Figuring out Fourth of July? Look No Further!

Independence Day 2021 feels more special than ever. Gathering for any occasion, big or small, feels like an energizing tonic after a lot of social distancing. That said, if you’re anything like me, time has been swiftly doing its thing and moving forward and I suddenly realized - hey! it’s July 4th on Sunday!

Unlike last year, there will be firework celebrations this year in Westchester, although many towns have cancelled them in order to be extra cautious. If you would like to step out and enjoy some communal fun and fireworks, we thankfully have some great options this year. As there may be last minute changes to plans, please check for details on the respective websites for any updates.

Harbor Island, Mamaroneck:

The Mamaroneck Fire Department has a carnival that runs June 25th through July 5th, 6:45-11:30 pm. There are rides, games and general family fun. Fireworks will be July 4th at Harbour Island Park over the Long Island Sound after sunset, or around 9:15/9:30. Rain date is July 5th but the weather looks promising!

Pierson Park, Sleepy Hollow - Tarrytown

The fireworks will be held on July 4th and are scheduled to begin between 9pm-915pm. You can view the fireworks from Pierson Park. If you plan on attending the fireworks, arrive prior to 6:30pm-7:00pm as the parking is limited. Once parking fills up, Tarrytown Police close the H-Bridge to vehicular traffic (either in or out), so once you’re there, you are committed until the fireworks end.

Yonkers Pier

The evening will have family-friendly entertainment including children’s activities and music starting at 6pm on the Yonkers Pier and surrounding downtown area, concluding with a fireworks display at 9:15pm over the Hudson River. There will be road closings in the downtown area, typically between Getty Square and the Yonkers Public library, starting at 6p.m. Parking a little north of the fireworks near the Hudson River could be a great way to see the fireworks at a short distance, near or at the JFK Marina and Park.

Fireworks not your thing? Visit Rye’s Playland

There are other fun options for family activities this weekend and over the rest of the summer. If you’re into roller coasters and other scary rides, visit historic Rye Playland for a thrill and some pink cotton candy. If you do want to catch some more fireworks this summer, the park will be hosting firework displays beginning Friday, July 9 and continuing every Friday throughout the season with the last display scheduled for Friday, Sept. 3. 

Opened in 1928, Playland is flanked by the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. There’s a beach and boardwalk and rides that have remained much the same as they have for decades. Rye Playland is the only amusement park in the United States that is owned by its CountyParks and Recreation Department. In the  mid 1920s, the suburbs surrounding New York City were booming. Amusement park Designer Frank Darling was hired to create plans for a great way to use government-owned park land. In 1988 Playland’s boardwalk was used as the location for the creepy fortune teller “Zoltar” who grants Josh (Tom Hank) his wish in the blockbuster movie, “Big.” Pretty cool!

Remember the Drive In?

I would be lying if I told you I don’t remember the last time I went to a drive in. I remember it well. The film is long forgotten (some ridiculous dinosaur thing, WAY before Jurassic Park was even a glimmer in Michael Crichton’s eye), but in rural Quebec at the tender age of thirteen, my two sisters and a friend were chauffeured by a huge mutual crush to watch this abomination under a blanket of spectacular stars. So fun! One fabulous pandemic silver lining is the rebirth of the drive in movie. Here is a list of drive-in movies over the coming weeks in Westchester. 

July 9: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” Kensico Dam Plaza

July 23: “Tom & Jerry,” Croton Point Park

Aug. 6: “Godzilla vs. Kong,” Kensico Dam Plaza

Aug. 20: “Forrest Gump,” Kensico Dam Plaza

Sept. 10: “Pixar’s Soul,” Croton Point Park

Sept. 24: “Disney’s Mulan,” Tibbetts Brook

Find out more and buy tickets here https://parks.westchestergov.com/screenings-under-the-stars

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and safe Fourth of July!