The float from the Blue Mingo, Mingo Market, Sam Smith’s Boatyard and Lake Classic Outfitters took the grand $1,000 prize.
“As part of our 25th anniversary, we thought it only proper that we do something to celebrate all the support the Cooperstown business community has given us over the years,” said Tim Holmes, event planner of Ommegang Brewery.
“We began with a kick off on the prior Friday evening with an open invitation to a social gathering around its well-known fire pit,” Mr. Holmes said. “The evening was capped off with a solid and colorful fireworks display.”
Next came the parade down Main Street in Cooperstown.
Pals Emma Dawson, left, and Meadow Aramini are all ready to pedal their way along the parade route for the Town of Springfield’s festive Fourth of July Parade, held under postcard-perfect skies with hundreds lining the street to celebrate the day. This week’s edition of The Freeman’s Journal / Hometown Oneonta features plenty of pictures from Springfield and Oneonta parades and the Otsego Lake Association’s July 3 boat parade. On sale Wednesday afternoon!
SPRINGFIELD PARADE – 11 a.m. One of the oldest 4th of July parades in the country returns from a two-year hiatus. Parade will feature floats, marching bands, equestrian and much more to honor veterans groups, fire departments, and community organizations from all over the region. Will be followed by music, Brooks BBQ, historical displays, a quilt show, raffles, and much more at the Springfield Community Center and then a concert at 7:30 at Glimmerglass State Park, followed by fireworks. Parade will proceed down Rt 20 and Rt 80 to The Springfield Community Center, 129 Co. Hwy. 29A, Springfield Center. 315-858-0304 or visit www.facebook.com/SpringfieldParade/
HOMETOWN 4TH – 1 p.m. Kick off the 4th of July celebrations with a parade down Main Street Oneonta finishing at Neahwa Park where there will be live music, dance, kids activities, food, arts & crafts, and much more. Continues to 9:30 with Fireworks and then a fireworks afterparty featuring Cosmic Karma Fire Spinners and Hanzolo from 10 – 11 p.m. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Visit www.hometown4th.com
CONCERT & FIREWORKS – 7:30 p.m. After parades and festivities head down to the beach for an Independence Day concert featuring the Council Rock Band. Followed by Fireworks at dusk. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co. Rd., 31, Cooperstown. Visit www.facebook.com/SpringfieldParade
The parade lines up at 9 am in front of Foothills at 24 Market Street in Oneonta and steps off at 10 am sharp. Police Chief Douglas Brenner (retired) will announce the parade from Muller Plaza on Main Street. Parade will process down Main Street and continue to Neahwa Park, where a commemorative ceremony will take place at 11 am. City Council member Len Carson will introduce the speakers in Neahwa Park and the Reverend Randy Palada will offer a benediction.
The American Legion has invited John and Joan Brooks to serve as Grand Marshals for the 2022 Memorial Day Parade in recognition of their service to this country and notably to this community.
“We are so incredibly honored to be chosen as Grand Marshals,” John Brooks said. “We were taken aback when David Hayes notified us! We love this community and love giving back.”
The committee welcomes additional parade entries; any community group, charitable organization or place of business is welcome to march. Please phone David Hayes at 607 353-9000 or simply be present at Foothills on Monday, May 30, at 9 in the morning.
SANTA ARRIVES – 5 p.m. Bring the friends and kids to greet Santa as he arrives at his cottage. Refreshments and music will be available. Please wear a mask to visit Santa’s cottage. Pioneer Park, Cooperstown.
CHRISTMAS – Be an Angel. Sign up to give the gift of Christmas to local families in need with this years Angel Tree Program. Visit www.allotsego.com/angel-tree-program/ for details.
Main Street was the place to be this evening a little around 4 p.m. as the Cooperstown community celebrated the Cooperstown Boys Varsity Soccer team. Cooperstown, Fly Creek, fire department and emergency squads as well as the county Sheriff were all represented in the parade carrying the boys on a circuit down Chestnut St., Main Street, and River Street.
