16 This Week in the Poconos
4 th of July Fun: Fi reworks, Fes t ivals & Parades As the quintessential 4th of July celebration, fireworks filling the night sky never cease to awe. The first Independence Day was celebrated with bonfires, bells and fireworks on July 4, 1777 in Philadelphia. The Pocono Mountains, less than 100 miles from the birthplace of Independence, likewise boast a long history of patriotic festivities that make this region the ideal place to celebrate Independence.
Shawnee-on-Delaware’s Shawnee Mountain kicks off this year’s celebrations on July 3, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with its Independence Day fireworks and festivities, featuring a DJ, stilt walk performer, magic show and loads of food and craft vendors. Cost is $10 per carload and all proceeds benefit the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company. Rain date: July 7. Info: (570) 421-7231, www.shawneemt.com. Also on July 3: fireworks in downtown Honesdale. The American Freedom Festival in East Stroudsburg’s Dansbury Park offers family friendly fun from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Bring your own picnic lunch or try out dishes presented by the many food vendors. With an amusement park featuring carnival rides, boardwalk-style games, clowns, magicians and face painters, the Freedom Festival is a huge hit with children. Artisans, merchants, exhibits and demonstrations make the event equally fun for adults. A fireworks finale brings the day to fitting close. Info: (570) 421-8300, www.eastburgalliance.com. In lovely Hawley, the dazzling Fireworks Display Over Lake Wallenpaupack is accompanied by a patriotic music radio broadcast (FM 105.3). Taking place on the 4th next to the Wallenpaupack Area High School, the fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Bleachers for spectators open at 7 p.m. Boaters can take in the extravaganza right on the lake. Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour (570) 226-3293, www.wallenpaupackboattour.com) offers a special 4th of July cruise that puts you in the perfect spot for viewing the fireworks. Or you can rent a boat from Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals, located in the Lakeside Country Plaza in Tafton, which offers a large selection of boats. For more information: (570) 226-3930, www.rubberduckieboatrentals.com. In the northern part of the region, Scranton’s famous fireworks show begins after dusk. The best seat for watching the show, which
Lake Wallenpaupack