It was on the waters and along the shores of our fantastic Lake Champlain that the great battles, struggles and sacrifices were made for America’s freedom. Can you think of a better location to celebrate America’s Independence than where it all took place 200+ years ago? Join us in the Lake Champlain Region as we celebrate the 4^th of July and our heritage. Here are some events and happenings throughout our communities that will make this extended holiday weekend very entertaining, as well as meaningful. I’m certain some of these festivities will have special appeal no matter what your interests.

July 1^st

Plan a visit to the Westport Heritage House to see the opening day of the Spirit of Place Art Exhibit. This exhibit will run daily from 10am until 3pm through September 7^th, excluding Tuesdays.  Examine the outstanding expressions of regional artists inspired by the Champlain Valley through a variety of media. 

Ticonderoga’s Best 4^th in the North begins at 4pm in Bicentennial Park. Enjoy food, vendors and rides in the park until 10pm. From 5-8pm, Limited Light Karaoke will offer Ticonderoga Open Mic.

At Fort Ticonderoga, America’s Fort, you can attend their guided VIP Tour: Beneath Fortress Walls for an inside peek beneath the walls and into the ground of the Fort. You'll explore how the Fort was built, rebuilt and how it supports the structure today.

Finish the day relaxing to music at a coffee house style evening of entertainment at Ticonderoga’s Burleigh House beginning at 7pm.

July 2^nd 

Ticonderoga’s Best 4^th in the North continues with activities in the Bicentennial Park including food, vendors, and rides from 4-10pm. Beginning at 6pm, you'll be entertained with country and rock & roll live music performed by Loose Connections.

If jazz is more to your liking, head to the Soundwaves Summer Concert in Ballard Park, Westport. This evening, experience the artistry of Alan Ferber Nonet, labeled one of the leading trombonists of his generation. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to relax upon while enjoying this natural amphitheatre against a backdrop of stunning Lake Champlain scenery.

For a rare opportunity to witness original fireworks consider Fort Ticonderoga’s Guns by Night VIP tour  which will be held on this evening at 8pm. Prepare for the sights, sounds and smells created by the firing of historic weapons. Limited space is available so make your reservations early by contacting the Fort at 585-2821 as this tour frequently sells out. You will witness dramatic flashes against the night sky during demonstrations of weaponry you will not see anywhere else.

July 3^rd

Westport kicks off their Bicentennial Celebration today on the Essex County Fairgrounds. Enjoy a family-style dinner followed by music and square dancing with Gary Finney. The event begins at 4pm.

Ticonderoga’s Best 4^th in the North continues with food, vendors, rides and live music by Pale Green Stars in Bicentennial Park beginning at 4pm, followed by an Ashley Sophia live music performance starting at 8pm. You will hear her original music along with folk and pop rock favorites.

Fort Ticonderoga continues its 3 day Independence Day Celebration with live demonstrations, programs and performances by the Fort’s Fife & Drum that will transport you into the spirit of 1776. This special 3-day holiday celebration, from July 3-5, is included in the general admission ticket. 

That evening you can enjoy fireworks at dusk in Willsboro across from the Paine Soccer Field on Point Road.

July 4^th

There is just too much celebration to choose from on this day:

The Red, White and Blue 4^th of July celebration in Essex begins with the 15^th Annual 6.5K Firecracker Run at 7:30am starting by the blinking light. The Kids’ Run begins at 9:15am. At 8am, the Essex Red, White & Blue Bike Ride begins from Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness to the Dogwood Bakery in Wadhams. Day long Essex activities include a Cupola House Sidewalk Sale, massage, yoga and goodies at Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness, a farmers' market at the Pink Pig and a Children’s Fairy House Workshop at the Adirondack Art Association at 3pm. Finish the day in Essex with the Carol Williams Organ Concert at the Essex Community Church.

Willsboro’s Fourth of July Downtown Parade begins at 11am.

Westport’s 4^th of July and Bicentennial Celebration will be packed with activities on this day beginning with a Walk-Run from Wadhams to Westport at 7am. Other activities of the day at the Essex County Fairgrounds include Westport Trivial Pursuit, a Period Fashion Show, Old-Time Games for Kids, Antique Cars & Tractors, and historical displays at Floral Hall. The 4^th of July Parade will travel through the hamlet beginning at 4pm and end at the fairgrounds where the Fire Department dinner will begin at 6pm accompanied with DJ music until 9pm. At 9:30pm watch for the fireworks on the beach.

Ticonderoga’s Best 4^th in the North celebration in Bicentennial Park opens at 10:30am. At 1:45pm begins the Annual Montcalm Mile by the LaChute Road Runners followed by the Fourth of July Parade at 2pm. From 4-6pm Limited Light Karaoke will feature Ticonderoga Open Mic. From 7:30-11pm enjoy live country, rock and original music by Joe McGinness and Longshot. The Grand Fireworks Display takes place at dusk, at approximately 9:45pm.

July 5^th

Top off the weekend at Westport as it continues the holiday and Bicentennial Celebration with historical displays throughout the day at Floral Hall on the Fairgrounds. At 10am Adirondack Architectural Heritage will guide the Westport Walking Tour highlighting the town’s exceptional variety of architecture. At 11am, a non-denominational service will be held at the Heritage House. At noon you're invited to witness the groundbreaking ceremony for the Veteran’s Wall in Ballard Park.

However you celebrate, we hope you join us here along the Adirondack Coast... where it all began. 

Wishing you a happy and safe holiday weekend.