June 29 – Happy Birthday America! (Sorry, this is too big to wait for later in the column!) On July 4, 1776, our Founding Fathers in unity with the entire Continental Congress declared through resolution the birth of a new nation. Born of the common ideal that a people could self-govern through law, our first American President George Washington described the United States of America as an “experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people” during his First Inaugural Address in 1789.

With kid gloves, each of us holds our future in our hands. Truly a government founded in the concept of the power of the people. We do so through elections, participation in causes to help others, defending our country, seeking common good and so much more. So, as we celebrate our 250 years of this “experiment,” let us remember the ultimate goal of our Founding Fathers: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Whether good or bad times, we strive to be that more perfect Union!

And with the pursuit of happiness in mind, there are many celebrations taking place along with other great events in this coming week.

To start the celebrations, The Sullivan County Judiciary, in partnership with the New York State Unified Court System’s Third Judicial District, invites the public to an Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 2 at noon on the lawn of the Sullivan County Courthouse in Monticello. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in Courtroom One of the Lawrence H. Cooke Memorial Courthouse. The event is free and open to the public.

The ceremony will be followed by light refreshments on the courthouse lawn. Local dignitaries and community leaders are expected to participate with members of the Sullivan County Bench playing a central role in the program. The public is encouraged to arrive early and bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Bring the whole family for an evening of patriotic fun and a dazzling fireworks show you won’t want to miss by The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark. This is a free community event. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:00PM at Concord Commons.

Don’t miss the 4^th of July Celebration hosted by Liberty Rising on Main Street in Liberty on July 4 starting at 10 AM. Parade begins at Noon with line-up behind the Liberty Elks Building. Food, music, vendors, fun, festivities, and fireworks! For more information email: ritademayo@gmail.com.

To conclude the holiday weekend, visit The Bradstan Cabaret Stage at The Eldred Preserve on July 5, as the incomparable Liz Callaway brings her acclaimed Stephen Schwartz tribute show to this unique setting, transforming the room into an evening of Broadway music, storytelling, and unforgettable cabaret. Doors open 5:30 – show 7pm. Call 845-557-8316.

The first day of Sullivan Fresh Mobile Markets begins on July 1, with stops in Fallsburg! Look for the colorful Sullivan Fresh van to shop! The first stop of the day will be at the Woodridge Municipal Lot (10 AM – 11 AM), second stop will be at the Fallsburg Town Hall (Noon – 1:30 PM), with the third stop at the Loch Sheldrake Public Parking Lot (3 PM – 4:30 PM.) Stop by for farm fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt, eggs, and local NYS products like maple syrup and honey. Pay your way! They accept Cash, Credit/Debit, SNAP/EBT, Fresh Connect Checks, Fresh Rx Coupons, Double Up Food Bucks, Sullivan Fresh Bucks, and FMNP Coupons. For more information and other locations throughout the season, call 845 292-6180.

The Tri-Valley FFA Future Farmers Stand is officially up and open for the community on the Route 55 side of the Tri-Valley High School. An array of vegetable plants and some flowers that were grown in the greenhouse along with additional items to be rotated as available as the season goes on! There is also a cooler in the bottom that eggs will be placed in as the chickens start to really produce! Everything is free but donations are appreciated if you want to give to support the program. This farm stand was made possible by a grant through New York Ag Ed Outreach and through the skills of the industrial Arts department led by Todd Huebsch and Shaun Towne!

Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre presents an inspiring and meaningful evening: Breaking Barriers and Understanding Disability with Lee Brian Karasik on Thursday, July 2 at 6PM. A Sullivan County native born with Cerebral Palsy, Lee shares his powerful journey as a musician, photographer, EMT, and advocate—offering personal stories and insights that promote understanding, inclusion, and respect for people of all abilities with an open Q & A. All ages and abilities are welcome, and the location is fully ADA compliant. Admission is free. For more information contact HPAC at 845 985- 4722. Come listen, learn, and be part of an important community conversation. 

Happy Birthday Shiley Felder, Carol Paty, Mona Tugender, (6/30), Rebecca Perlman, Cathy Paty, Jodi VanSanders (7/1), Suellen Magnetico, Jennifer Gorr, Perry Gibs (7/2), Maureen Velten, Lori Rae Silvers, Sarah McClernon Sachs, Sandy Monroe (7/3), United States, Sue Mapledoram, Michael Mednick, Marie Ng, Tom Ellison (7/4), Kristen McEneaney, Kathi Widmann, Legislator Luis Alvarez (7/6).

Celebrate safely and enjoy the wonderful Sullivan County Summer ahead! And, as always, just in case I really don’t “Know It All,” please keep me in the know by emailing me at LoriJames.SCDemocrat@gmail.com.