FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES
Your guide to fireworks, fun across Western Mass.
Star Spangled Springfield fireworks: Behind the scenes of 40-year partnership
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
For more than three decades, Fireworks by Grucci has been responsible for lighting up the night sky for Springfield’s Fourth of July celebration.
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
Early colonists came to America in the 1600s and 1700s in pursuit of economic opportunity and political freedom from the British. Their journey to freedom began in 1775 with what is referred to as the “shot heard around the world” —
Now going into its 40th year of operations in Springfield, company President and CEO Phil Grucci credited his business’ long-standing relationship with the Spirit of Springfield for the annual event’s success.
“If it wasn’t for the strength of the team from the Springfield side, working very closely with our team, the show wouldn’t be as successful,” Grucci said, adding that Judith Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield, is “almost like a big sister to us.”
This year’s Star Spangled Springfield celebration kicks off on Friday at Riverfront Park at 6 p.m., but the real draw of the night is, of course, the big fireworks show that closes the evening. Set-up for the show began on Tuesday, when Fireworks by Grucci personnel arrived in Springfield, and it takes the whole week to make sure the show is a big success.
Prior to this year’s Fourth of July spectacle, Grucci spoke with The Republican about the planning behind this year’s show and what he enjoys most about his 40-year partnership with the Spirit of Springfield. The following interview has been edited for
At top, Fireworks by Grucci fill Springfield’s skies during a past Fourth of July celebration, Star Spangled Springfield, at Riverfront Park. Above, families of all ages enjoy the fireworks show. At left, a guest at Riverfront Park in Springfield awaits the start of the fireworks during a past year.
(THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTOS)
The crew from Fireworks by Grucci sets up the pyrotechnic display at the Springfield Department of Public Works on Tapley Street in preparation for Springfield's Fourth of July celebration in 2019. Otto Ambuhl of Mechanicville, New York, who works for Grucci Fireworks, is securing the tubes in place. Above, Grucci fireworks fill the night sky at a past celebration. (THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTOS)
Scenes
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length and clarity.
Q. Going into year 40, what has your approach been like to keep the show fresh each year?
A. Yeah, that’s a tough one, right? I mean, 40 years, how do you keep increasing or keep making it different or new? A lot of it revolves around what’s happening that year. We think about that particular year, “What are we celebrating?” We develop new products, new colors, but there’s also a soundtrack element to it. I think the program has a lot of exciting, upbeat music, but we also intentionally select some more solemn, calm and rhythmical type music, as well. It’s a combination of the musical track and what the theme of the year is. And this year we’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army in May. There’s a lot to be thankful for, for their service to us. Then next year will be the big one — the 250th anniversary of the country is coming next year.
“We’re able to deliver something that, where for those 25 minutes that the show is performing, people aren’t texting about problems they have or things that are happening in the world. For 20 minutes, you can just shut all that off.”
Phil Grucci, president and CEO, Grucci Fireworks
So that’s how we change it up, and we try to come up with different combinations of products. We have about 3,000 different effect lines in our inventory, so we don’t shoot them all in one year. There are effects that you’ll have in the program that we’ve not seen before (in Springfield), and that may just be a color combination or something (extra).
Q. Wow, if you’re already thinking about next year’s show, that must mean planning starts early, right?
A. It all starts right after the show is over with a debrief of that year, and then we talk about what we are planning for next year. In this one, it will be easy to sit down and say, “What are we planning for next year? Well, it’s the 250th anniversary of the country.”
But we have to be cautious (with the process), because we look at what’s happening this year and years past on the Fourth of July. It’s our peak moment. If we have any equipment laying around on the shelves this year, we’re doing something wrong. They’re all
out. So next year, being it’s as big as it is, you have to be careful with your capacity to make sure that you have the properly trained people out there with the right equipment. So it’s a delicate balance reacting to the enormity of the event, but also making sure that you’re prepared for it, too. So yeah, it’s going to be starting soon — it’s already started.
Q. Going into this milestone event, what is your favorite part about putting on this show and being part of the Fourth of July celebration here in Springfield?
A. My favorite part is always hearing the accolades after the show is over with. Naturally, the pressure of performance is always there, so the pressures of performing on a live stage are satisfied or quenched, if you will, by the enormity of the responses you get from the audience. The finale is always nice when you hear everybody in the crowd roar.
We have the honor, we have this beautiful medium that we work with, and we’re able to
deliver something that, where for those 25 minutes that the show is performing, people aren’t texting about problems they have or things that are happening in the world. For 20 minutes, you can just shut all that off. No matter what age
they are, you look at the faces, and they’re all the same. The eyes are wide open; the mouth is open. That’s a special thing for us to be able to deliver that kind of emotion.
Admission to Star Spangled Springfield is free.
Fourth
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when local militia clashed with British soldiers in the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Then on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, calling for the American colonies to secede from Great Britain. But it would not be until 1783 when the Revolutionary War ended with victory by the Americans that the United States would be recognized as an independent nation.
On Friday, the Fourth of July — also known as Independence Day — the nation will celebrate the birth of American independence as it has for the past 249 years with great fanfare including parades, town festivals, concerts, picnics, more intimate family gatherings and the red, white and “boom” of fireworks.
Today, that tradition continues in Springfield and surrounding communities, including the popular Star Spangled Springfield event
on July 4, which each year attracts thousands of partygoers to Riverfront Park to celebrate America’s birthday.
“Since 1989, the Spirit of Springfield has created feel-good events like our Star Spangled Springfield on the Fourth of July, which brings people together from diverse communities throughout Springfield and beyond to celebrate in unity everything that makes this great democracy of ours so cherished.
