July starts with a BANG!

From thousands of falling ping pong balls, to bed races, parades and dazzling firework displays, to say the events calendar for July 4th weekend is jam-packed is simply an understatement! The hardest part is simply going to be choosing which activities to partake in. But to help simplify things for you, here is the run down of the activities we have for you this July 4th weekend:

Independence Day Weekend Festivities:

(Listed alphabetically by towns.)

Indian Lake

Annual Kids Fishing Derby  - July 4 (8am-1pm)

On Saturday, July 4th the Annual Kid's Fishing Derby will fill Byron Park in Indian Lake with young anglers eager to cast a line and enjoy a great day of fishing on Lake Adirondack.  This free fishing derby is open to kids 16 and under and includes the use of a fishing pole (if needed), free bait, free lunch, and of course great prizes. Pre-registration or experience is not required, simply show up at Byron Park at 8am ready to have some fun!

Independence Day Festivities - July 4 (4pm - 10pm)

The Annual Indian Lake Fire Department's July 4th Chicken BBQ will begin at 4pm at the fire hall. While you chow down, be entertained by the annual Indian Lake Independence Day Parade which kicks off at 7pm at the Indian Lake Town Hall and follows Route 28N past the fire house and on to Byron Park. The fun continues at Byron Park with music and a strawberry shortcake social. Then end your evening with a dazzling fireworks display over Lake Adirondack at dusk.

Inlet

Ping Pong Ball Drop - July 4 (1pm)

Ever wonder what it looks like to see thousands of colored ping pong balls fall from the sky? Even if you haven't before, I bet you are thinking about it now. Well, don't just think about it... be at Inlet's Fern Park at 1pm on July 4th for the Annual Ping Pong Ball Drop and experience it for yourself. After the balls drop, children will rush the field to collect three balls of different colors in exchange for great prizes. 

Live Music & Fireworks - July 4 (7:30pm - 10pm)

 As the day progresses, the action will continue as Jamie Notarthomas kicks off the  Inlet Summer Music Series in Arrowhead Park at 7:30pm. The fireworks display over 4th Lake will follow at dusk.

(Insider Tip: for the best views, Arrowhead Park is the place to be!)

 Long Lake

Long Lake on July 4th is "go big or go home!"

Independence Day Games - July 4 (10am)

So many games, so many prizes. In fact every kid will leave with goodies and memories after competing in the annual Long Lake 4th of July Games. So, come and share some of your favorite childhood games with them as they enjoy competing in classic sack races, three-legged races, egg toss, scavenger hunt and more. 

Bed Races - July 4 (2pm)

The Long Lake Bed Races bring some heated competition and serious bragging rights with them. Don't miss the action as teams of all ages and technical abilities duel it out on wheels and bed springs! Races begin at 2pm on Route 30 near the Long Lake Town Beach.

Festivities at the Beach - (5pm - dark)

At 5pm good food and activities will be cooking up at the Long Lake Beach. Grab a bite to eat at the annual Long Lake Fire Dept BBQ, entertain the kid in you with Penelope the Clown, catch some live music from Fade the Blues starting at 6:30pm, and then end the night with an awesome fireworks display.

Raquette Lake

Fireworks & Ice Cream Social - July 4 (7:30-9:30pm)

Raquette Lake will kick off their evening festivities with an Ice Cream Social at the Raquette Lake Library at 7:30pm. Fireworks over beautiful Raquette Lake will begin at dusk.

Speculator

Festivities at the Park - July 4 (1-5pm)

Join in the fun starting at 1pm at the Speculator Pavilion and Ball Field where you can test your bull riding skills on the mechanical bull, participate in fun games, chow down on delicious food and enjoy camaraderie will fellow Adirondackers.

Speculator 4th of July Parade - July 4 (7pm)

Check out the largest, and longest running, Independence Day Parade in Hamilton County as the Speculator Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Annual Speculator 4th of July Parade. Parade will start at the Speculator School, travel to the "4 Corners," then follow Route 30 south to the Speculator Beach. 

Spectacular Fireworks, Music and Light Show - July 4 (7-midnight)

Rock the night away with music and light show from Sounds Alive, complemented by a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30pm at the Speculator Town Beach.

So, where are you going to be?

 With so much activity to choose from, there is no reason not to try to spend some time in the Adirondacks over your Holiday Weekend. Check for available lodging and campsites and then come join in the fun! 

- Happy Independence Day!