The North Fork always kicks it up a notch in honor of Fourth of July. There is never a shortage celebratory events. That is especially true this year since the holiday falls on a Wednesday, giving us two weekends’ worth of festivities happening across the North Fork between June 30 and July 8.
Here’s a sampling of the scheduled events along with some other happenings of note to help celebrate the occasion.
WADING RIVER
- A carnival fundraiser for Peconic Bay Medical Center on Route 25A in Wading River will offer fireworks Friday, July 6, at 10 p.m. The carnival itself runs from 6 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, through Saturday, July 7.
RIVERHEAD
- Riverhead Raceway, located at 1797 Old Country Road, will also host a fireworks display June 30 at 9 p.m. It coincides with the 68th annual NASCAR Night, which includes a four-cylinder demo and kids’ big wheel race.
- The Riverhead Business Improvement District’s annual Independence Day fireworks will be held on Thursday, July 5, along the Peconic Riverfront at 9:15 p.m., following the kickoff of the Alive on 25 Summer Street Festival, which will take place from 5 to 9:30 p.m. in downtown Riverhead.
- This year, Preston House on Main Street is hosting a Pit Masters BBQ Lawn Party during Alive on 25 on July 5. There will be a pig roast, local sea fare and live music.
MATTITUCK
- Harbes Farm & Vineyard is hosting its annual Independence Day Celebration Wednesday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Highlights include children singing the National Anthem at 2 and 4 p.m. There will also be live music, farm animals and wine tastings.
- The 41st annual Mattituck Old Fashion Street Fair is returning Saturday, July 7 at 9 a.m. The event will feature food, vendors, live music and, of course, the traditional crowning of Little Miss and Mr. Mattituck. Please note that the festival has moved around the corner to Old Sound Avenue this year.
NEW SUFFOLK
- The New Suffolk Civic Association’s Fourth of July parade starts at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, at the corner of Tuttle and New Suffolk roads. Hot dogs and apple pie will follow the parade at New Suffolk Beach.
SOUTHOLD
- The Southold Village Merchants’ Fourth of July parade steps off at noon Wednesday, July 4. Children riding bicycles decorated in red, white and blue may line up on Hobart Road at 11:45 a.m. The parade route runs along Main Road from Boisseau Avenue to Tuckers Lane.
- The String Theory Players will perform at the Custer Observatory Sunday, July 1 at 7 p.m. The event is part of the Steinway & Stargazing summer concert series benefiting the institute. The evening will feature mimosas and appetizers. It is $55 in advance and $75 at the door.
GREENPORT
- The Greenport Fire Department carnival will once again feature a pair fireworks displays in honor of the holiday. They are scheduled Thursday, July 5 (rain date: July 6), and Saturday, July 7, at 10 p.m. The carnival runs from 6 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, through Saturday, July 7, at the Polo Grounds on Moores Lane.
ORIENT
- A fireworks display over Orient Harbor is set for Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 9:15 p.m. The fireworks will be visible from the causeway and along the shores surrounding Hallocks Bay.
- The Peconic Cruise Line is offering a special outing to watch the Orient fireworks from the water. The ticket includes a complimentary hero and side salads. Cocktails, local wines, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available to purchase. Bonus: When Orient’s show ends, you will be able to look toward the southern skies and watch Sag Harbor’s display from afar. The cruise line is also offering a similar boat ride on Saturday, July 7 for the Shelter Island fireworks.
- The Oysterponds Historical Society is hosting its annual Heritage Day on Sunday, July 1. The parade starts at noon at the Civil War Monument on Village Lane in Orient and is followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old Point Schoolhouse. Then there will be hot dogs, music and games at Poquatuck Park.
SHELTER ISLAND
- Shelter Island Historical Society’s 6th annual Car Show this Saturday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is expected to bring over 130 classic, antique and vintage vehicles to Fireman’s Field. There will also be food, drinks, prizes and family fun. The rain date is Sunday, July 1.
- Shelter Island’s 61st annual fireworks display, usually visible from parts of Southold, will take place Saturday, July 7, from 9 to 9:45 p.m. on Crescent Beach (rain date: July 8).
- The Shelter Island Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first Annual Sand Castle Building Contest on Crescent Beach on Sunday, July 8. The contest will directly follow the free family concert at Perlman Music Program, also located on Shore Road. Judging will be held at 3:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available, as well as several family friendly raffle prizes to win.
