Fourth Of July Events Scheduled For Thursday

An aerial drone photo high above Mayville, overlooking Chautauqua Lake, during a Fourth of July fireworks display, 2020. Submitted photo
As New Yorkers head out to celebrate Independence Day, known also as the Fourth of July, The Post-Journal has assembled a list of activities and tips on how to make the most of the nation’s birthday.
The U.S. is officially 247-years old and patriotic celebrations, recreational activities and educational programing is bountiful around Chautauqua County. Here is a list:
– Bemus Point: The village’s fireworks display will be held from 10 to 11 p.m. For more information visit visitbemuspoint.com
– Mayville: Mayville’s Fourth of July Celebration will kick off with its grand parade on Route 394 starting at 10 a.m. Thursday followed by a petting zoo, live music, food, games and more at Lakeside Park on Route 394. For more information visit tourchautauqua.com.
– Lakewood: The YMCA’s annual Firecracker run, walk and race will begin at 9:05 a.m. The 10K run is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Registration ends at 9:59 p.m. Wednesday. The race starting point is at Chautauqua Avenue and East Terrace Avenue. For more information see runsignup.com. Lakewood’s Fourth of July Summerfest: From 6 to 10 p.m. music, vendors and more will fill Chautauqua Avenue before the 10 p.m. fireworks display. For more information visit tourchautauqua.com
– Findley Lake: The Fourth of July in Findley Lake features a duck race, boat parade, flare lighting and fireworks. Plus, live music at Alexander’s on the Lake from 1-4 p.m. The duck race will take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Waterwheel Overlook. Flares will be put around the lake and lit before the fireworks at 10 p.m. For more information visit visitfindleylake.com
– Dunkirk: Back to the Eighties party. Vendors open at 11 a.m.; Party McFly at 2 p.m.; Furious George at 4:30 p.m.; Nerds Gone Wild at 7 p.m. and the Starfire Corporations Fireworks Display at 9:30 p.m. For more information visit tourchautauqua.com
– Chautauqua Institution: The institution will hold its annual Children’s School Parade to Bestor Plaza. Singing patriotic songs, music and fun will be on the menu with the Thursday Morning Brass, which will perform at the Colonnade. For more information visit www.chq.org
According to the American Red Cross, the following are suggestions for keeping safe this Fourth of July.
Fireworks: Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging; keep a supply of water close by as a precaution; make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection; light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud” and store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Grilling: Grilling fires spark more than 10,000 home fires on average each year in the U.S. To avoid this, always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited; never grill indoors , including a house, camper, tent or any enclosed area, and make sure everyone stays away from the grill, including children and pets. Keep the grill away from the house or anything that could catch fire and use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.
Water Safety/Swimming: talk to children, including older youth and teenagers, about water safety. Make sure the area is designated for swimming and has lifeguards on duty; designate a water watcher whose sole responsibility is to supervise people during any in-water activity until the next person takes over and kiddie or inflatable pools can be a great way to have fun. Drain the water from the pool and flip it over after swim time is over.
For more information visit redcross.org/watersafety and redcross.org