Vermont:

Rutland County Rutland — Summer Smash 2008 opens July 4 at 3 p.m., food concessions and vendors open at 4 p.m., Stoney Roberts Demolition Derby begins at 6:30 p.m., Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Extravaganza starts at 9:45 p.m.; free parking, Vermont State Fairgrounds, 175 South Main Street; ticket information: 775-5200. Bomoseen — The 12th Annual Bob Franzoni Boat Parade will be held on July 4. Flags will be handed out from 1:15 to 2 p.m. Following the parade, a concert at Crystal Beach begins at 7 p.m.; rain date July 5. Brandon — The Brandon Independence Day Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 5, and includes music, silent auction, food and craft vendors. The parade begins at 1 p.m. Park Village opens at 4 p.m. with rides and games, vendors, music and fireworks between 9 and 9:15 p.m. The event is free with donation accepted at Park Village. Information: 247-3275. Castleton — The Onion River Jazz Band and New Orleans band "Dixieland" performs on July 4 at 7 p.m. at Crystal Beach. Rain date: July 5th at Crystal Beach. The 2008 Samba Parade will be held on July 4 at 10 a.m. in downtown Castleton. The Annual Chromatic Aberration Samba Parade includes dancing sculptures, curbside poets and angel-winged dancers. The event is free. Information: 468-1119. Hubbardton — The Battle of Hubbardton Revolutionary War Encampment will hold its 231st Anniversary of the Only Revolutionary War Battle Fought in Vermont on July 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and July 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 273-2282. Killington — Fourth of July parade begins at 10 a.m. from the Killington Events Hall (formerly the Grange) down River Road to the Recreation Center, followed by the Fire Department Barbeque at 11:30 a.m. During the afternoon there will be games, a silent auction and entertainment; bring a picnic blanket, fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. The Killington Music Festival Young Artist Concert starts at 7 p.m. on July 4 at Rams Head Lodge on Killington Road. Free tickets: 773-4003. Mount Holly — Mount Holly Independence Day Parade will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 4, followed by a fundraising barbecue and music at the Odd Fellows Hall in the village of Belmont. Information: 228-5333. Poultney — Fourth of July celebration features a pancake breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. at Poultney United Methodist Church; parade from East Poultney, fireworks at dark and activities for the entire family. Information: 287-2010. Fourth of July 5K Run starts at 8 a.m. at Green Mountain College. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m. Admission will be $15 for adults and $10 for 17 years and under. Proceeds benefit Rutland Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice. Information: 287-4373. West Rutland — Opening reception for Stone Carvings and Bronze Castings held on July 4: Sculpture by Joseph Wheelwright, well-known New England sculptor and Carving Studio and Sculpture Center instructor, will exhibit recent work, 5 to 7 p.m. Information: 438-2097. Bennington County Bennington — Old Time 4th Celebration & Reading starts on July 4; On the Lawn of the Bennington Battle Monument, opens at 9:30 a.m. with reading from 1 to 2 p.m. Event is free. Information: 447-0550. Continuing into July 5 will be Colonial Herbs and Powder Horn Art celebration held at the Bennington Battle Monument. The event includes a presentation on growing, mixing and the use of herbs, as well as a demonstration on how engraved powder horns became an art form. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Information: 447-0550. On July 6 at 2:30 p.m. will be Bennington's Fashion Show at the Bennington Battle Monument. Fashion styles range from Colonial Times to the 20th century. The show will take place in the Old First Church on Monument Circle. Admission is $5 for adults, and $2 for children (ages 6-14). Information: 447-0550. Manchester — Fourth of July 5K Fun Run followed by semi-pro soccer games start at 5 and 7 p.m. at Applejack Field in Recreation Park on Route 30. Evening carnival starts at Recreation Park followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Information: 362-1439. Windham County Brattleboro — Brattleboro's Fourth of July Celebration starts with a road race at 9:30 a.m. at the Living Memorial Park, continuing with a parade at 10 a.m. The Brattleboro Memorial Hospital will have a barbecue at 11 a.m. following the parade. Afternoon and evening events include a penny carnival, a swim race, a home run derby, live music, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Information: 254-4565. Animation Festival 2008 Premiere held on July 4; watch animations and vote for your favorite, Hooker Dunham Theater, 139 Main St., 7:30 and 9 p.m. Information: 257-5330. Wardsboro — Vermont's oldest ongoing parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4 in Wardsboro. The parade travels along Route 100 to Main Street, followed by a street fair including craft booths, children's games, chicken barbecue and a quilt show and strawberry shortcake at the Methodist Church on Main Street. The day ends with an auction from 1 to 3 p.m. Wilmington — Pre-Fireworks Wagon Ride and Ice Cream Social held on July 4 at Adams Farm on 15 Higley Hill. Information: 464-3762. Wilmington's 31 Annual Independence Day Party and Fireworks starts at 6 p.m. on July 4 at Baker Field (behind Twin Valley High School). Party includes live entertainment and vendors. This event is free. Information: 464-8092. Windsor County Cavendish — Cavendish Old Home Day Weekend will be held July 5-6, including a variety of activities throughout the town. The event is free and starts on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and continues Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Information: 226-7807. Ludlow — Fry Daddy performs on July 4 at 6 p.m. at the Okemo Mountain Summer Outdoor Concert Series at Jackson Gore. Bring your lawn chairs and a Frisbee. Plymouth — President Calvin Coolidge Birthday Celebration; parade starts on July 4 at noon, proceeding from the village green to the cemetery where a wreath from the White House will be placed at the President's gravesite. A chicken barbecue will follow at The Wilder House and at 2 p.m., Steve Wood will perform as Abraham Lincoln in the village church. Information: 672-3773. Woodstock — Old Vermont 4th at Billings Farm & Museum will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 457-2355. Woodstock Fourth of July Celebration will be held at Woodstock Union High School with fireworks at dusk. Gates open at 6 p.m. Addison County Salisbury — Salisbury's Thirty-Fourth Ice Cream Social is Friday, July 4, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Salisbury Congregational Church. Information: 352-4609.

