July 4th: Celebrating Our Nation’s Independence with “Pomp and Parade … Bonfires and Illuminations”

BY SUZIE WELLS

Whether you live in downtown Rochester, out in the region’s most rural areas, or somewhere in between, chances are you heard the telltale booms of reworks last weekend. Across the nation, communities celebrate our nation’s Independence Day with festivals, celebrations of various kinds, and o entimes reworks. July 4th celebrates our nation’s independence from British rule with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Every July 3rd, residents set Conesus Lake’s perimeter ablaze with a Ring of Fire, road ares and torches at the lake’s edge turning the Seneca tradition of gathering at res at the water’s edge “to celebrate [the] beauty and abundance of the lake” into an annual Independence Day tradition for residents, vacationers, and visitors alike. Nearby towns set o reworks therea er, illuminating the sky for all to enjoy. According to KidsOutandAbout.com, Sodus Bay, Honeoye Lake, and Farmington residents also celebrate July 3rd. en on the 4th, communities across the Rochester area host a myriad of celebrations at parks, community centers, and town halls. Celebrations o en include parades, live music, food/beverages, and reworks. We celebrate because we can, and we must remember the signi cance, that we can celebrate such freedoms because our nation gained independence from British rule at this time in 1776. Why reworks, though? I assumed it had reference to the explosions, artillery re, “bombs bursting in air” from the Revolutionary War itself, but I questioned why Americans would use reworks to celebrate if as a nation we may want to forget the explosions and artillery. So I did some research.

According to History, the tradition of setting o reworks on July 4th began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the rst organized celebration of Independence Day, where ships’ cannons red a 13gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. at night there was “a grand exhibition of reworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated” (History).

As Independence Day celebrations grew in popularity a er the War of 1812, when our nation battled again against Britain, reworks became more readily available, and public safety concerns of cannon and gun re phased the latter options out of celebrations in favor of reworks (History). Since the holiday falls mid-summer, July 4th celebrations across the nation focus on leisure activities and casual get-togethers with friends and family. It is not a solemn occasion, but instead a festive celebration of our nation’s independence.

America’s use of reworks and pyrotechnics dates long before Independence Day, though, as a common tool of celebration and thanksgiving, “the result of hundreds of years of royal pageantry,” according to Brittanica. When President John Adams wrote that the Continental Congress’ independence declaration “ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bon res, and Illuminations ( reworks) from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more,” he invoked “one of the most recognizable celebrations of nationhood of his time: reworks” (Brittanica).

Fireworks and festivities around the Rochester area are incredible celebrations with community fun that can’t be beat. Celebrate our independence and freedoms (yes, even with a healthy dose of realism of rights not yet a orded equally to all – let’s continue to work on that even as we celebrate). Celebrate the ability to make choices for ourselves, to vote for representatives in our government, all that was not a orded to colonists pre-revolution. Celebrate with friends and family at those backyard barbecues, festivals, parades, and reworks, but let’s not forget why we celebrate. Let’s recognize and appreciate our rights.

I especially think of Genesee Country Village & Museum’s naturalization ceremony they host each July 4th. I love the added perspective:witnessingthatceremonyo ersanincredibleopportunity to re ect. People from around the globe come seeking US citizenship o en because in their home countries, they lack the rights we may take for granted. Yes, our nation has its problems. We are a melting pot of ideas and cultures that o en clash. Humans are di erent, but it’s important to know that our ancestors chose to form a government whose power should come from the governed. We have the right to vote, to speak up for what we think is right. We can use our civic responsibility to help change. Some around the world cannot say the same.

Even as we celebrate with picnics, parades, and reworks, let’s remember and appreciate the reason for our celebration.

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Enjoying Thrills At Amusement Parks

One of the more beloved ways for thrill-seekers to spend a day off is to visit an amusement park. Amusement parks take many shapes. Some may be small, traveling carnivals, while others are large parks that draw visitors from all over the country. Amusement parks typically feature hair-raising rides, games of skill, tasty food, and gift shops. That means there’s something for everyone.

Although they may seem like a relatively modern concept, amusement parks, fairs and carnivals actually have storied histories. In fact, historians say that carnivals and local fairs have been around since the Middle Ages. According to History.com, amusement parks, once dubbed “pleasure gardens” and “trolly parks,” sprung up across the United States and Europe in the 19th century.

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Fun Ways To Keep Kids Occupied Over Summer Break

Day camp: Day camps provide much of the structure of school without all the homework or time spent indoors. Many parks and recreation departments run summer day camps for kids. Camps can be generalized or specialized. For example, some may offer an array of activities, including sports and nature walks, in a given day, while others may focus on a single activity, like musical lessons or science-based programs. Camps run by local parks and rec departments do not typically last all summer long, which parents should keep in mind when enrolling youngsters.

History of the Festival

The first Oatka Festival was held in 1989. It was Mayor Kevin Earle who wanted Le Roy to have a festival similar to what he had experienced in Dansvillewherehelivedbefore moving to Le Roy. He spoke to Lynne Belluscio, curator of the Le Roy House, and Pete Weaver a local businessman and neighbor of the mayor. They visited Palmyra’s Canal TownDaysseveraltimestoget ideas about the way to shape ourfestival.

Together Lynne and Pete planned an old fashioned community gathering. The idea was to bring the community together for food, entertainment, and fun. It was a lot of work, but the reward is seeing the festival continue year after year. It has always been the idea of the festival committee that the size of the festival is perfect just as it is, and so it continues to have that old fashioned community gatheringflair.

Others have joined the committee that each year weaves a tapestry of Le Roy’s many features to present a festivalthatisoneofthenicest family events in the northeast. Each year the festival, held on the banks of the scenic Oatka Creek, starts off with a gala musical parade. Many local churches and organizations provide the food choices and the continuous entertainment isfamilyoriented.

Another highlight of the festival is the arts and crafts show overlooking the scenic Oatka Creek. Many classes and families plan their reunions to coincide with this weekend and there is a “coming home atmosphere”forallwhoattend.