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Norwood, Hannawa Falls, Gouverneur, Akwesasne to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks

Posted 7/4/15

By MATT LINDSEY AND ANDY GARDNER Several towns throughout St. Lawrence County are marking the 239th anniversary of the nation’s independence with fireworks and celebrations. Norwood The 80th …

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Norwood, Hannawa Falls, Gouverneur, Akwesasne to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks

Posted

By MATT LINDSEY AND ANDY GARDNER

Several towns throughout St. Lawrence County are marking the 239th anniversary of the nation’s independence with fireworks and celebrations.

Norwood

The 80th Norwood Fire Department Field Day will feature the largest parade and one of the largest fireworks displays in St. Lawrence County to celebrate Independence Day.

“This being our 80th year…we are hoping to get at least 80 different units in the parade," according to Tim Donohue, treasurer for the Norwood Volunteer Fire Department.

On July 4 a parade featuring 70 to 80 units will begin at 1 p.m. on Maple Street. Participants will travel down Spring Street ending at the Fireman’s Field on Morgan Street.

The parade is expected to include nearly 20 fire departments, rescue squads, at least 20 floats, antique cars, ATV’s, motorcycles, trucks and more.

Last year's parade was witnessed by thousands of people.

The parade theme is “Any TV Show.”

Floats will be judged based on creativity and awards will be given out.

Youth and church groups along with many civic and area businesses help to support this 1 1/2 hour parade.

Donohue says the Potsdam Humane Society is a new addition to the parade this year and they plan to create a TV show themed float.

Following the parade, festivities at the Morgan Street Firemen’s Field will include garden tractor races and garden tractor pulls. Admission is $3 at the gate.

These tractors reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour, according to Donohue.

“There will be several heats in both tractor races and pulls…there are categories for men, women and kids,” he said.

Trophies and cash awards will be awarded to winners.

“The tractor races always make for a fun-filled noisy afternoon, he said.

There will not be a demolition derby this year due to a conflict with another demolition derby nearby, Donohue said.

Two free live shows from the Cubby T. Clown and Co. will be take place at 5 and 7 p.m. These will be two different live shows. There will be carnival rides, bounce houses, train rides and more to entertain the kids all afternoon.

Food and beverages will be offered all day long.

This annual field day will end with one of the biggest firework displays in St. Lawrence County.

“People from all over the county come out to see the fireworks…lining the streets and backyards to see the fireworks display,” Donohue said.

Donations for these fireworks can be made to Norwood Vol. Fire Department, PO Box 231, Norwood, NY 13668. Perry’s Big M has donated $1,000 for these fireworks.

All fire and rescue departments are invited to join, along with anyone else who wishes to enter a float in the parade. Vendors are also welcome. For parade and vendor information, contact Richard Norman at 261-8969.

“I hope people come out to see the parade…if you haven’t seen one in awhile the parade in Norwood is quite the spectacle, “ Donohue said.

Morristown

The Morristown Fire Department will host a field day July 4 following the annual Steve Spilman July 4 parade.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and will travel down Main Street.

Following the parade at 11:30 a.m. at the fire station there will be an antique tractor pull, games for kids, games of chance for adults and raffles. Food will including a chicken barbeque and a fire department concession stand that is expected to serve a variety of food including hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage, French fries, bread dough, sno-cones, cotton candy and beverages.

A DJ will provide musical entertainment.

Department members will be out collecting donations to help pay for the fireworks on all streets. The fireworks have been sponsored by over 20 local businesses and organizations.

Hannawa Falls

In Hannawa Falls, the 31st annual Robert Plumb Memorial Fireworks will be held at dusk, Saturday July 4 at Postwood Park.

Viewing spots are available along State Highway 56.

Donations to support the fireworks show can be made at Chips Store, The County Store and Jake’s on the Water, all on State Highway 56 in Hannawa Falls.

Gouverneur

The Gouverneur Fire Department will host a fireworks show at the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 4 at dusk.

Anyone vendors planning on attending the display to sell their wares should contact the fire department prior Saturday. The phone number is 287-1537.

Food and beverages will be available.

Akwesasne

Mohawk International Raceway will have fireworks following their Friday, July 3 races.

Races start at 7:30 p.m. and typically last three to four hours.

There is an admission fee.

More info: www.mohawkspeedway.com