Burlington — July 3 - Independence Day Waterfront Celebration,
The celebration gets a jump start with festivities at Perkins Pier, North Beach and Waterfront Park, beginning at about 5:30 p.m. and culminating in a grand display of fireworks at 9:30 p.m. More info: 802-864-0123 http://www.enjoyburlington.com

Warren — July 4 - The Annual Warren 4th of July Celebration
For many Vermonters this event, one of largest individual 4th of July celebrations in the state, is a must on this holiday. Festivites being with the parade begins along Main Street at 10 a.m. Get there early to stake out your spot. It's party time the rest of the day witth music, dancing and plenty of food and drink. Fireworks at dusk at Sugarbush Resort.
More info: 800-828-4748 http://www.warren4thofjuly.com/

Mount Snow will be celebrating the fourth with "fireworks and fun galore" from 5 to 10pm on Baker’s Field in Wilmington. The event includes music, vendors, food and entertainment.

Montpelier holds its Fourth of July Celebration on July 3, featuring street vendors, entertainment at beginning at 1pm on State Street. Cap it all off by watching the fireworks spectacular from the State House steps at 9:30.

Stowe where they will be holding their Independence Day Celebration at the Stowe Events Field starting at 5:30pm.

Island Pond — July 4&5 – July Fest, Includes a parade on Friday at 11am and fireworks at dusk and a dance at 9pm.  Full day of events on Saturday.

Grafton — July 3 – 7 pm, gates at 5:30. 18th Annual Vermont Symphony Orchestra July 3rd Concert & Fireworks, Enjoy inspiring music, a magnificent setting, and spectacular fireworks on Thursday, July 3, with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s annual Independence Eve concert to benefit the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.
More info: http://www.brattleboromuseum.org 802-257-0124 x101.

Jeffersonville and Smuggler's Notch — July 4 - Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks, with a parade at 1pm and fireworks at dusk.

Rutland — July 4 - 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza starting at 9:45pm.

Killington — July 4 - July 4th Celebration This year's celebration includes a parade at 10am and fireworks at 9:30pm.

