, June 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., round up your crew for the Family Fun Festival on the grounds of the FDR National Historic Site and Presidential Library. No catch; just lots of fun, for free!
The FDR Library is located at 4079 Albany Post Road in Hyde Park. For more information, call (845) 486-7770 or visit https://fdrlibrary.org/events-calendar.
Ice Cream Social at Boscobel in Garrison
You know the expression, “What’s old is new again”? Take, for example ice cream: vanilla, chocolate and ice creamed oyster (I’m absolutely serious). This Saturday, June 30 from 12 to 3 p.m., Boscobel is bringing “flavor” back, just like Justin Timberlake, to the way they used to be in the 1700s. Because, why not? Apparently, presidents thought this was all the rage. You think you’ll get an opportunity like this again? Exactly!
You’ll also be able to play 19th-century lawn games and independently tour the historic mansion. (Can you find the false banister? How about the chamber pot in each bedroom?) Admission costs $22 for adults, $13 for children and is free for children under 5 years of age. Boscobel is located at 1601 Route 9D in Garrison. For tickets or more information, call (845) 265-3638 or visit www.boscobel.org/events/ice-cream-social.
Tillson’s Rail Trail Café hosts Playback Theatre
I think Hudson River Playback Theatre is already superb; what could make it better? Check this out! On Saturday, June 30, join this terrific troupe for Under the Tall Trees outside at the Rail Trail Café! The theme is sharing audience memories from the natural world across the ages. From there, we witness the power of story transform our personal words to a universal language and connection to each other.
Admission is free, but bring a few bucks to throw in the hat. The Rail Trail Café is located at 310 River Road Extension in Tillson. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/2088224611435053 or http://hudsonriverplayback.org.
Erica Chase-Salerno celebrates another anniversary with a heck of a guy. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
