Over the next few days BBQ’s will be running on overtime and fireworks will be lighting up our sky as we celebrate our Independence. Hopefully during these celebrations we will all take a moment to be thankful for the freedom our Constitution and Declaration of Independence grants us.
Although the true meaning of the 4th of July revolves around our independence from Britain, it is the democracy that was born out of it we should all celebrate.
Alongside Democracy comes the American Dream, and that is continually being played out before us each and every day. Indeed, we are not the same America we were just a few short years ago. For better or worse, depending on who one talks to, new immigrants are arriving daily.
As we mark our Independence, we must be thankful to live in such a diverse nation made up of so many vibrant people. It is not difficult to understand why so many people leave their suppressed countries to settle in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
As we celebrate our Independence, I often think how in other countries the media is controlled by the government, and expressions of diverse opinions are denied. Modern technology such as cell phones, facebook and twitter are breaking through that barrier.
We can never allow free speech and discussion of the issues to be silenced. Indeed, the Internet and social media is changing how we do business in Sullivan County.
I hope you enjoy communicating, reading about, and discussing the news and offering your opinions on issues concerning all of us in Sullivan County in the Facebook group Sullivan County Post.
I am grateful to be afforded the opportunity to discuss the issues facing us. Hopefully, “The Mouth That Roars” column assists in creating honest dialogue throughout Sullivan County.
We must all be thankful for all our first amendment rights grant us, and should use it in a positive productive way.
In Sullivan County there will be many celebrations marking Independence Day with parades, street fairs and fireworks.
Some of the events this weekend include:
LIBERTY STREET FAIR AND PARADE
The Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Village and Town of Liberty, will be hosting its 22nd Annual Fourth of July Celebration on Monday, July 4th.
The street fair runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, with the parade kicking off at 12:05 p.m. across from the Elks Lodge on Oberferst Street. North Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic to accommodate the festivities.
The day also includes: A Classic Car and Truck Show beginning at 10:30 a.m. (preview 9am) behind the Liberty Public Library; a special performance of the Star Spangled Banner at noon on the Main Street Stage; a variety of food, craft and retail vendors; bouncy houses and kids activities by Party Master; and musical guest “The Other Band” on the Main Street Stage starting at 12:30 p.m. A rain date is set for Saturday, July 9th.
Vendor applications can be found at LibertyNYChamber.com. For more information about the Chamber, or to participate in the parade or volunteer on the day of the event, contact the Chamber at 845-292-9797 or email info@LibertyNYChamber.com. Information can also be found on the Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
A GATHERING AT BETHEL WOODS
Saturday July 2nd 3 PM to 9PM – To celebrate its 10th Anniversary with the community, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is hosting FREE day of family fun. The festivities will include live music, guided museum tours, interpretive walks and talks about the historic Woodstock festival site, a variety of activities and games, collaborative art projects, and an array of arts and educational programs for the whole family, topped off by a fireworks display over the historic Woodstock festival field. Additionally the Museum will offer $10 admission for the day (free for Sullivan County residents with I.D.), and there will be a variety of local vendors offering food and beverages, as well as handmade jewelry, gifts, crafts and more.
ROSCOE PARADE & CAR SHOW & BREWERY PARTY
Roscoe July 4th Parade on Saturday July 2nd at 11 AM
Everyone is welcome to participate in Roscoe’s Fourth of July Parade. Line up will be at Roscoe Central School parking lot. Rain or Shine! The more the merrier.
Celebrate America with us and enjoy classic cars, live music, food, craft beer, games & activities and a great time for the whole family! The day kicks off with Roscoe’s Independence day stepping off at 11am in downtown Roscoe, then follow the cars right on up to the brewery where they will be parked for you to enjoy. There will also be fun categories for judging and tons of activities to participate in on the brewery lawn. The Rockland House will be selling their delicious BBQ dinners as well, so make sure to ring in the 4th at the Roscoe
AMERICANA DAY
Saturday July 2nd – 3PM to 8 PM – Come to Jeffersonville’s “Americana Day” to kick-off Independence Day Weekend. A musical tribute to our freedoms and love of country will begin on the Main Events Stage on Main Street, Jeffersonville, at 3 PM. John Gain, local country music artist, followed by Sara Hulse, known for her beautiful voice and thought-provoking lyrics, will open the program. “Nothing New”, a twosome of Steve Fleckenstein and John Kavaller playing bluegrass, folk, blues and some older country western music and acoustic pop, will round out the program. Please bring a chair. Bake sale to benefit Jeffersonville JEMS’ Main Events Stage performances will be held at 9 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, Main Street.
FALLSBURG INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Sunday July 3rd – 2 PM to 10 PM – Morningside Park Hurleyville. Free and Open to the public. Fireworks, Partymaster DJ, NACL Theatre, Rides, Entertainment, Music by Rausch Brothers Band
FIREWORKS
In Monticello, the Monticello Raceway will hold their annual fireworks show on Sunday, July 3 at 10 PM
Town of Bethel Fireworks – Monday, July 4th overlooking White Lake at approximately 9 PM – Free parking in municipal lot at 3586 Route 55, Kauneonga Lake.
I hope Sullivan County residents come out in droves to celebrate these great events. It is crucial we take the time to appreciate our independence and freedom, as well as support our local towns and merchants.
No matter ones viewpoints, race, creed, color, gender, age, education, wealth, sexual orientation, or religious ideology, we all strive for the same goals and quality of life. Even though some of our customs, political beliefs, and the way we approach life may vary, we are all the same.
Although some of us might not understand differences or disagreements, we must learn to tolerate and respect others. That is what our great country is all about.
Happy 4th of July and enjoy your hot dog!
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself of National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in the Sullivan County Post