Wardsboro — July 4 - Vermont's Oldest Continually Held Parade happens again at 10am followed by a street fair.

Manchester Center — July 4 -The 29th Annual Manchester-Dorset Old Fashioned Fourth of July
Held at the Dana L. Thompson Recreation Center in Manchester Center. This event includes a 5K Fun Run, food, music, demonstrations, soccer game and fireworks. More info: 802-362-1439 (Manchester Parks & Recreation)

Saxons River — July 4 - Parade, Dinner and Fireworks, The Fourth of July parade begins at 9 a.m. in Saxons River, a village of the town of Rockingham. Parade route is along Main Street (Route 121). After the parade, follow sign to the Recreation Center for all-day barbecue, swimming, and picnicking. Fireworks at dusk. More info: 802-463-4280.

Shelburne — July 4 - The Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO)visits Shelburne Farms for an evening program ending with fireworks synchronized to Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" (weather permitting).

Brandon – July 5th – A Vermont Chamber of Commerce “Top Ten Events of Summer” includes festivities and events beginning at 9 a.m., parade at 1 p.m., and fireworks at dusk. All events taking place along Route 7 in Brandon, and in Central Park & Park Village. More info: 802-247-6401; http://www.brandon.org/parade_2.php

Wilmington, Vt -  July 4: Wilmington Fourth of July Fireworks. Baker’s Field,. wilmingtonvermont.us or (802) 464-8591.

Wardsboro, Vt. - July 4: Wardsboro Annual Parade and Street Fair10 AM. Starting with a parade, this old-fashioned celebration features music, floats, antique cars, crafts, refreshments and an afternoon auction. (802) 896-6141.

New YOrk:

Albany NY: Price Chopper’s Fabulous 4th & Fireworks Festival at Empire State Plaza :: July 4, 2008 :: 2 -10 pm July 4: Price Chopper Fabulous Fourth Festivities. Empire State Plaza, Albany. 2-10 PM. Featuring live music by Joan Osborne, food, crafts, entertainment and fireworks display. www.ogs.state.ny.us.

Schenectady NY: Summer Night & Fireworks Finale in Downtown Schenectady :: July 18, 2008 :: 4:30 - 10 pm

Scotia NY: Fireworks in Freedom Park :: June 27 AND July 13, 2008 :: 9:15 pm

Clifton Park NY: July 4th Celebration in Clifton Commons :: July 4, 2008 :: 12 pm - 10 pm

Ballston Spa NY: Family Fun Day & Fireworks :: June 29, 2008

Duanesburg NY: Annual Fireworks Show :: June 28, 2008

Glens Falls NY: Summer Jam & Fireworks in East Field :: July 3, 2008 :: 6:30 pm - fireworks at 10 pm

Lake George NY: Lake George Village Fireworks Show :: July 4, 2008 :: 9:30 pm

Schroon Lake NY: Town Beach Concert & Fireworks :: July 4, 2008 :: fireworks at dusk

Old Forge NY: 4th Of July Annual Fireworks & Band Concert :: July 4, 2008 :: 7 pm - fireworks at dusk

Ticonderoga NY: “Best Fourth In The North” Fair & Fireworks in the Village :: July 4, 2008   “100 Years of Caring: Moses-Ludington Hospital" is one theme of the Fourth of July parade which begins at 2 p.m. Friday. Longtime hospital employee and coordinator of the Moses-Ludington Centennial Committee Carol Johnson will be grand marshal, and a special "Birthday Cake" float will feature Moses-Ludington retirees, followed by residents from the Moses-Ludington Adult Home and the hospital's "Auxiliarian of the Year," Rosemarie Hanson.

The theme will continue through the evening's fireworks display.

