Summer is in the air. The smell of barbeque and fresh cut grass, the sound of kids on summer vacation, and the feeling of a warm breeze all remind us that it’s time to pull out the old picnic basket and start planning our 4th of July activities. In Cooperstown/Otsego County, there is something for everyone to enjoy this upcoming holiday weekend.
Bring the whole family to the Springfield 4th of July Parade and Celebration, celebrating 103 years of patriotic fun. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. in Springfield Center and ends at the Springfield Community Center, where live music, delicious food, family games and fun activities await. Make your way to Glimmerglass State Park that evening for a free concert featuring the Kenesaw Mountain Boys and fireworks at dusk.
Oneonta’s Hometown 4th Festival, presented by First Night Oneonta and Five Star Subaru, has a busy schedule of free, family-friendly activities planned in Neahwa Park. Start the morning off by participating in the Color Oneonta 2017 Color Run before the 4th of July parade kicks off at noon on Main Street. Spend the rest of the day enjoying live music, dancing, arts and craft, great food, a fireworks display and much more.
Embrace the history of Independence Day on Saturday, July 1 atThe Farmers’ Museum. You’ll be partying like it’s 1845 to the sound of the militia muster’s muskets blasting, a reading of the Declaration, and a variety of other historic speeches and entertainment. On July 4, Catch another reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1 p.m. on the historic village green and enjoy traditional music and food.
Try something new at Hot, Hot 4th of July: Taste of Fly Creek Series. Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard will be featuring their top selling hot sauces along with recipe idea to spice up your next barbeque. Stop by Saturday, July 1 through Monday, July 3 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to sample their hot sauces and much, much more.
Celebrate the holiday early with Cooperstown’s fireworks over Otsego Lakeon Sunday, July 2 at dusk. For the best seats in town, bring your blankets and chairs to Lake Front Park and the Otesaga Resort Hotel.
Otsego County the Beautiful
From amber waves of grain to majestic purple fields, the beautiful rolling countryside of Cooperstown/Otsego County will bring out the patriot in you this holiday weekend.
Kingfisher Lavender in Fly Creek is opening just in time for 4th of July weekend. With their aromatic fields in peak season, now is the perfect time to stop by the farm and pick up a bunch of fresh lavender. Visit during their Open House from 4 – 7 p.m. on July 3 or stop by for a distillation viewing, available on select Wednesday and Sundays in July. Watch as Kingfisher’s farmers take fresh flowers and distill them down to Hydrosol and oils for perfumes and other natural uses. Call ahead to confirm viewings.
Take the family toGlimmerglass State Park and enjoy a fun-filled day of hiking, biking, swimming and a good old fashioned 4th of July picnic. Located along the shores of beautiful Otsego Lake, the park is also an excellent destination for fishing. With over 45 species of fish, including stocked brown trout, walleye, lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon, and a state boat launch nearby, make this holiday weekend one to remember by reeling in a story-worthy catch.
For those who prefer to be on the water, explore Goodyear Lake, Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna River with a rental from the Portlandville Paddle Sports Store. Whether you prefer a canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board, they have everything you need to enjoy miles of the region’s most pristine waters.
There are few things more patriotic than rooting for the home team. Cheer on the Oneonta Outlaws as they go head to head against the Glens Falls Dragons this 4th of July. This game is free in honor of the holiday.
Tuesday, July 4, 7 p.m. at the historic bandstand in Lakefront Park.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket, bust out your dance moves, and enjoy the first concert of the summer with the Easy Money Big Band. This event is free and open to the public.
From old treasures to new art and wares,vendors and community members alike will participate in village-wide lawn sales on Unadilla’s Community Lawn. In addition to shopping, enjoy live music, family-friendly activities and a chicken barbeque!
Cooperstown & Otsego County
For trip planning resources, including full lists of museums, attractions, events, lodging deals and more, check out ThisIsCooperstown.com.