Friday’s annual event at Riverfront Park is a fitting celebration of our nation’s 249th birthday, complete with good food, good music, good company and, of course, spectacular fireworks by pyrotechnic artists Fireworks by Grucci,” said Judith A. Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield.
This year’s Star Spangled Springfield is once again sponsored for the 19th year by MassMutual.
“Independence Day unites Americans in celebration of and thanks for the freedoms we all hold dear. MassMutual is happy to support the
Above is a scene from a past year’s East Longmeadow Carnival at Center Field — this year’s carnival runs tonight, from 6-10 p.m., and Friday, from noon4 p.m. At left, a bubble machine adds a festive flair to a past year’s Fourth of July parade in East Longmeadow. This year’s parade will step off from East Longmeadow High School on Friday at 10 a.m. (THE REPUBLICAN / FILE PHOTOS)
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849 431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird
6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15
Open Seating
2 Halls for Players
Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
WEDNESDAY
Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm.
Minimum Admission $50 1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
2 - $500 Cover Alls
3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with
THURSDAY
Fairview Knights of Columbus
1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011
DOORS OPEN 4:30PM MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Min. Entry Package $15
Keyla Pinto and Italo Bruno play a water game during a past Fourth of July weekend celebration at Six Flags New England in Agawam. (HOANG 'LEON' NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
Slide into Fourth of July
Take a ride on a giant fun slide at the East Longmeadow Fourth of July Carnival, open tonight from 6-10 p.m. and tomorrow from noon-4 p.m. Admission to the carnival is free, and tickets for the amusement rides — like the slide — can be purchased in-person at Center Field. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN
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Spirit of Springfield again this year and help bring a truly great July 4th celebration to Springfield and the region, said Dennis Duquette, head of community responsibility at MassMutual, in a news release about the event.
It all begins at 6 p.m. with face painting and balloon artists until 8 p.m. At 7 p.m., a performance of the national anthem will precede welcoming remarks and the introduction of special guests from the USS Massachusetts nuclear attack submarine. Remarks will include David Halasi-Kun, base commander at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, as well as Duquette and Matt.
There also will be a flyover by two F-15s from the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes.
“There is nothing more exciting than the exhilarating sights and earth-shaking sounds of a military flyover filling everyone below with a sense of national pride for our nation’s overall strength and power to protect its citizens,”
Matt said. She noted there will also be a very special guest at this year’s event sporting white hair, goatee and dressed in a patriotic outfit of top hat, tailcoat and striped trousers.
“We are going to have a 30-foot-tall Uncle Sam that once stood proudly outside Mutual Ford in Springfield before being purchased by the long-closed Plantation Inn. He is now back in his Springfield home after recently being purchased by Charlie Arment Trucking,” Matt said.
This year’s musical entertainment will be provided by Maxxtone, who will take to the stage at 7:15 p.m. Maxxtone, a four-member musical ensemble, will mix a concert’s worth of cover songs from the ’60s to today.
Food and beverages will be available in the park from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Options will include Batch Ice Cream, Anna’s Fried Dough, Mathis Munchies, Elegant Affairs with hamburgers, hot dogs, rice with pork and beans, sausage and pepper grinders, walking tacos, kabobs, lemonade, water, soda, beer, wine, and more.
The Springfield Water Department will dispense refreshing
local water from 4 to 8 p.m. Then, at 9:30 p.m., all eyes will be on the skies for fireworks that will be choreographed to music broadcast on Mix 93.1FM and in Riverfront Park.
An armed services medley will begin the fireworks followed by “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen, “America” by Neil Diamond, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John, “This Girl Is On Fire” by Alicia Keys, “God Bless America” by Celine Dion, “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood, “America the Beautiful” by Ray Charles, ending with Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes.”
In addition to MassMutual, Star Spangled Springfield is supported by 90 Meat Outlet, Affordable Waste Solutions, American Medical Response (AMR), Charlie Arment Trucking, Elegant Affairs, iHeart Media (Mix 93.1 FM), Joseph Freedman
pets, no alcohol, no smoking, no bicycles, no skateboards, no roller blades, no drones, no sparklers and no illegal fireworks in and around Riverfront Park.
In order to prepare for the fireworks, the Memorial Bridge, where they are shot off, will close to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic on July 3 at 11 p.m.
For more information about Star Spangled Springfield, visit spiritofspringfield.org or contact the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800.
Among the other celebrations with and without fireworks planned to honor our nation’s birthday are:
Company, Key Bank, MGM Springfield, Michael’s Party Rentals, Quality Beverage, Sheraton Springfield, Springfield Parking Authority, The Republican, WWLP-22News, and the City of Springfield including the building, fire, parks, police and public works departments.
For the public’s safety, officials will be enforcing no
• Agawam: Six Flags New England will celebrate all that America has to offer with fireworks each night at 9:30 p.m., from July 4-6. By day, stroll the park and enjoy classic Americana décor, themed entertainment and activities at the Main Street Gazebo and Gotham City before the fireworks end the night in a spectacular show of light, color and big booms. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Visit Six Flags New England’s website for more information on hours, admission prices and more.
• Amherst: The town of Amherst will host its annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks on July 3 at UMass Amherst’s McGuirk Alumni Stadium South Lawn. The free event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., features
/ THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
Two very patriotic dogs are dressed in their Fourth of July best for a previous year’s parade in East Longmeadow.
(THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTO)
Plenty of local musical sparklers for Independence Day
ACTIVITIES SURrounding Independence Day mainly focus on fireworks and food, but here in this column we like to highlight more events that feature folk or funk.
With that in mind, here is a list of diverse musical offerings that you can enjoy coming up over the Fourth of July weekend.
