Celebrating the Fourth of July in a Small Town

In most US cities across the nation, the 4^th of July means no school, barbecue block parties, department store sales, parades and fireworks. However, in the small town, all of these are downsized. Other than the school closings, we have no department stores that offer sales, block parties are only small, private family gatherings, and parades are composed of the school marching band and small groups marching down the historic Main Street. The only thing that stands true in this town is the annual fireworks display at the Community Day.

Growing up in a small town in the Catskills, I have come to look forward to this annual gathering of gossiping parents, rowdy children, former school-mates and the few loyal vacationers who still show up year after year despite the town's lack of attractions nowadays. Community Day is the closest we have to a 4^th of July celebration. It usually takes place on the 4^th of July weekend, but over the past few years, it has been a couple days before or after Independence Day, but its festivities are in spirit with the upcoming holiday.

The event is almost like a mini-fair and it is held at the Angelo Canna Town Park. There are rides, endless amounts of vendors, food, games, raffles, music, contests and of course- fireworks. In addition, there of many local businesses who set up stalls in the park to give away free food and prizes to young children.

The day usually consists of ceremonies dedicated to the veterans of the wars and to the country. It is usually much slower and more solemn. But once the sun starts to set, the park begins to fill up quickly with crowds looking for the best place to watch the fireworks and firefighters coming to set up the fireworks. The park lights up with the many rides that begin to function after dusk. Music fills the ears and happiness fills the hearts of the guests. Everyone waits until the clock strikes 9, which is when the highly anticipated fireworks display lights up the dark sky.

This celebration is not only a celebration of the holiday, but also a celebration of the businesses of all their hard work and a celebration of the town for another great year. It marks the beginning of summer for the school children and signals many great events to come in the next 2 months. Some of these include, the July 4^th Parade, Music Under the Stars, the Renaissance Faire and the Greene County Fair. Even though we are not a big town with many American July 4^th traditions, the Community Day will certainly be one a day etched in our hearts.