All Over Albany

Where to see fireworks around the Capital Region this Fourth of July week

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Wednesday is the Fourth of July -- the day when we celebrate our independence and contemplate what it means to be an American.

There will be picnics, fairs, music, and, of course, fireworks displays around the Capital Region this week.

We pulled together some info on a few places you can ooh and ahhh over colorful fireworks displays this season. Checking out the displays somewhere else? Tell us where in the comments.

And have a safe and happy 4th!

Tuesday, July 3

Schenectady County
The Schenectady County Independence Day Celebration is at Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction. There will be music from the Schenectady County Orchestra and members of the Empire State Youth Orchestra CHIME program starting at 7 pm. "Parking is limited and not guaranteed so please arrive early." (Parking opens at 6 pm.) Fireworks start at dark, approximately 9:30 pm.

Saratoga Casino Hotel
The longtime tradition of July 3rd fireworks is making a return to the Saratoga Casino Hotel (the racino) this year after a hiatus. There will be food vendors on the grounds, strolling musicians, and harness racing. Fireworks at 9:15 pm.

Saratoga lake
The town of Stillwater hosts a fireworks display this year at Brown's Beach. Parking may be a challenge here so arrive early. Fireworks at 9 pm.

Glens Falls
The Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra has its annual free summer pops concert in Crandall Park featuring works by New York composers. The concert starts at 7:30 pm followed by a fireworks display.

Wednesday, July 4

Empire State Plaza
The annual 4th of July Celebration at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. There's a naturalization ceremony for new Americans at 3 pm, and music by Moriah Formica and Smash Mouth. The big fireworks display starts around 9:15 pm.

Also: Here's a list of parking restrictions and road closures in the city of Albany related to the event at the ESP.

Saratoga Springs
The Saratoga Springs All-American Celebration will wrap up with a live reading of the Declaration of Independence and fireworks. Here's a list of the festivities happening during the day. Suggested viewing spots: Spring Street, Henry Street, Putnam Street, and the Phila Street Parking Deck. The fireworks start at 9:30 pm and they'll be launched behind the carousel in Congress Park.

Clifton Park
Clifton Park's July 4th Celebration kicks off at noon at Clifton Common and runs into the evening with a parade, amusement rides, a craft fair, music and fireworks. The fireworks show will be around 9:30 pm.

Troy
The Tri-City ValleyCats will host a fireworks display following their July 4 game against the Vermont Lake Monsters at The Joe. The game starts at 6:30 pm, and fireworks will follow.

Schenectady
There will be a July 4 fireworks display at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady. There's pre-show music from Dark Desert Eagles -- "the Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band" -- at the Mohawk Harbor amphitheater. Fireworks at 9 pm.

Lake George
There will be fireworks at dusk on Lake George at Shepard Park in the village of Lake George and in Bolton Landing at dusk. You can view them from the shore or from a boat on the lake. There will also be live music, festivities, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and entertainment in the surrounding areas. Fireworks at dusk.

Windham Mountain
Windham Mountain celebrates the 4th of July with a parade, entertainment, sidewalk sales and a fireworks display. The parade kicks off at 7 pm with fireworks to follow.

Saturday, July 7

Waterford Steamboat Meet
Waterford will host a fireworks display on Saturday following the Waterford Steamboat Meet at the Harbor Visitors Center. Craft and food vendors, music, boat rides and family friendly entertainment throughout the day. Fireworks at dusk.

photo: Crystal Capritta