Starting on July 3, you might want to sit outdoors and hear the Expandable Brass Band at the Florence Summer Concert Series. The music starts at 6:30 p.m. and is held on the Florence Civic Center lawn at 90 Park St. in the Florence section of Northampton. July 3 will also see the Hilltown Ham Hocks play at the Mount Holyoke Summit House in Hadley. The band
plays modern folk with oldtime roots, and will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and can be found at friendsofmhr.org. There are just 110 advance tickets available for indoor seating. (There will be 60 “porch seating” tickets, available for $15 on the day of the show.) Summit House is at 10 Skinner State Park Road in Hadley. Jazz is considered uniquely
American music, so you might want to sample that genre for Independence Day. If so, you can find it on July 3 on the grounds of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, where Ben Malynoski Plus 2, a saxophone trio, will play at 5 p.m. The venue is at 125 West Bay Road in Amherst. On July 4 itself, most venues are closed, but you can head
RED, WHITE & BLUE
The Republican’s top movie recommendations for the Fourth of July
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
This Fourth of July, the best way to feel patriotic might just be to watch “Top Gun,” an action flick set aboard the USS Enterprise, or “Hamilton,” a musical that tells the story of America’s Founding Fathers.
Patriotism is facing a crossroads this year, with many people split about the state of the country six months into Donald Trump’s second presidency. The spring 2025 Harvard Youth Poll, which surveyed 2,000 Americans between 18 and 29 years old, found that only 41% of young Americans are proud to be from the U.S., while a mere 15% of young people believe the country is heading in the right direction.
The Fourth of July falls on a Friday this year, so what better way to prepare for a weekend of fireworks than by streaming one of the titles below?
It might not be enough to convert the skeptics, but it might remind you what the spirit of America is all about.
‘Top Gun’ (1986)
The original “Top Gun” film is a still a beloved classic after three decades, and not just because of Tom Cruise taking Hollywood by storm in the leading role of U.S. Navy aviator Lt. Peter “Maverick” Mitchell. The action scenes make you feel like you are sitting in U.S. fighter jets, and that’s because, in a way, you are. The aerial scenes in “Top Gun” are
not the work of CGI — those in-air battles between U.S. and Russian jets were shot in real-time over the Naval Air Station in Fallon, Nevada. When the fighter jets land at the USS Enterprise, it’s not a Hollywood recreation — it’s the real thing.
“Top Gun” can be streamed on Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV and Fandango at Home. If that’s not enough, then 2022’s sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick,” can also be streamed on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Paramount+.
SEE MOVIES, PAGE D11
The spring 2025 Harvard Youth Poll, which surveyed 2,000 Americans between 18 and 29 years old, found that only 41% of young Americans are proud to be from the U.S., while a mere 15% of young people believe the country is heading in the right direction.
George Lenker
LIVE WIRE
Above, from left, are scenes from “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Top Gun” and “Civil War,” some of The Republican’s top recommendations for movies to watch this Fourth of July weekend.
These 4,000 dogs are competing in showdown
spectacular fireworks at dark, live entertainment, food vendors, White Lion Beer Garden, and a range of family-friendly activities. The Friends of Amherst Recreation will accept donations, with a suggested contribution of $1 per person, to help cover the cost of fireworks and other entertainment. Free parking will be available in UMass lots 11, 21, 22 and 33, with accessible parking available by entering Lot 11A. Rain date is July 6.
• East Longmeadow:
The Fourth of July holiday is celebrated in a big way in East Longmeadow, with a carnival at Center Field sponsored by the East Longmeadow Rotary Club that runs on July 3 from 6-10 p.m. and on July 4 from noon to 4 p.m.
Food, drinks and amusement ride passes are available for purchase. Public parking lots are nearby.
Due to construction underway at East Longmeadow High School, the town’s traditional fireworks display is being replaced with a laser light show and concert to be held on July
Yankee Classic Cluster Dog Shows return to Eastern States Exposition
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican WEST
SPRINGFIELD — It’s a “dogeat-dog” world out there where people, at least some, are fiercely competitive.
You can find some of them,
both the humans and dogs, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield this weekend, where it will be handler against handler and dog against dog at the annual Yankee Classic Cluster Dog Shows.
The stars of the show, running now through July 6, are from the Holyoke Kennel Club, Kenilworth Kennel Club, Farmington Valley Kennel Club and
3 at Mapleshade Elementary School on Mapleshade Avenue. Trailer Trash will perform at 7 p.m. and the light show will start at 9 p.m. Mapleshade Avenue will be one-way traffic only to allow for parking from Porter Road to Elm Street. Rain date is July 5. Then on July 4 at 10 a.m. there will be an old-fashioned display of patriotism, with a parade from the town’s high school, heading down Maple Street to North Main Street to Mapleshade Avenue to Elm Street and ending at Birchland Park School.
• Greenfield: There are
two opportunities to watch fireworks paint the sky red, white, and blue this weekend in picturesque Greenfield. It all begins on July 4 when the Franklin County Fairgrounds plays host to Green Mind Events Fourth of July FIRE — Food and Fireworks Festival. The event starts at 2 p.m. with food trucks, live music, entertainment for the kids, all kinds of workshops, a beer tent, adult gaming area and more. Fireworks are set for blast off at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $20 online or $15 day of event, with kids under 5 admitted free.
Naugatuck Valley Kennel Club. Shows are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
The public is invited to attend and watch the different competitions — including all-breed, obedience and rally — for free in the Better Living Center.
During the all-breed competitions, canines will be judged against various standards that
There are still more fireworks, food and fun to enjoy after the big day when Greenfield holds its annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on July 5 at Beacon Field. Rain date is July 6. The music — featuring such acts as Well Suited, Janet Ryan and Straight Up, and the Greenfield Community Band — starts at 5 p.m. The fireworks will begin at 9:35 p.m. following the national anthem sung by Leila Bosman.
