HUDSON VALLEY – Parades and fireworks are part of Independence Day and many municipalities stuck to tradition on July 4th.
One of the oldest and largest parades in the region is in Hyde Park, along Route 9. Community groups, civic organizations, local businesses and several fire departments marched behind veterans on the route in front of the FDR Presidential Library while onlookers waved flags while adorned in red, white and blue clothing.
Parade attendee and participant Jules Lee of County Wide Towing thinks that the holiday is “a way to honor the sacrifices made by others so that we can enjoy our freedom. It’s not about the barbeques, parades and such but rather a time to honor those that gave all so we cam have freedom.”
Lots of red, white and blue on Route 9
The Walkway Over the Hudson may have been the best place to watch fireworks Wednesday night. Over 3,000 spectators paid $12.50 each to watch the annual pyrotechnics display between the Walkway and the Mid-Hudson Bridge.
Greg Hurd, director of IT for the NYS Bridge Authority, walked around, randomly asking people what their favorite color was. When told, he would pull out his cell phone, launch an app, and accordingly change the famous LED lights on the Mid-Hudson Bridge. .
Walkway president Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart presided over her small army of volunteer ambassadors, keeping order while driving their motorized carts. Waldstein-Hart said the 4th is her favorite holiday of the year.
Check point on the Walkway
Floating the flag under the Walkway
Fireworks from the Walkway
