Where to celebrate The Fourth of July or Canada Day with a bang

As Canada Day and the Fourth of July approach, you might be wondering how best to celebrate. Next week, communities all across the North Country will offer public displays of fireworks. A change in state law may also play a part in your plans for observance.

Here is a list of celebrations for Canadians looking to honor the birth of their nation on Canada Day, July 1, 2016:

• Brockville at 10 P.M. in Blockhouse Island
• Cornwall at 10 P.M. in Lamoreux Park, following day-long festivities
• Kingston at 10 P.M. in Confederation Park, following day-long festivities
• Ottawa at at 10 P.M. on Parliament Hill, with a potential visit from the Queen

Here is a list of fireworks displays in the North Country to help Americans get in touch with their inner patriot:

On July 1st:

• CANCELLED: Watertown at Thompson Park

On July 2nd:

• Hannawa Falls at dusk at Postwood Park
• Indian Lake at Byron Park
• Minerva at Minerva Public Beach
• North Creek at the Route 28 Ski Bowl Park
• Queensbury at Six Flags Great Escape
• Speculator at Speculator Public Beach
• Ticonderoga at Bicentennial Park
• Westport at 9:30 P.M. at Westport Beach, following a 5 P.M. parade

On July 3rd:

• Clayton at Riverside Drive
• Essex at 9:30 off Bluff Point
• Hague in the Town Park
• Massena at 10:15 at the St. Lawrence Center
• Morristown at dusk behind the fire station
• Queensbury at Six Flags Great Escape
• Ticonderoga at Bicentennial Park
• Tupper Lake at Municiple Park

On July 4th:

• Alexandria Bay at Boldt Castle
• Bolton Landing at Rogers Memorial Park
• Gouverneur at Gouverneur Fair Ground
• Inlet at Arrowhead Park
• Lake George at Shepards Park on Canada Street
• Lake Placid at 9:30 over Mirror Lake, following celebrations at Mid’s Park
• Long Lake at the Town Beach
• Norwood in Farm field off Morgan St.
• Old Forge at Old Forge Pond
• Plattsburgh in Downtown Plattsburgh
• Queensbury at Six Flags Great Escape
• Raquette Lake on the Village Green
• Sackets Harbor at the Battlefield State Historic Site
• Saranac Lake at dusk over Flower Lake, following all-day festivities at Riverside Park
• Schroon Lake on Main Street
• St. Regis Falls
• Ticonderoga at Bicentennial Park

Good news for those celebrants who want to take nationalism into their own hands! Fireworks stands have popped up all over the North Country in the past few days, drawing both curiosity and excitement. According to Syracuse.com, New York has allowed counties to approve the use of fireworks in the weeks leading up to the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. Most of the counties in the North Country have approved the use of small fireworks, with the exception of Hamilton County.

Those eighteen years of age and older can purchase sparklers, sparkling fountains, snakes, poppers, and snappers for their own use this year. But take heed, pyrotechnical patriot! Fireworks can be dangerous. Firework users are advised to abide by these safety guidelines from the National Council on Firework Safety when enjoying explosive entertainment.