• North Adams: For an evening of all-American fun, families can grab some tickets to the annual Fourth of July SteepleCats game versus North Shore Navigators at Joe Wolfe Field on July 4 beginning at 5:30 p.m., then stick around for the fireworks, which begin immediately afterward at about 9:30 p.m.
• South Hadley: Fourth of July fireworks begin the night before the big day on July 3 at the Michael E. Smith Middle School on 100 Mosier St. The evening, which begins at 5 p.m., will include food trucks, vendors and fun rides and games for kids. There will be a DJ in the parking lot and the South Hadley Com-
munity Band will perform at 8 p.m., followed by a display of fireworks at 9 p.m. People are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or chairs and plenty of bug spray. Alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed on school grounds. Rain date is July 5.
• Pittsfield: The Berkshire Adult Baseball League will be holding a game at Wahconah Park on July 4 at 6:30 p.m. featuring the Berkshire Bandits versus G.B. Millers. There will be fireworks after the game, which can be viewed outside of the park.
• Williamstown: The Fourth of July in Williamstown is a daylong celebration of free events, beginning at 9 a.m. The day includes a hometown parade, hot dog cookout, readings of the founding documents, music, family events and more — all ending at 9 p.m. with fireworks at Taconic Golf Club. Grounds open at 6 p.m. and they are asking to leave the dogs home and no high heels to protect the property. Visit the Destination Williamstown website — destinationwilliamstown. org — for a complete list of events and times.
Attendees cheer along the route of a past year’s Fourth of July parade in East Longmeadow. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
Above are scenes from past Yankee Classic Cluster Dog Shows at the Eastern States Exposition. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTOS)
SEE DOGS, PAGE D12
TANGLEWOOD 2025
BSO ready to kick off summer season
By K en Ross
Special to The Republican
LENOX — Didn’t get tickets for James Taylor’s Fourth of July show at Tanglewood? You’re not alone.
“It’s one of the earliest events to sell out here at Tanglewood,” said Anthony “Tony” Fogg, vice president of artistic planning for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, during a recent interview.
But don’t worry. There are many more concerts at Tanglewood the same weekend, which also marks the official opening weekend for the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s classical music season at the famous outdoor venue in the Berkshires.
Two piano concertos featuring two of the world’s best pianists.
Beethoven’s famous Fifth Symphony.
July 5th concerts, the BSO’s backstage staff members will have to work late into the night on July 4th, Fogg said.
“They’re the unsung heroes of Tanglewood,” Fogg said.
season.”
Conductor Andris Nelsons leading the Boston Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Dvorak’s Ninth Symphony at Tanglewood in Lenox on July 6, 2019.
A rousing work by Rachmaninoff.
“Our stage crew are faced with very quick turnaround at the venue, which they do with great skill and great efficiency. And so, we’re able to go
The first classical music concert at Tanglewood on Saturday, July 5 starts at 10:30 am in the Shed. That’s when the BSO will hold a rehearsal open to the public, featuring selections from that evening and the next day’s BSO concerts.
The second classical music
concert on July 5 starts at 6 p.m. in the Linde Center for Music and Learning. This intimate, prelude concert will feature fellows from the Tanglewood Music Center (TMC) performing three chamber music pieces, including works by Stravinsky and Mozart. The Tanglewood Music Center highlights young mu-
“Our stage crew are faced with very quick turnaround at the venue, which they do with great skill and great efficiency. And so, we’re able to go from James Taylor one night to the Boston Symphony the next day.”
ANTHONY FOGG, VICE PRESIDENT OF
Plus, three intimate classical music concerts.
“It’s the beginning of a great season of Boston Symphony concerts for this year (at Tanglewood),” Fogg said.
Popular music concerts at Tanglewood this summer have already started and continue through Sept. 5.
James Taylor’s sold-out July 4th concert at Tanglewood starts at 8 pm in The Shed, the larger outdoor venue at Tanglewood.
The next day features three classical music performances at Tanglewood. And in order to get everything ready for the
from James Taylor one night to the Boston Symphony the next day.”
But the preparation for the BSO’s opening weekend at Tanglewood started long before then. In fact, more than a year ago, the plans were already in place for this weekend’s concerts. That’s roughly how long in advance the BSO schedules each upcoming season.
“The planning for summer of 2026 is well underway at this point,” Fogg said. “There’s still a lot of details to be sorted out, but it’s essentially a two-year planning horizon for the Tanglewood
sicians from throughout the world who spend the summer training and performing at Tanglewood.
Then at 8 p.m. on July 5 in The Shed, the BSO officially kicks off its summer season at Tanglewood with an all-Rachmaninoff concert featuring conductor and BSO music director Andris Nelsons and Daniil Trifonov, one of the top pianists performing today. Trifonov will perform Rachmaninoff’s thrilling and challenging Third Concerto. First performed by
(PHOTO BY
HILARY SCOTT, COURTESY OF BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA)
THURSDAY
Amherst 4th of July Celebration: Thu., 5:30-10 p.m. UMass Amherst-McGuirk Alumni Stadium, on the South Lawn next to McGuirk Stadium. The celebration will feature fireworks, live music, food trucks, and family fun. Rain date July 6. Admission is free. Stadium Drive, Amherst.
Jacob's Pillow Dance 2025 Season presents New York Swings: Thu, 5:30 p.m. Jacob's Pillow Dance, New York Swings on the Henry J. Leir Stage. Rain or shine. Tickets from $40. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or www.jacobspillow.org.
Jacob's Pillow Dance 2025 Season presents Bodytraffic: Thu.-Sun., 7:30 p.m. Jacob's Pillow Dance, Bodytraffic in the Ted Shawn Theatre. Tickets start from $65. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or www. jacobspillow.org.
