POUGHKEEPSIE - Hundreds of proud Americans gathered along the shore of the Hudson River at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie Saturday evening for a Fourth of July celebration to remember.

While some municipalities, including Yonkers, cancelled their fireworks because of budget constraints, the City of Poughkeepsie hosted its first fireworks show since the 1980’s.  The festivities received a warm reception amongst members of the community.

Before sunset, fun for everyone at Waryas Park

Then, everybody's favorite ... spectacular fireworks

Anyone who attended during the day or early evening was able to enjoy live music, barbecued food, numerous children’s activities including a moon bounce obstacle course, and free rides on the John Jay Harvey Fireboat. The evening’s events were kicked off by a dazzling light show display projected on plumes of water being shot into the air by the Fireboat. The fireworks followed shortly after and proved to be a sight to remember as numerous other displays could be seen in conjunction all along the banks of the Hudson.

Thirty-year resident of Poughkeepsie Shawn Horton said she was in attendance for the last fireworks show years ago and this time there was definitely “lots more people” and “a lot more energy.”  

“You can feel it in the air, it’s nice” Horton said.

Aside from bringing tourism and money to the area’s local businesses, Horton noted that festivities like this really bring members of the community together.

It was a welcome diversion from the recent crime spree experienced in Poughkeepsie Horton said.

“You don’t think about it. You see a lot of families having fun and kids having fun and it takes your mind off of the murders and things of that nature.”  

Shawn Horton was accompanied by her 8 year old niece Sahanah who said her favorite part of the day, prior to the fireworks, was “going on the rides and going on the obstacle course.”

Another spectator, Gail Emich, who was born, raised, and currently resides in the Town of Poughkeepsie added that these types of festivities do wonders for the community by saying, “They definitely help and we need more of them.” Rob Emich then elaborated on Gail’s words saying that, “Everybody’s having a good time, everybody’s mixed up, it’s diversity but there’s nothing happening here that’s bad. It’s great and we definitely need more.”