By Frank Rizzo
SULLIVAN COUNTY — For those who are staying, and for those who are visiting, the Fourth of July weekend here in Sullivan County will provide three days of family fun and entertainment – not to mention patriotic-themed parades and programs. Of course, don’t forget all the other entertainment, culinary, cultural and shopping opportunities afforded by our downtowns and other places.
Here’s a roundup of what you can expect:
Bethel Woods
On Sunday, July 3, it welcomes the New York Philharmonic for its sixth consecutive season. The orchestra will be conducted by Bramwell Tovey and will take the stage with award-winning pianist Kirill Gerstein and the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps with Major Brian Dix, director and commanding officer.
Performance begins at 8 p.m. Special lawn seating family prices available. For info visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, the Bethel Woods Box Office, Ticketmaster, or by phone 1-800-745-3000.
Narrowsburg
Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4 – Main Street and surroundings will feature an Old Fashioned Family Fair with midway games, inflatables and prizes.
Saturday July 2 – Sock Hop at 7 p.m. at the former Narrowsburg Central School featuring noted girl group The Shirelles.
Monday, July 4 – Firemen’s Parade at 3 p.m. presented by the Narrowsburg Fire Department, followed by Chicken BBQ from 4:30-6 p.m. Info: Narrowsburg Chamber of Commerce, 252-7234.
Liberty
The 18th annual Liberty Festival will take place on July 4, with the following schedule of events in and around Main St. and LaPolt Park:
• 10:30 a.m. – Classic car, motorcycle and tractor show (to participate, please contact Joel at 295-0300)
• 11 a.m.– Walter Moylan, the Keyboard Wizard
• Noon – Liberty's Poet Laureate, Walter Keller,
• 12:05 p.m.– Fourth of July Parade
• 12:30 p.m.– Kim Verderame
• 1 p.m. – Hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored by Garry’s Great American
• 1:15 p.m. – Liberty Festival Talent Show with MC Jackie Horner, the inspiration behind the movie “Dirty Dancing”
• 4 p.m. – The John Wombacher Band
The Liberty Police Department will have a flagpole dedication following the parade.
Liberty's Main Street will be filled with booths of artisanal and food vendors as well as representatives from area non-profit and volunteer organizations.
New this year is Paulina, with an art-picnic for all ages, on the lawn in front of the Main Stage from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Come and sketch while listening to great music.
Anyone interested in participating and/or bringing a float should contact the Liberty Chamber of Commerce at 292-9797.
Hurleyville
The eighth annual Francis Currey Day will kick off at noon at Morningside Park in Hurleyville with a free Family Fun Day.
From 3-4 p.m., a formal program will pay tribute to our veterans past and present, including Hurleyville native and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Francis Currey – who will be present. The program will be honoring all veterans with a special tribute to The Wounded Warrior Project.
There will be games, rides and food for the whole family alongside scenic Morningside Lake.
The afternoon and evening will feature “Close Encounters With Birds of Prey” at 6 p.m. and from 7-10 p.m., music by the local musicians the Rausch Brothers. Info: 434-8810.
Roscoe
The Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce annually organizes the Independence Day Parade. It will take place Saturday, July 2 and will also celebrate the hamlet winning the Ultimate Fishing Town USA contest. The parade will start at 11 a.m. – start lining up at 10 a.m. at the Roscoe Central School.
There are a lot of special fun things being planned, the organizers promise. The Chamber will be selling commemorative T-shirts, as well as unique Holiday Ornaments with hand-tied flies from Manny Zanger, a local environmentalist.
“Come eat at our local eateries and shop in our stores,” read a press release. “Come visit and picnic at our beautiful Riverside Park. Come visit our gardens, our rivers and make yourself at home at our home.”
For info call Chamber President Elaine Fettig at 439-4039.
Fireworks this weekend
Bethel – Sunday, July 3 at dusk, overlooking Kauneonga Lake.
Villa Roma, Callicoon Beechwoods – Sunday, July 3 at dusk.
Bethel Woods – Sunday, July 3 at the conclusion of New York Philharmonic concert (see main article).
Narrowsburg – Sunday, July 3 at dusk. as part of the Narrowsburg Celebrates America weekend.
Monticello – In conjunction with rare Saturday evening race card beginning at 7:30 p.m., the 42nd annual Fireworks Extravaganza will be begin 15 minutes after the end of the last race. Free admission to the races.