Inlet NY: Fireworks over Fourth Lake (best view from Fern Park) :: July 4, 2008 :: dusk

Indian Lake NY: 4th Of July Celebration :: July 4, 2008 :: 6:30 pm - fireworks at dusk

Long Lake NY: Independence Day Celebration :: July 4, 2008 :: 9:30 am - fireworks at dusk

Rhineback NY: Great American Picnic at Dutchess County Fairgrounds :: July 4 - 6, 2008 - fireworks Fri & Sat

North Creek NY: Independence Day Celebration in Ski Bowl Park :: July 5, 2008 :: 12 pm - fireworks at dusk

Athol NY: Concert & Fireworks In Veteran’s Memorial Field :: July 7, 2008 :: 7 pm

Bolton Landing - July 4: July 4 Celebration. Roger’s Memorial Park,. 7 PM. Fireworks, professional DJ, and more. boltonchamber.com.

Clifton Park - July 4: July 4 Celebration. Clifton Commons, Vischer Ferry Road,. Arts and crafts, sporting events, entertainment, displays and music. Parade begins at noon. Fireworks in the evening. 371-6667.

Chatham - July 4: July 4 Family Fest. Columbia County Fairgrounds, Route 66,. 3-11 PM. Fireworks, music, free kids’ rides, magic, hay maze, and more. 392-2121.

Germantown -  July 4: An Old-Fashioned Family Fourth of July. Municipal Park, 5-10 PM. Entertainment and fireworks. 537-4240.

friday

Argyle

The Independence Day parade steps off at 11 a.m. Friday on Route 197, north of the village, traveling through the village, south on Route 40 South, onto Barkley Avenue, back to Route 40, ending at the school.

The parade will include bands such as the Argyle Central School band, the Hartford Community Band, the Tonebenders and the Scotia-Glenville Pipe Band. Also participating are the Shriners' Keystone Kops, Toukie the Clown, various floats and vehicles and a variety of fire trucks from J.A. Barkley Hose Company and the surrounding mutual aid department.

The J.A. Barkley Hose Company will hold a chicken barbecue beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the firehouse.

Friends of the Argyle Free Library will hold a book sale from 8 a.m. until the end of the parade with free lemonade for browsers.

The Highland Quilters will host a quilt show in the sanctuary of the United Methodist Church on Sheridan Street from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring quilts, wallhangings, miniatures and demonstrations.

Senior citizens will be selling desserts and beverages in Sheridan Hall in back of the United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bolton Landing

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Bolton Landing Business Association sponsored event at Roger's Memorial Park. Fireworks, professional DJ, balloon twister, gift basket raffle. Free admission.

Glens Falls

Glens Falls Centennial Celebration includes a citywide cruise at 4 p.m. Friday of antique and classic cars. Live music will be performed Friday and Saturday in Crandall Park by various artists, starting at 10 a.m. Friday with the Trio County Banjo Band.

Elvis tribute artist Joe Ramsey will perform at 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Bobby Dick and The Sundowners will play at 4 p.m.

The Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra will have a meet-the-instruments event at 6:30 p.m. followed by a performance at 8 p.m. in the Crandall Park Performance Shell with a fireworks launch at the grand finale. Free.



Queensbury

Warren County Historical Society picnic is at the complex, 195 Sunnyview Road, from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, with grills operated by Al Bryant, John Strough and Al Oudekerk.

There will be a literature table and book sales with several authors available. Children's activities include games, face painting and the NYS Masonic Child ID Program. For tickets, call 743-0734. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 and older. In the event of rain, the event will be at Mohican Grange 1330, Bay and Sunnyside roads. Proceeds benefit the Warren County Historical Society.

Salem

Salem Volunteer Fire Department parade line-up is at 4 p.m. Friday at the Holy Cross Church on North Main Street. Parade theme "Remember When" begins at 5 p.m. and will go down Main Street to Park Place to the carnival grounds on Archibald Street. Fireworks display is at 10 p.m. with a rain date of 9 p.m. Saturday. For information, call Steven Saunders at 854-7516.

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga's All-American Celebration: Family, Freedom and Founding Fathers. Schedule includes the Firecracker Road Race at 8:30 a.m. Friday; the Congress Park opening ceremony and DAR dedication at 1 p.m.; Revolutionary War encampment; and fireworks at dusk. Musical performances in the park start at 3 p.m. with The Waltons and Tim Wechgelaer; April Marie Music perform at 4 p.m. ; Dry Bones at 5 p.m.; Ray Pashoukos at 6 p.m.; and Spa City Band at 7 p.m..

