Community Corner

Fourth of July Events in Fairfield

Raise a flag this Independence Day and participate in these patriotic events in Fairfield.

By Kathleen Reilly

Happy July 2!  Huh?

Although Independence Day is officially July 4th, if our second president, John Adams, had his way, we would be celebrating on the 2nd rather than the 4th. During the Second Continental Congress, our founding fathers actually approved a resolution of independence from Great Britain on July 2nd, but Americans  honor July 4th, the date actually inscribed on the world famous Declaration of Independence -- the day it was officially recognized.

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Details, details.

Nowadays, the real question isn’t when to celebrate Independence Day, but how, where, and with whom.

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More than likely, the first celebratory event that comes to mind is a colorful -- and loud -- fireworks demonstration.  Although Adams may not have been right about the specific day of celebration, he did get the celebration format right, allegedly predicting that such an auspicious day would be annually observed with illuminations. 

Fairfield will launch its fireworks display at around 9:15 p.m. on July 4 (rain date July 5). The show is easily seen from Penfield and Jennings beaches. Click here for fireworks shows around the region. 

But pyrotechnics are best to behold at night.  So how can you honor July 4th during the day?

Start the day with a flag raising ceremony -- or purchase and display a flag of your own. Typically done at historic sites, or by fraternal, military or scouting organizations, flag raising follows a specific protocol as our national flag is hoisted on the flagpole.

Fairfield will host an Independence Day ceremony at 10 a.m. on July 4th on the Town Hall Green, followed by a reception put on by the Eunice Dennie Burr chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The ceremony is organized by the United Veterans of Fairfield. 

Couple your patriotic pride with a dose of marching bands by attending a parade as a spectator, or joining one as a participant. Various town and fraternal organizations, as well as sporting and youth groups proudly march to commemorate our nation’s separation from Great Britain.

If there's no local parade, how about hosting your own merriment?

Host your friends and family at home -- or export the fun to a local park -- with a picnic or barbeque replete with tasty food and lawn games. Outfit your backyard with outdoor amusements such as badminton, corn-hole  or croquet -- to name just a few -- that can delight party attendees throughout the day.  

Gould Manor, Owen Fish, and Veterans parks are all equipped with picnic tables, benches, garbage receptacles, bathroom facilities, and playgrounds if you wish to host a BBQ somewhere in town. Residents can reserve the picnic areas by calling 203-256-3191. Or just bring your prepared food to the beach. 

Perhaps a bit of Yankee Doodle Dandy?

What better time of year to attend a carnival, or even a concert with musical pieces specifically tailored to this summer holiday. This might be your opportunity to hear “God Bless America,”  “America the Beautiful,” and even George M. Cohan’s “I’m a Yankee Doodle Boy,” plus other melodies performed by talented professionals. 

The Atwood Express Oldies Band will play from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 4th at Jennings Beach -- a fireworks pre-show. 

And if Independence Day doesn’t give you enough cause to set off a few firecrackers?

This July also marks the 150 anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, a major turning point in the Civil War -- a war which many consider the re-birth of our nation.


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