Movies in the Park: "Song of the Sea": Thu., 7:45 p.m. Peskeomskut Park, family-friendly movie. Live music before the movie with Irish fiddle by Kenny Butler at 7:15 p.m., Avenue A and 7th Street, Turners Falls.
South Hadley July 4th Celebration: Thu., 5-10 p.m. Michael Smith Middle School. Rain Date July 5, admission is free. Moiser Street, South Hadley.
Thursday Night Live Music Series: Thu., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Liston's Bar and Grill. Performances will take place outdoors (weather permitting). Guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, but seating is also provided. While outside food or beverages are not allowed, the event will feature their outdoor bar offering a limited selection of food and beverages. In addition, their regular restaurant and menu will be open, with indoor and patio seating available. 324 Old North Road, Worthington, 413238-5353.
Yankee Classic Cluster Dog Shows: Thu.-Sun., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center. Free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-7372443 or www.thebige.com.
FRIDAY
Center for New Americans 17th Annual Naturalization Ceremony: Fri, 11 a.m. Hampshire Superior Courthouse, Celebrate with Center for New Americans at our 17th annual naturalization ceremony on July 4th at 11:00 am at the Hampshire County Courthouse. The ceremony will take place outside on the Courthouse lawn, weather
Bodytraffic
Bodytraffic will perform at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival this weekend. Performances are planned Thursday through Sunday and tickets, which begin at $65, can be purchased on the festival website. The dance group is described by The Boston Globe as having a style that reflects the “invention, attitude and urban edge” of its Los Angeles roots.
permitting, and the public is welcome. More info at cnam.org. Free. 15 Gothic St., Northampton. Jacob's Pillow Dance 2025 Season presents KanKouran: Fri.-Sat., 5:30 p.m. Jacob's Pillow Dance, KanKouran West African Dance Company on the Henry J. Leir Stage. Rain or shine, tickets from $40. 358 George Carter Road, Becket. 413-243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.
Jacob's Pillow Dance 2025 Season presents Bodytraffic: See Thursday listing
Six Flags Fourth of July Celebration: Fri.-Sun., Six Flags New England. Visit www.sixflags.com/ newengland for more information; included with admission to the park. 1623 Main St., Agawam. 413-7869300.
Star Spangled Springfield: Fri., 6-10 p.m. Riverfront Park, Star Spangled Springfield celebrates Independence Day with family-friendly entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display. The activities are held in Riverfront Park. The fireworks are displayed from the Memorial Bridge and can been seen for miles and the music can be heard on Mix 93.1FM, West Columbus Avenue and Memorial Bridge, Springfield.
Yankee Classic Cluster Dog Shows: See Thursday listing
SATURDAY
CitySpace Bluegrass: Pickers, Singers, & Strummers: Sat., Blue Room at CitySpace. Free; all ages are welcome. Bluegrass musician David Clark Carroll and CitySpace presents CitySpace Bluegrass, a new monthly bluegrass jam designed to bring the communi-
ty together in the spirit of music, joy, and good old-fashioned fun. CitySpace Bluegrass will light up the first Saturday of every month from 4–7 p.m. in the heart of downtown Easthampton during Art Walk. Free. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
CitySpace presents Tiny Pop-Up Market: Sat, 4 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, In 2025, CitySpace is hosting a series of mini Pop-Up Markets on the first Saturday of the month from 4-7 p.m. during CitySpace Bluegrass and Art Walk Easthampton. Free. 43 Main St., Easthampton;
Greenfield's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration: Sat., 4:30 p.m. Beacon Field, Come celebrate the nation's 249th independence day with Greenfield's annual fireworks celebration on Saturday, July 5. The festival grounds open at 4 p.m., with the first performance at 5 p.m. Stay for the afternoon into the evening and enjoy front row seats to the firework launch at 9:35 p.m. Visit the “Events” page on greenfieldrecreation.com for more details. Rain date is July 6 at 4:30 p.m. Free. Corner of Beacon, Sanderson and Gerrett Streets, Greenfield.
Jacob's Pillow Dance 2025 Season presents KanKouran: See Friday listing
Jacob’s Pillow Dance 2025 Season presents Bodytraffic: See Thursday listing
Six Flags Fourth of July Celebration: See Friday listing Tanglewood 2025 Season presents BSO: Sat., 8 p.m. Tanglewood, Boston Symphony Orchestra with Andris Nelsons, conductor; Daniil Trifonov, piano. Shed, $43-$223. 297 West St., Lenox. 888-266-1200
or tanglewood.org.
Yankee Classic Cluster Dog Shows: See Thursday listing
SUNDAY
America's Birthday Weekend: Sun, 7-9 p.m. Peskeomskut Park, Free. Avenue A and 7th Street, Turners Falls.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance 2025 Season presents Bodytraffic: See Thursday listing
Six Flags Fourth of July Celebration: See Friday listing Sundays in the Park Music Series: Sun, 12:30 p.m. Lee Congregational Church. The audience is encouraged to bring their own chairs and to bring a picnic or order takeout from any of Lee’s area restaurants. 25 Park Place, Lee; Tanglewood 2025 Season presents BSO: Sun., 2:30 p.m. Tanglewood, Boston Symphony Orchestra with Andris Nelsons, conductor; Yefim Bronfman, piano. Shed, $43$208. 297 West St., Lenox. 888266-1200 or tanglewood.org.