Schroon Lake

Chicken Barbecue at Community Church at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, $9; music in Town Park during afternoon, Parade at 6 p.m., followed by a concert and fireworks on the Town Beach.

Stillwater

Saratoga National Historical Park will hold a citizenship ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, followed by Park Ranger Joe Craig portraying a 1776 town crier with news of American Independence. Reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place at 1:30 and 3 p.m.

saturday

Glens Falls

The Glens Falls Centenial Celebration continues in Crandall Park on Saturday, starting with The BelAires at 10 a.m. (second performance at 12:45 p.m.) Hearts in Harmony play at 11:45 a.m. (second performance at 2:30 p.m.). Martin Seelye of Mercedes-Benz will hold an auction at 3 p.m., and Elvis tribute artists Joe Ramsey and Donnie Romines will perform starting at 4 p.m.

Corinth

The Corinth Image Committee sponsors the Independence Day parade beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday from Palmer Avenue at Fifth Street, to Main and River streets. A ceremony will follow the parade at the TD Banknorth parking lot. Activities throughout the day include the Junior Class Duck Race, performances by Ballston Spa Community Band, Mohawk Valley Exhibition Squad-Water ski show and Kenny J and the Backroad Band. Fireworks round out the evening. Parade line up begins at 1:30 p.m.

Greenwich

At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Greenwich Elks Lodge 2223, 130 Bulson Road, Independence Day celebration begins with softball games at 1:30 p.m. Food, beverages and music by Happy Days Again DJ all evening. Chicken barbecue from 5 to 6 p.m. Fireworks by Alonzo Brothers at 10 p.m. Free admission; donations welcome. No coolers please. Call the lodge at 692-2061 for more information; all proceeds benefit Elks community projects.

Johnsburg

The Town of Johnsburg Independence Day Celebration will be held at Ski Bowl Park, North Creek; gates open at noon on Saturday.

There will be live music all day featuring: noon to 2 p.m., Don't Quit Your Day Job; 2 to 4 p.m., Keystone; 4 to 6 p.m., Frank Conti; 6 to 8 p.m., Punch Duck; and 8 p.m. to midnight, Avalanche.

Attractions include the Little League All Stars game at noon, games of chance, activities, a chicken barbecue at 3 p.m. ($12), and the fireworks at dusk. Rain or shine. Free and fun for all ages.

Saratoga Springs

All-American Celebration: Family, Freedom and Founding Fathers, continues on Saturday with: All-American Parade at 10 a.m. on Broadway; noon to 5 p.m., All-American Barbecue Festival and All-American Dessert Festival; classic car show on Division Street and Lillian's parking lot; A Founding Fathers tour with Hollis Palmer takes place at 2 p.m. at Crafter's Gallery; Bands on Broadway: 7 to 10 p.m., Bluesology on Caroline Street; Rick Rourke and Lost Wages in Lillian's parking lot; Jonathan Lorentz Quartet on Division Street; Sirsy at Adirondack Trust.

sunday

Saratoga Springs

All-American Celebration: Family, Freedom and Founding Fathers continues: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Historic Tour with Dave Patterson and Charles Kuntzel; and Patriotic Pooch on Grove Street. Dress your pooch in his patriotic best, sponsored by Sloppy Kisses; pet photos with IMAGE Photo.

Massachusetts:

Amherst, Massachusetts: July 3, 2008
The Amherst fireworks show takes place at the UMass Equestrian Fields, located off North Maple Street near the Amherst and Hadley line.

Fitchburg, Massachusetts: July 3, 2008
Fireworks show is at 9pm.

New Hampshire:

Lebanon: Friday, July 4, 9pm, Lebanon Green

Peterborough: Saturday, July 5, Gates open at 6pm, ConVal Athletic Fields on Route 202. The well-known local band, Dave and the Daddy O's, will be there to entertain audiences prior to the display. Admission is only $2 per head, with no family paying more than $10. Parking is free. Rain date: July 12th.