GERMANTOWN, NY (6/15/12) – Find history and fun at Clermont State Historic Site’s annual Old-Fashioned Independence Day on July 4th, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with Revolutionary War reenactors, live historic music, an 18th century ball, excellent food by Georgia Ray’s Catering, and a front row view of the Saugerties fireworks!
The Old-Fashioned Independence Day will kick off at 2:00 p.m. with a volley of fire from 18th century guns and music by the Headless Horseman Fife & Drum Corps. More firing demonstrations will follow during the day with the 1st Ulster County Militia and His Majesty’s 16th Light Dragoons. The English army was widely regarded as one of the best and most disciplined in the world. Come watch sparks fly when they collide with the American militia on Clermont’s grounds later that day. Laugh at an historic Punch & Judy puppet show at 3:00. At 2:45 p.m. children can compete in a Cherry Pit Spitting contest, a Three-Legged Race, and the hilarious Grinning for Cheese Challenge. At 5:30 p.m. you can hear a lively debate about whether or not to secede from the English Empire by three American Colonists “transported through time” for you pleasure. You can even take part by casting your own vote to join the revolution or not. For the grand finale, learn Colonial-era dance at a Revolutionary Ball from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Tickets are only $10 after 8:00 p.m.
Throughout the day, visitors can also play with historic toys and learn 18th century card games. Tour the mansion to learn about what Clermont looked like 200 years ago. This lively tour will cost $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/students with children 12 and under are free.
At 8:00 p.m. Crossroads, a classic rock band, will give a concert on the lawn, keeping your whole family entertained well into the night. Dancing and picnicking are encouraged while you wait for a view of the Saugerties fireworks. Those patrons who wish to see the fireworks are encouraged to come early as the park will close its gates when capacity is reached. Clermont is an especially great place to bring young children for fireworks as there is plenty of space to run and play, as well as entertainment and food.
This event is made possible in part by generous donations from Stewart’s Shops of New York and the Natural Heritage Trust.
For more information, please call Kjirsten at (518) 537-4240.
Clermont State Historic Site is located at 1 Clermont Avenue in Germantown, off Route 9G. The Historic Site features the mansion, formal gardens, scenic Hudson River views and miles of hiking trails. The Friends of Clermont is a private, non-profit educational corporation, founded in 1977 to support and supplement the museum education and historic preservation programs at Clermont State Historic Site. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973, Clermont is one of six historic sites and 15 parks administered by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in the Taconic Region. For more information please visit our website at www.nysparks.com/historic-sites/16/details.aspx.
GERMANTOWN, NY (6/15/12) – Find history and fun at Clermont State Historic Site’s annual Old-Fashioned Independence Day on July 4th, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with Revolutionary War reenactors, live historic music, an 18th century ball, excellent food by Georgia Ray’s Catering, and a front row view of the Saugerties fireworks!
The Old-Fashioned Independence Day will kick off at 2:00 p.m. with a volley of fire from 18th century guns and music by the Headless Horseman Fife & Drum Corps. More firing demonstrations will follow during the day with the 1st Ulster County Militia and His Majesty’s 16th Light Dragoons. The English army was widely regarded as one of the best and most disciplined in the world. Come watch sparks fly when they collide with the American militia on Clermont’s grounds later that day. Laugh at an historic Punch & Judy puppet show at 3:00. At 2:45 p.m. children can compete in a Cherry Pit Spitting contest, a Three-Legged Race, and the hilarious Grinning for Cheese Challenge. At 5:30 p.m. you can hear a lively debate about whether or not to secede from the English Empire by three American Colonists “transported through time” for you pleasure. You can even take part by casting your own vote to join the revolution or not. For the grand finale, learn Colonial-era dance at a Revolutionary Ball from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Tickets are only $10 after 8:00 p.m.
Throughout the day, visitors can also play with historic toys and learn 18th century card games. Tour the mansion to learn about what Clermont looked like 200 years ago. This lively tour will cost $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/students with children 12 and under are free.
At 8:00 p.m. Crossroads, a classic rock band, will give a concert on the lawn, keeping your whole family entertained well into the night. Dancing and picnicking are encouraged while you wait for a view of the Saugerties fireworks. Those patrons who wish to see the fireworks are encouraged to come early as the park will close its gates when capacity is reached. Clermont is an especially great place to bring young children for fireworks as there is plenty of space to run and play, as well as entertainment and food.
This event is made possible in part by generous donations from Stewart’s Shops of New York and the Natural Heritage Trust.
For more information, please call Kjirsten at (518) 537-4240.
Clermont State Historic Site is located at 1 Clermont Avenue in Germantown, off Route 9G. The Historic Site features the mansion, formal gardens, scenic Hudson River views and miles of hiking trails. The Friends of Clermont is a private, non-profit educational corporation, founded in 1977 to support and supplement the museum education and historic preservation programs at Clermont State Historic Site. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973, Clermont is one of six historic sites and 15 parks administered by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in the Taconic Region. For more information please visit our website at www.nysparks.com/historic-sites/16/details.aspx.
