It’s here everyone. Fourth of July marks one of the busiest times of year here on the East End and for most, the day of the week Independence Day falls upon this year is a blessing (can you say four-day weekend!?) in and of itself.
A hefty handful of locales will be setting off some pretty awesome pyrotechnics starting tonight and continuing all weekend long in honor of The Fourth. Additionally, thousands of people are slated to visit our beloved Hamptons hamlets this weekend, gathering for picnics, beach days, parades, barbecues and other festive get-togethers sure to last well through Sunday. While businesses on the South Fork brace themselves for this weekend’s onslaught of visitors, lest not forget why we’re celebrating in the first place. In case we need a refresher, today celebrates the birth of America’s independence, specifically the anniversary of when the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence nearly 250 years ago, thus releasing the nation from British rule.
That whole bit that says, “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” is still at the heart of the ethos of this country, no matter how you slice it. Try to remember that this weekend when you’re stuck in traffic, waiting in a long line at the store, dining in a packed restaurant or doing literally anything else that involves your fellow man.
Help support black women in business at LTV
LTV Studios in Wainscott continues its World Voices Series with “Celebrating Black Culture on the East End” hosted by presidential advisor, pastor, author and activist Ambassador Sujay Johnson Cook tomorrow, July 5. Co-hosted by Crystal Brown and Dr. Maria DeLongoria, the event is a benefit to honor the Global Black Women’s Chamber of Commerce and will feature dancing, conversation and music from DJ Master. Members of the audience will also be part of the live filming of Cook’s LTV series “Live with Sujay.” Light refreshments will be available. Show is from 7 to 11 p.m. and doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. Get yours here.
Pile in for the parade in Southampton
Today starting at around 10 a.m., it’s the Southampton Village Fourth of July Parade. Sponsored by the Village of Southampton Commission on Veterans Patriotic Events don’t miss this 100-year-plus annual tradition — the oldest and largest Fourth of July parade on Long Island — slated to kick-off from Railroad Plaza, march down North Main and Main streets, continue down Jobs Lane and ending at Agawam Park. This year’s Grand Marshal is Assemblyman Fred Thiele, a lifelong resident of Sag Harbor who is retiring after serving 15 terms in the New York State Assembly.
Nestle in at Navy Beach for some tunes
Hot Montauk spot Navy Beach hosts live music two evenings each week starting tomorrow and continuing through the end of August. With performances slated for each Friday and Saturday, music starts at either 5 or 5:30 p.m., both days. For this weekend, it’s CK Beats tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. with Rum Punch Mafia performing at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. To make a reservation, click here.
Learn about blacksmithing in Bridgehampton
“Beer and Blacksmithing” with Ricky Bottenus is at Bridgehampton Museum this Saturday at the Corwith House (2368 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton). Hang out and learn the basics about blacksmithing in a historic environment. Beginning at 4 p.m., the event features Bottenus guiding participants in the art of blacksmithing. Learn how to swing a hammer and forge hot steel into your very own bottle opener. Drinks and pizza will be provided. Space is limited to six participants and the event is for guests 21 and older. Tickets are $50 per person. To purchase yours and for more information, click here.
Get fired up for fireworks!
Tonight around 9 p.m., Stars Over Montauk Fireworks fire off at Kirk Park Beach (aka Umbrella Beach, 95 S. Emerson Ave. in Montauk). The Montauk Chamber of Commerce hosts an age 21 and over viewing cruise with Viking Fleet, located at 462 West Lake Drive. Festivities for the cruise include a cocktail hour beginning at 6 p.m. at Sammy’s next door, which includes drinks, a buffet dinner and a performance by The Realm. Tickets for the cruise are $150 per person. Also tonight, Westhampton Country Club will launch fireworks around 9 p.m. and although their on-site event is for members only, the fireworks will be visible from Main Street, Westhampton Beach. There will be fireworks tonight and Saturday night at the North Sea Fire Department’s annual carnival (located at 149 Noyack Road) at dark. On Saturday, beginning around 9:30 p.m., enjoy the Sag Harbor Yacht Club’s John A. Ward Fireworks off at Marine Park. Devon Yacht Club in Amagansett will be shooting off fireworks on Saturday around 9:30 p.m. over Gardiner’s Bay. Although the club is private, a good viewing spot is at the adjacent Fresh Pond Park, to the northwest of Devon.
Run (or walk) for a rotary-sponsored scholarship
The Southampton Rotary Firecracker 8K Race and 3-Mile Walk is on Sunday, July 7, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Agawam Park. In memory of past rotary district governor Roy Wines Jr., the race benefits the rotary’s Scholarship & Endowment Fund. Entry fee is $35 per person and there’ll be awards for standard age group categories. Rain or shine and you can register here.
Join in for some jazz
Hamptons JazzFest is collaborating with a bunch of organizations (from the East End and beyond) to bring jazz to the masses this summer. Co-presented with Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Summer Camargo Quintet performs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill tomorrow. Tickets are $45 for adults, $40 for seniors, $35 for members, $25 for students and $15 for kids. Pianist Spike Wilner and his quartet, play at the Masonic Temple (second floor of the Whaling Museum) in Sag Harbor on Saturday. Co-presented with The SmallsLive Foundation, the performance starts at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30, and tickets are $30.
Hear some music in Hampton Bays
Land Line performs at Cowfish in Hampton Bays tomorrow from 7 to 10 p.m. as part of the eatery’s summer concert series. At Oaklands (also in Hampton Bays) there’s live music all weekend starting today at 5 p.m. with Henry and Joe Trio. Tomorrow it’s Ralph/ Heart and Soul at 6 p.m., performing some a mix of disco, pop, R&B, rock and country from the 70s to today, followed by Al Rosa playing from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, it’s Vavoom beginning at 5 p.m.. All performances are weather permitting.
