2014 4th Of July Fireworks Displays in The Catskills and Hudson Valley

Who doesn't love fireworks (besides maybe the family dog). Here's a list of fireworks displays with the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River as a perfect backdrop. I like to get in as much firework viewing as humanly possible this week. They're just soooooo pretty. Luckily some of the displays in the area are staggered so I can get more than one firework fix. Below are the displays that I think are MOST scenic (the insiders guide), and the folks at Ulster Publishing have kindly put together a complete list!

As a fireworks officianado I like to pack the right gear. Scroll down for a list of essentials to pack in that LL Bean tote (I know you've got one, everyone does).

From The Walkway Over The Hudson

 Wowza! That's a compelling photo! The bridge looks pretty, the water looks pretty, the fireworks look pretty, AND there's usually a good cooling breeze at the Walkway. Only downside is you need tickets if you'd like to stand on the bridge. Here's the nitty gritty.

Friday, July 4th: Walkway Fireworks Spectacular 6:30-10:00 p.m. (Rain Date: Saturday, July 5th) 
The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park will be open to ticket holders to watch the 4th of July Firework Spectacular! The Walkway will close at 5:30 PM to the general public and reopen for the "Walkway Fireworks Spectacular" at 6:30 PM. Fireworks are scheduled to begin approximately between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM. The Walkway gates will close approximately 45 minutes after the firework show ends. Tickets can also be purchased at Adams Fairacre Farms (Poughkeepsie & Wappingers Falls locations), Mahoney's Irish Pub & Steakhouse, and Walkway Cafe.  Tickets are $10 each (Children 5 & under are FREE, but should be registered for the event).

From A Boat On The Hudson

Friday July 4th 

Boating and watching fireworks? I'm in. Wait? There's also dancing? This is better than Christmas! If you don't have a river-worthy vessel of your own you've got an option. You can take Hudson River Cruises out of Kingston and ride the Rip Van Winkle while a DJ spins tunes for you.

A Full Day of Festivities In Windham

July 4, 2014 

This is great. The whole day is planned for you. You won't even have to BBQ (you know you're going to have 3 more over the weekend anyway!). Celebrate Independence Day with Windham Mountain Resort and the Town of Windham! Enjoy the parade through town starting at 7:00 p.m. followed by BBQ, DJ (7:30p.m. - 10:30p.m.) and activities at the base lodge. Fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:00 p.m. Enjoy drink and dinner specials at Rock'n Mexicana and Mulligan's Pub following the events. 

With Live Old-Timey Music At Kingston's Rondout

I have to admit that my favorite way to watch fireworks is to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. That awesomeness is a little hard to come by though. SO, consider going down to the Strand and watching the fireworks to some old-timey music. Ahhh, Americana. 
City of Kingston’s Waterfront Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 6 p.m. A free concert will feature music by the Old Double E, the Cagneys and Mister Kick onstage in T. R. Gallo Park. At 9 p.m. there will be a special video tribute to our troops and fallen heroes, with fireworks at dusk. All of the waterfront restaurants will have food available with outdoor dining options. The streets close to traffic at 4 p.m., and shuttles will be running from 3 to 11 p.m. Shuttles will be located at Kingston Point Beach and the Kingston Plaza, as well as on Cornell Street across from Frank Guido’s Little Italy. The event is sponsored by Mainetti, Mainetti and O’Connor. Visit www.kingston-ny.gov for more information. Gallo Park at West Strand in Kingston, (845) 334-3902.

Don't forget if you want the full list of festivities go here. 

Now for the all important gear checklist:

#1. A flashlight

Trust me, if there's a hole in the ground, my foot will find it. You need a flashlight to get back to your car.

#2. Earplugs

Even if you don't need them you can always give them to the family who parks their blanket next to you and didn't come prepared for their toddler freaking out from the sound.

#3. Bugspray

#4. Snacks

I've never been to a fireworks display that actually started on time...bring snacks, you could be there a while.

#5. A Raincoat

You might end up wearing it or sitting on it to keep your bum dry if there was an afternoon thunder shower earlier. It's a safe bet that it will come in handy.

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