Drive-in fireworks planned but 'residents are concerned about a large influx of tourists'
“The COVID-19 pandemic has robbed us all of so much, but nothing will stop Dutchess County from honoring the birth of our nation,” county executive Marc Molinaro said in a recent press release. “Our residents deserve the chance to celebrate this most American of holidays – even as we remain safely and socially distant.”
Despite rising cases of coronavirus in parts of the country, and travel advisories for those coming from current high-risk COVID-19 areas, several regions in the Hudson Valley are hoping to continue some traditions, a bit reimagined, for this year’s Fourth of July commemorations. While there will be no large gatherings at the usual spots like the Walkway Over the Hudson (pictured above), there will be several free drive-in firework events in Dutchess and Ulster counties on Saturday, July 4, 2020.
Molinaro “urges residents to join Dutchess County and honor those first renegades who battled tyranny and founded our beloved United States, all while we savor a nighttime spectacle that will light up the sky,” but some of those residents, and area tourism groups, have reached out to HVNY expressing their concern over these plans amid the recent pandemic, citing overflow crowds in non-event designated areas by out-of-town travelers. “Residents are concerned about a large influx of tourists,” one regional travel guide wrote to HVNY. “It’s definitely becoming tricky to promote and do it responsibly.”
For the July 4 event titled “Dutchess County Goes Renegade,” parking will be limited at each of the three firework locations: Keane Stud/Silo Ridge Equestrian Center in Amenia (limited to 300 vehicles), Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill (500 vehicles) and the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck (3,000). All parking lots will open to the public at 7:30pm with fireworks scheduled to begin at 9:30pm.
Residents are “asked to remain near their car for the duration of the event.” Restrooms will not be available at any of the sites. Carry-in/carry-out. No alcohol will be permitted, and residents are "encouraged to bring their own snacks." Parking has also been restricted in areas surrounding the fireworks, including the Village of Rhinebeck, to help curb any overflow event traffic.
In Ulster, the "July 4th Community Fireworks Show" will take place at the TechCity parking lot, 300 Enterprise Drive, Kingston. The lot will open at 7:30pm with the fireworks presentation beginning at dusk. All attendees will be required to stay near their vehicles, and no alcohol will be allowed on the site. “As we move to re-imagine this site together, utilizing the grounds for safe, family-friendly events like this makes perfect sense. I am looking forward to a wonderful evening on the 4th,” said Ulster County Legislator Brian Cahill.
The "Weekend Salute" in Ulster continues on Sunday, July 5 with a motorcade to honor local healthcare workers. Line-up begins at 4pm at Dietz Stadium.
