POUGHKEEPSIE, NY … As we approach the Fourth of July weekend, there are a wide variety of events throughout Dutchess County celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. This Sunday, the County is supporting “Freedom Day” in the Town of LaGrange as part of its “Rev250” grant program that awarded $87,000 to 15 local historical societies for programming and events. At Dutchess County’s Heritage Financial Park in Fishkill, the Hudson Valley Renegades will be celebrating USA250 Weekend Thursday, July 2nd through Saturday, July 4th with baseball and fireworks.
“The American Revolution laid the foundation for the American Dream, and celebrating that legacy together has been truly moving,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, “We’ve enjoyed the many events held so far and look forward to more throughout the summer. I encourage everyone to take a moment to celebrate this milestone and attend one of the local events happening across Dutchess County.”
Rev250 Freedom Day Event
This Sunday, July 5 from 11am to 2pm, the LaGrange Historical Society will host a free, family friendly Freedom Day at Freedom Park, located at 212 Skidmore Road in Lagrange. This celebration brings the Revolutionary War to life through interactive experiences, famous historical figures and traditional American music. Attendees will get to meet and interact with re-enactors of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, as well as other re-enactors hosting Revolutionary War-era demonstrations of flax and wool spinning, goat herding and colonial cooking using LaGrange crops of rye and buckwheat. The event will also feature a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by General Washington and a performance of patriotic tunes by the Young Colonials Fire and Drum Corps.
“We are thrilled to bring our community together to celebrate this monumental milestone in American History,” said LaGrange Town Historian Georgia Herring, “Freedom Day offers a powerful, immersive way for families to connect with the deep root of our nations independence right here in Dutchess County.”
No registration required. In accordance with the Town of LaGrange Park and Recreation regulations, pets, smoking/vaping and glass containers are strictly prohibited from the park.
Hudson Valley Renegades America250 Celebration
The Hudson Valley Renegades will host their “America250 Celebration” from July 2nd through July 4th at Dutchess County’s Heritage Financial Park located 1500 Route 9D in Fishkill. Join the Renegades for local musicians performing at the ballpark prior to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch and, following the final out, a fireworks display and chance for young fans to run the bases. Tickets and information are available at hvrenegades.com.
Find out more about Rev250 events at Destination Dutchess
Other events include the County’s popular Tavern Trail, this year focused on the American Revolution. The Tavern Trail is a unique collaboration that pairs local food and drink with engaging stories from County Historian William P. Tatum III, this year spotlighting Dutchess County’s role in the 1776 Real Time Revolution.
Information about upcoming Tavern Trail events as well as other Rev250 events is available on Destination Dutchess's website, www.destinationdutchess.com/rev250.
