Whether it’s barbecuing in the backyard, going to the beach or watching a parade and fireworks, many people cherish their Fourth of July traditions.

The town of Cornwall has a whole day of festivities that have become part of a tradition for many New York families.

What You Need To Know

  • The town of Cornwall's Fourth of July traditions date back to 1950. 

  • The early days of the festivities included a parade, fireworks and a pageant to tell the story of Cornwall during the Revolutionary War.

  • The celebration continues on with added activities, such as races, live music, a pet show, a pie eating contest and more.

It’s a community Fourth of July celebration dating back to 1950.

“Our children and others come back year after year,” said Sally Faith Dorfman, a Cornwall Independence Day Committee member. “It means so much to all of us. It's a unique thing that our town does and sustains.”

Dorfman was just a baby when her parents began organizing Cornwall’s Independence Day celebration with a parade and fireworks display as an educational project.  

“We would answer the phone starting the end of June saying, ‘Fourth of July headquarters,’ that's what it felt like,” Dorfman said.  

Introducing a historical pageant in 1952, the family and community members began telling the story of what took place in Cornwall during the Revolutionary War times.

“These were the stories that we told so that those of us growing up here learned what's now told taught in fourth grade,” Dorfman said. “We would hear it every year on the Fourth of July and come to appreciate it from more mature perspectives as we matured.”

Although it’s evolved over time, the pageant, parade and fireworks continue each year, and more traditions have begun, including a pet show, pie eating contest, duck derby and races.

“You could feel the love. You feel the vibe,” said Phylis Murphy, chair of the Cornwall Independence Day Committee. “Everybody is just here to have a great, patriotic time. We have so much energy.” 

From entertainment, to food, competitions and plenty of games, Cornwall’s Fourth of July celebration offers activities for people of all ages.

“We come here every year. There are contests that you can win and I just really like it,” said 8-year-old Fiona Lavelle.

It’s a tradition that brings people from near and far together.

“People are rooted in this community and we open our doors to all other communities,” Murphy said.