Independence Day goes off with a bang in Oneonta

By KEVIN LIMITI • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

ONEONTA — Independence Day on Sunday, July 4, drew thousands to the parade and Neahwa Park for fireworks and festivities with the day being dedicated to the essential workers during the COVID crisis.

Mayor Gary Herzig repeatedly said throughout the day that without the essential workers, this day would not have been possible.

“They were here for us all year,” Herzig said prior to the fireworks as he thanked healthcare workers, retail workers, bus drivers and all essential workers.

Herzig, along with mayoral candidate Len Carson and others, also participated in a dunk tank with proceeds going to charity.

During the parade, Oneonta resident and Ninja Warrior contestant Anthony Eardley showed off his skills during the parade by doing stunts on a obstacle structure on top a car.

At Neahwa Park, people lined up to get fried dough, funnel cakes, food from Brooks BBQ, blooming onions and other festive foods.

Herzig reiterated during the parade how important essential workers were to things opening up in Oneonta and the country.

“We were only able to do this because everyone sacrificed and everyone did the right thing,” Herzig said.