Graeagle has done it again, celebrating America’s birthday in style. A huge barn dance, over 600 fireworks lighting up the sky, civil war reenactments, gun fights, 2,300 pancakes and to top it off, a parade! Making the 40th annual Mohawk Valley Independence Day celebrations a hit and bringing in people from all over.
The Graeagle barn dance (formerly the Blairsden street dance) started off the weekend. Locals where there amongst the tourist mingling and dancing the night away. While car enthusiast had there classic cars on display. The Graeagle Lions puts on the event and it all went smoothly, minus a small fender bender in the start of the night.
Saturday morning threw a few golfers off when cannons were fired at the civil war reenactment. Drawing in an astonishing crowd, allowing us to never forget our civil war and history of our country. The civil war crew put a lot into the show. Arriving in Graeagle Thursday, they immediately started setting up camp, as if it was the early 1860’s again. Not only do they put on a show to give us a glimpse of war but they show you how people in that time lived and survived.
The fireworks were a hit. With 605 fireworks on the books and 30 “cakes” the show was far from spectacular. Having a new pyro crew that did the entire show electronically, making it one of the best shows yet. When they have to push the public back more than previous years… you knew it was going to be good!
Sunday morning the Graeagle Volunteer Fire Department kicked off their biggest fundraiser of the year, the fireman’s pancake breakfast. Although most of the firefighters were exhausted from treating over 10 patients the night before they managed to cook for 754 people. Between gin fizz, breakfast and raffle sales the Graeagle Fire Department had a success as they were raising money for their backcountry search and rescue equipment. Graeagle Fire thanks all of those who came out.
To top it off was the parade with Grand Marshalls Dink & Dave Riff. Long time Graeagle residents of Graeagle who have been involved with the community and many organizations making a difference in our community. Following was the concert in the park, food, beer and western shooting shows. Making a perfect weekend to be with the family and celebrate America.
We would like to recognize Graeagle Land & Water Company and their employees for all their unseen work to make the weekend happen… couldn’t happen without them.
Now we ask you, what could happen to make the weekend and its events better? We appreciate any input you might have to enhance the 41st Mohawk Valley Independence day celebrations.