Yankee Classic Cluster Dog Shows: See Thursday listing
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: “The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards” exhibit, through Sept. 14. Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Witch Panic! Massachusetts Before Salem,” through Nov. 2 The exhibition explores how the first instance witchcraft hysteria in the American colonies influenced the early history of the city and how the conversation continues today. Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Portraits in RED: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples Painting Project,” through Sept. 7. In this striking series of portraits, artist and activist Nayana LaFond sheds light on the crisis affecting Indigenous peoples, particularly women, who are eleven times more likely to go missing than the national average. The exhibition is the last time the works will be on view together: at its close, the portraits will be returned to living family members. “Van Gogh for All,” through Sept. 14. ‘YoKai: Japanese Ghosts, Demons and Monsters,” through July 20. In the Starr Gallery of Watercolors. On view for a limited-time only; showcasing a stunning collection of Japanese woodblock prints and decorative arts, this exhibition features the diverse forms and stories of supernatural entities known as yokai.
Springfield Science Museum: “Here Be Dragons,” through Sept. 14, on the Second Floor Changing Exhibits Gallery. “Reputation: Under the Stars in the Seymour Planetarium,” Fri.-Sun. at 4 p.m. The show features the original recordings from Taylor Swift’s 2017 album “Reputation” accompanied by dazzling effects created by a fulldome projector. Permanent exhibit: State-of-the-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station exhibit. The live animal center has been reopened as “Living Waters: From Oceans to Valleys.”
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. Firstfloor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to springfieldmuseums.org.
Quadrangle admission: $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
JACOB’S PILLOW 2025
Museums
Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibits include spaceship, construction site, library, grocery store. Hours: Thur.-Tue., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; open for groups Wed. $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel & teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission; members/ infants free. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum. org.
Anchor House of Artists: Rotating art exhibits, self-staged by fine regional talents. The best leastknown gallery in the Pioneer Valley. Free public receptions on the 2nd Fri. of the month from 5-8 p.m. For more information, email artists@ anchorhouseartists.org, go online to anchorhouseartists.org, or call 413-588-4337. 518 Pleasant St., Northampton Connecticut Trolley Museum: Summertime activities, now through Sept. 1. From interactive exhibits to themed events, the Connecticut Trolley Museum offers a summer experience filled with fun and learning for all ages. For a complete list of activities, visit www.cttrolley.org. 58 North Road, East Windsor.
Edith Wharton — The Mount: Outdoor sculpture: "Sculpture at the Mount,” through Oct. Free and open to the public, 2 Plunkett St., Lenox or www.edithwharton.org.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: "Open + Shut: Celebrating the art of Endpapers,” through Nov. 9. Guest Curated by Bruce Handy. "The Art of Grace Lin: Meeting A Friend in an Unexpected Place,” through Jan. 4. Included with general admission. Permanent exhibit: Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Programs are held Tues. and Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m., free with admission. Museum hours: Wed.-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for
BSO
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Rachmaninoff himself in 1909, the concerto “is a wonderful, sweeping, romantic concerto full of great melodies and a great showcase for Daniil,” Fogg said.
What makes Trifonov such a captivating performer? No matter how challenging or chaotic the music gets, the
a family of four. Sunset Thursdays: July 3, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy breezy, late Thursday evenings while you picnic in the beautiful grounds and take in the rhythms of live jazz and global music. Featured musicians are Ben Malynoski Plus 2 (saxophone trio). 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum.org.
Historic Northampton Museum and Education: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Wed.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 46 Bridge St., Northampton or historic-northampton.org.
Josiah Day House: Permanent exhibit: Featuring guided tours, artifacts, furniture, clothing and documents from 1754-1902. call for open house schedule and individual tours. $3, $1 children 6-12, free for members. 70 Park St., West Springfield, 413-734-8322.
Norman Rockwell Museum: "I Spy! Walter Wick's Hidden Wonders,” through Oct. 26. Permanent exhibit: Gallery. Hours: Thurs.-Mon. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. In July and Aug, museum open Tuesdays noon-7 p.m. Closed Wed. $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retired military; $10 college students; free children ages 18 and under, members and active military. “Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection,” through Jan. 4. Online exhibit: "Imagining Freedom." The exhibition highlights the important role of Norman Rockwell and other artists in advancing and communicating these ideals, envisioned as core human rights for all people. The fee for accessing "Imagining freedom" is $5 for the general public, available on the museum's website at NRM.org. “We Hold These Truths,” July 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in collaboration with The Guthrie Center. Norman Rockwell Museum will celebrate American independence and democracy with a day of holiday programming. Listen to a public recitation of the Declaration of Independence read by Berkshire County community leaders and residents. Enjoy live music by folksinger Doug Mishkin and by performers
34-year-old Russian pianist effortlessly glides between soft, subtle sections in a piece to more powerful, percussive passages without missing a beat. He’s electrifying to watch and listen to, especially when he’s tackling a powerhouse piece like Rachmaninoff’s Third. Sunday, July 6 features two TMC fellow concerts — a chamber music concert at 10 a.m. and a vocal music concert at 7 p.m.
CALENDAR
David Burris is all smiles after a successful catch while playing a game of graces at Old Sturbridge Village in this file photo. The village is hosting a weekend-long Fourth of July celebration Friday through Sunday, with activities for all ages planned.
(HOANG
‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
Annie and Abe Guthrie. “Summer Saturdays for Families,” Sat. through Aug, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Fun and interactive drop-in programs inspired by the art of Norman Rockwell and Walter Wick, creator of the “I Spy” books for children. Drop-in, no reservations required. Free with admission. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm.org. Old Sturbridge Village: CowParade, through Sept. 4. CowParade features more than a dozen life-size cow statues that have been transformed into imaginative works of art by a selection of New England artists. CowParade is the largest public art event in the world and has been to more than 100 cities, including Madrid, London and Tokyo. Visitors to the Village will have the chance to meet these beautiful bovines up close and learn about their unique connections to Old Sturbridge Village and New England. Tickets are available at www.osv.org/cowparade Standard daytime admission is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (55+), $15 for youth (4-17), $15 for college students (with a valid college ID), and free for children 3 and under.
