The nation’s 250th anniversary will bring fireworks and patriotic festivities to New York State’s parks, including several on Long Island, such as Jones Beach and Hempstead Lake State Park, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
The lineup includes a patriotic drone show over the Atlantic Ocean, fireworks displays, and performances by the Blue Angels and other military jet teams, such as the Canadian Snowbirds.
“The founding of America 250 years ago cannot be told without including New York’s pivotal role in the American Revolution,” Hochul said in the Thursday, March 12, release. “We’re looking forward to an incredible range of programs at State Parks on Long Island throughout the year.”
According to the release, historical education and reenactments are planned throughout Long Island, and period music and lifestyle demonstrations will educate the public about the people who were part of this county’s colonial history.
“As we commemorate 250 years since our nation’s birth, special events – like those at Jones Beach, and our other state parks and historic sites – offer residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to explore and experience different regions of the state, and complement any getaway or extended vacation,” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said in a press release.
Events on Jones Beach will culminate during Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends. Long Islanders on the beach will have the chance to see choreographed drone shows, Revolutionary War historical presentations and reenactments, and extensive fireworks events.
The release said in addition to the Blue Angels, Fourth of July at Jones Beach will include “the United States Army Golden Knights, United States Navy F-35C Lightning II Demo Team, Australian professional aerobatic and air race pilot Aarron Deliu, American Air Power Museum Warbirds, Farmingdale State College Aviation, 105th Airlift Wing, and NY Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III Flyover.”
“These events on Long Island are an exciting part of what is happening across New York State as we share the compelling stories of the people who shaped the American Revolution with our Revisit the Revolution initiative,” New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said in the release. “Wherever you live, you will find events near you that will bring this history to life this year.”
