The Peru Gazette

More Than 200 Events Listed on I LOVE NY’s America 250 Calendar

Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted events happening across New York State to commemorate America’s 250th birthday, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore the state’s diverse attractions and regions. More than 200 immersive activities and exhibitions are planned across the state, from tall ships converging on New York City and authentic Revolutionary War reenactments, to exhibits presenting the Black and Indigenous perspective on the Revolution and the continued efforts for equal rights. A comprehensive list of events statewide — with new opportunities added daily — can be found on the I LOVE NY website.

“The 250th birthday of our country has given us the opportunity to unite with our neighbors and communities and celebrate,” Governor Hochul said. “We are bringing attractions and activities to every region to highlight the profound impact that New York State has had on our nation’s history and culture. From our scenic state parks to Revolutionary War sites, there is something for every resident and visitor of our great state to enjoy.”

Here are some of the events happening across New York State:

• Sail4th 250 (New York City): From July 3-9, the largest international flotilla of tall ships ever assembled will arrive in New York Harbor, accompanied by fireworks, Fleet Week programming and culinary festivals, and an International Aerial Review.
• FourLeaf Air Show (Long Island): Timed to coincide with America 250, the July 5-6 show at Jones Beach State Park will feature military and civilian aerobatic performers, headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
• USA 250th and Niagara County Celebration (Western New York): Old Fort Niagara will mark the 300th anniversary of its iconic French Castle on June 6. Visitors can step into the past through immersive living history programs, hands-on demonstrations of traditional trades, and ceremonial musket and artillery salutes. The celebration highlights shared U.S. and French history and international ties at one of the Niagara River’s most storied landmarks.
• America’s 250th Anniversary at the Webster Arboretum (Finger Lakes): On June 24, this family-friendly event will feature a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Ganondagan stories and tales of the Senecas for children, historical games, and two distinctly American music performances: barbershop harmonies and Dixieland.
• The Binghamton Philharmonic Presents America250 (Southern Tier): A free Fourth of July concert begins at 4:00 p.m. in Downtown Binghamton with the Grenadiers Alumni Drum Line. At 5:00 p.m., the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra takes the stage to perform American classics, including music by Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa, and Irving Berlin, culminating with the 1812 Overture and Stars and Stripes Forever.
• America250 Celebration at Fort Ontario (Central New York): Visitors can explore the unique star-shaped Fort Ontario State Historic Site on the shores of Lake Ontario, which dates to the early 1840s. The fourth and current Fort Ontario was built on the ruins of three previous forts, which saw battle during the French and Indian War and the War of 1812. In the mid-1940s, it served as a refugee camp — mostly for Jewish Holocaust victims — by order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and opened as a state historic site in 1949.
• Independence Day the 18th Century Way (Mohawk Valley): Fort Stanwix National Monument will commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4 with the annual ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldiers. The day’s events continue with cannon and musket salutes and Declaration of Independence readings. Visitors can sign their own Declaration of Independence or British loyalty oaths, make tricorn hats, and dress in a soldier’s uniform.
• Empire State Plaza Fireworks Show (Capital Region): On July 4, enjoy your historic capital city with a revolutionary afternoon of live music, delicious eats, and fun for all ages. Kids can dive into interactive activities and games throughout the Plaza while the whole family soaks in the festive atmosphere. Sing and dance along to your favorite throwback songs and cap off the night with the most brilliant fireworks display in the area.
• Fort Ticonderoga Real Time Revolution™ Event Series (North Country): Living-history programming reenacting key Revolutionary War moments on the original grounds, including the signature “Return of an Army” event during Independence Day weekend.
• Turning Point Festival (Capital Region): Commemorating the American victory Battle of Saratoga, seen as the turning point of the Revolutionary War, the festival on August 8 will feature music, food and fireworks. The annual Turning Point Parade will step off on August 2 in Schuylerville with more than 100 different units walking the route where British General John Burgoyne surrendered in 1777.
• Rev Fest 250 Remembers the Battle of White Plains (Mid-Hudson): On October 24-25, the more than 4,000-acre Ward Pound Ridge Reservation will be transformed for a reenactment of this battle between General George Washington’s Continental Army and British and Hessian troops.