“July 4 Celebration Weekend,” July 4-6, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Join us in celebration of Independence
But the main event on July 6 starts at 2:30 p.m., when the BSO and Nelsons return to The Shed with renowned pianist Yefim Bronfman to perform an all-Beethoven program, including Beethoven’s beloved Fifth Symphony.
The BSO will also perform Beethoven’s “Leonore” Overture No. 2 and Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto with Bronfman.
The “Leonore” overture is
dence and Servitude,” through Oct. 15. A historic house dating to 1752 in Hadley is now open to the public, and offers guided tours Sat.-Wed. from 1-4 p.m. The next Wednesday Folk Traditions concert series is on Wednesday, July 9, with Rebelle. Concerts are held Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm, outside in the Sunken Garden. Admission is $12, $2 for children 16 and under. Cash only. Picnickers are welcome on the museum’s grounds starting at 5 p.m. The museum and its grounds are a smoke-free site. 130 River Drive, Hadley or pphmuseum.org.
Day! Experience fife and drum music, cannon demonstrations (select days), performances, and a parade. Make a tri-corner hat, hear special readings of poetry and the Declaration of Independence, play baseball and other games, marvel at the work of our skilled artisans and tradespeople, and more! Check back closer to the event for a schedule of activities. Plus, grab a bite to eat from the Village Grille and picnic outside (weather permitting). Included with general admission. Route 20, Sturbridge or osv.org.
Pan African Historical Museum USA: Exhibitions by local artists. Hours: Tues.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Free. 1500 Main St., Springfield, 413733-1823.
Polish Center of Discovery and Learning: Permanent exhibit: The Polish Center is open to the public daily Mon.-Fri, 1-5 p.m., except for inclement weather and holidays. Other times may be scheduled by appointment. $5 donation. 33 South St., Chicopee or www. polishcenter.net.
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum: "Forty Acres and the American Revolution: Stories of Indepen-
the first version of the overture for the opera that was eventually revised by Beethoven and transformed into “Fidelio,” the composer’s only opera.
Beethoven’s Third Piano concert kicks off what’s often referred to as the composer’s heroic period, which features many of his most memorable works, including his Fifth Symphony.
“We have two of the greatest pianists of our time perform-
Smith College Museum of Art: Permanent exhibits: "Ancient World Gallery, Beyond the Museum: Art on Smith's Campus." Hours: Tues.Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) is free to all. "Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now,” through July 13. Free. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or scma.smith.edu.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site: Ranger-led interpretive programs offered in the museum in the afternoon. Junior Ranger programs conducted frequently each day. Wed.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield or nps. gov/spar.
Titanic Museum: Permanent exhibit: Exhibits from the collection of the International Titanic Historical Society. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $4, $2 children and students. 208 Main St., Indian Orchard or titanic1.org.
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Permanent exhibit: Guided tours of the first and second floors weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours are on the hour with the last self-guided tour weekdays at 2 p.m. Call to reserve at 413-637-3206. Summer Salon Series: July 5, 11 a.m. "Setting The Table"; learn how to properly set a table as if the Morgans were coming to dinner. 104 Walker St., Lenox or www.gildedage.org.
ing the same weekend,” Fogg said, referring to Trifonov and Bronfman.
Not bad for the first weekend of BSO concerts this summer at Tanglewood.
Tanglewood is located at 297 West St. in Lenox. The summer season at Tanglewood runs through Sept. 5. For more information about these concerts, visit the BSO’s website at www. bso.org/tanglewood
Live Wire
to Just One Moor at The Boathouse (1 Alford St. in South Hadley) where Baird Souls will play acoustic music at 7 p.m.
The centerpiece of the
weekend happens on July 5, when Australian country music star Kasey Chambers plays Northampton’s Iron Horse Music Hall at 7 p.m. Chambers, who has been in the spotlight for more than 25 years, is touring behind her latest album “Backbone.” Chambers has won 14 Aus-
tralian Recording Industry Association Awards and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2018.
Also on July 5, you can catch Doomsday Ladies at Progression Brewing (9 Pearl St. in Northampton) at 7 p.m., All Troy’s Fault headlining at Se7en’s Sports Bar
and Grill (75 Cottage St. in Easthampton) at 9 p.m., and Deadheads playing at The Silos (106 Mill Valley Road in Hadley) at 2 p.m.
The weekend wraps up on July 6 with a chance for dancing at the Marigold Theater in Easthampton. The Butterfly Swing Band
Movies
‘Hamilton’ (2020)
The Broadway phenomenon “Hamilton” combines the tale of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton with a modern score that draws inspiration from R&B, pop, soul and hip-hop. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Hamilton” follows the title character’s journey from an orphaned immigrant to a key figure in the American Revolution, along with his personal relationships with his wife, Eliza Schuyler, her sister, Angelica, and his political rivals Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. The filmed version of the original Broadway production of “Hamilton” is available to stream on Disney+.
‘Jaws’ (1975)
I know what you’re thinking — what does a movie about a man-eating shark have to do
with the Fourth of July? “Jaws,” which set the standard for summer blockbusters, is not only marking its 50th anniversary this year, but the movie is actually set during the Fourth of July weekend. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, follows a massive great white shark as it terrorizes people visiting the small beach town of Amity Island for the holiday. When the mayor won’t close the town’s beaches, Police Chief Martin Brody teams up with marine biologist Matt Hooper and shark hunter Captain Quint to hunt down the shark.
“Jaws” can be streamed on Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.
‘Independence Day’
(1996)
Will Smith leads the fight against aliens in this 1996 sci-fi classic — what’s not to love? Set against the backdrop of the
Fourth of July weekend, the film opens to an all-out alien attack on the United States. Humanity unites on Independence Day — including Marine pilot Steven Hiller (Smith), U.S. President Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pullman) and satellite technician David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) — to save the planet from being obliterated. The president gives a speech in the film that might feel timelier than ever to some of us: “Mankind — that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interest.”
“Independence Day” can be streamed on Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi TV, Fandango at Home and Apple TV.
‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011)
While there are a wealth of Captain America and other
will provide the rhythms for Swing Dance First Sunday, where attendees can get a bit of swing dance instruction at 3 p.m. before the band kicks off the dance party at 4 p.m. The cost is on a sliding scale between $15-$20.
Marigold is located at 84 Cottage St.
superhero-themed movies you can watch this Fourth of July, we picked “The First Avenger” because it is more than just another superhero tale: It’s the tale of how an ordinary man became Captain America. The film introduces us to Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a frail man from Brooklyn who wants to enlist in the U.S. Army but is repeatedly rejected because of his health problems. He catches the attention of a doctor who recruits him for a top-secret government experiment: the Super Soldier Program. He’s injected with a serum that transforms him into a superhuman who is strong, fast and resilient — the Captain America we know today — but not without having to make some sacrifices (and fight some Nazis) along the way.
“Captain America: The First Avenger” can be streamed on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home.
‘The Sandlot’ (1993)
“The Sandlot” is a comingof-age tale that follows the story of Scotty Smalls, who joins a group of local boys that spend their summer playing baseball on a makeshift field known as “The Sandlot.” The boys must band together to rescue a foul ball from the backyard of a neighbor guarded by a dog known as “The Beast.” While the movie is pure nostalgic fun, what really earned “The Sandlot” a spot on this list is perhaps its most iconic scene: on the Fourth of July (of course), the boys play a game of baseball under the fireworks, all while Ray Charles’ “America the Beautiful” plays in the background.
“The Sandlot” can be streamed on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.
‘National Treasure’ (2004)
You might have heard that one joke about Nicolas Cage stealing the Declaration of Independence — it is the internet, after all — but if you’ve ever wondered where that line originated from, look no further. “National Treasure” stars Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian obsessed with finding a secret treasure hidden by the United States’ Founding Fathers. The only problem — the map to that treasure is hidden on the back of the Declaration of Independence. After the historic document is secured, an unlikely team that includes Gates, tech-savvy Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) and National Archives curator Dr. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) follows a series of clues, all tied to American history, to find the promised treasure.
“National Treasure” can be streamed on Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
‘Civil War’ (2024)
“Civil War” is a film that might make you feel uncomfortable, with all of the unsettling headlines we’ve been seeing in the news lately. Here, the protagonists are a team of war journalists, traveling from New York City to Washington, D.C., and capturing the state of a civil war the United States. Rotten Tomatoes noted that the film is “a gorgeously shot cautionary tale full of big ideas and a fantastic performance by Kristen Dunst.” You might finish the film feeling bleak, or — just maybe — you might finish the film with a renewed fire for the America you love, or the America you want to see.
“Civil War” can be streamed on Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda and Phillipa Soo in "Hamilton," the musical theater phenomenon available on Disney+. (COURTESY OF DISNEY PLUS)
have been set for their breed such as weight, bite, size, tail and coat, among other characteristics.
In the obedience trials, dogs will be judged by how well they listen to commands to sit, heel, walk and jump, and also in scent discrimination.
For rally, dogs and their handlers negotiate a course of skills according to sequentially numbered signs.
“We want people to come and watch the shows to learn about the many different breeds and to be a responsible dog owner by purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder. We also want to encourage families to bring the kids along, who can watch our kids showing in rally and obedience trials which may get them interested in obedience training classes for their dog,” said Jane Wilkinson, secretary and AKC delegate for the Holyoke Kennel Club.
More than 4,000 purebred dogs are expected to be shown in competition, including the AKC’s most popular breed, the French bulldog, as well as Australian shepherds, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Doberman pinchers, and many others from among the AKC’s 200 registered breeds.
“Thousands of people come from all over to compete with their dogs or to just watch all the action. Most come from the East Coast, including all six New England states, as well as Canada. And we even see people come up from Florida to get away from the heat,” Wilkinson said.
And so that younger dog owners don’t feel left out, Wilkinson said they will be hosting a Beginners Novice Obedience Trial and Junior Showcase Rally Trial for ages 9-17, where teens can compete in their own age groups for scores and titles separate from the adults. Also, anyone with an AKC
registered dog or one that is part of the AKC Canine Partner Program — you do not have to be showing — can bring them to the show for AKC Temperament Testing on Thursday offered by the Farmington Valley Kennel Club. On Friday, Holyoke Kennel Club will offer AKC Canine Good Citizen Tests.
If you are looking to see something really different, on Saturday and Sunday there will be open shows for rare breeds such as Alaskan Klee Kai, Appenzeller Sennenhunds, Czechoslovakian Vlcaks, and others “you can’t pronounce,” Wilkinson said.
“These are new breeds who have not been registered with the AKC yet but can compete together to earn points separate from other registered breeds. And they may eventually be recognized by the AKC for competition,” she added.
For those who want to do a little shopping while at the show, vendors will be selling a variety of items from dog food and treats to leashes and collars, as well as dog embroidery to place on chairs and clothing. With the recent oppressive heat, Wilkinson reminded dog owners to “keep them cool” during the hot weather.
“Don’t leave them outside in the heat or especially in the car. Take them out early in the morning for playtime before the temperature heats up and have some fresh water ready for them when they come back inside. If you don’t have air conditioning, have a fan nearby for them. And don’t take them out to play again until cooler nighttime temperatures,” she said.
Free judging programs can be picked up at the superintendent’s table in the Better Living Center, providing information on what breed is being judged and when and where. There also will be a more extensive catalog for purchase that provides information if you are looking to purchase a purebred puppy.