Braving the chilly weather and a delay caused by an afternoon thunderstorm to play in the NYS final 4, the boys nevertheless met a staunch opponen in the Alexander Hamilton boys soccer team and were defeated 4-0.
INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE – 1 p.m. The parade will line up at Noon at Foothills and proceed down Main Street to Neahwa Park for remarks and festivities. All essential workers are invited to participate and will have a chance to win door prizes from local businesses when they register. Bassett CEO Tommy Ibrahim will be serving as Grand Marshall. Main Street, Oneonta. Visit www.facebook.com/FNOneonta/
INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL – 2 – 11 p.m. After the Parade enjoy food, entertainment on the main stage, support local artisans, and much more at the festival. Mayor Gary Herzig and mayoral candidates will be presenting remarks to honor our essential workers. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Visit www.facebook.com/FNOneonta/
INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS – 9:30 p.m. Five Star Subaru will be presenting the fireworks display, dedicated to Essential Workers, which will be ‘twice as intense’ as years past. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Visit www.facebook.com/FNOneonta/
ONEONTA — The Hometown 4th Festival will return to Oneonta’s Neahwa Park to celebrate the July Fourth holiday next weekend, with a theme of honoring essential workers.
The goal is to honor the workers, including grocery store staff, teachers, police officers, firefighters and healthcare workers, who took risks for the community good during the coronavirus pandemic, according to festival officials.
“We wanted to do everything we could to let them know that the First Night Board and the whole community appreciates them,” First Night Board Chair Carol Mandigo said.
The celebration will kick off at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 2, in Neahwa Park, with a free concert by country artist Michael Christopher.
At noon, Sunday, July 4, the parade will line up at Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street.
Despite significant delays because of COVID, the Memorial Day parade in Oneonta is set to continue on Monday, May 31, as scheduled, following the traditional route.
The parade will start at 10 a.m. at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, go down Main Street and end in Neahwa Park, for a somber memorial service.
The city of Oneonta is still looking for parade entries to join the lineup at 9 a.m. at Foothills PAC. Community groups, sports teams, veterans groups, faith organizations and clubs are welcome.
The parade is held in partnership with Destination Oneonta.
Linda Herring places a lei of Hawaiian flowers around the neck of an elated Ingrid Hoffbauer, during a surprise Birthday parade for her 80th birthday on Saturday in Oneonta. Lured downtown by a ruse about an issue with the storefront of the former Alpine Ski Hut, which she operated for decades with her husband Eduard, she was shocked when nearly 30 vehicles of friends and family, plus a fire engine adorned with a banner, drove by honking, cheering and passing out presents. “This is my blessing.” said Mrs. Hoffbauer, wiping away tears. “I may not be the queen of the parade, but I feel like it today!” As she paused for a family photo after the parade, she said, “I hope this brought spirit to downtown. Even with COVID, if you follow the rules, you can have fun!” (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
Amy Smithling of Oneonta, above, addresses crowd members gathered at the former Christopher’s Restaurant site on Southside as they prepare for a parade earlier this afternoon in support of the Oneonta Police Department. “This is about the OPD and the support they deserve,” said Smithling. “This is not about us versus them. This is not a Trump Rally. This is simply a show of force to support the OPD!” Inset, Genesis Bushnell, Laurens, and Shannon Speenburg, Unadilla, wave the “Thin Blue Line” flag in support support as they fall in line with numerous trucks and cars, including firetrucks and cement mixers, joined led the parade with flashing lights and sounding horns on their path through the city. The issue came to the fore when Oneonta Police Chief Doug Brenner removed the “Thin Blue Line” flag from the pole in front of the Oneonta Public Safety Building a few days ago. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
Jeff Joyner, Fox Hospital president, waves as decorated fire trucks from 17 area departments, including police and EMS, drove by the hospital this afternoon in a parade dedicated to thanking Fox Hospital staff for their work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the fire companies, the parade also included Mayor Gary Herzig, The Red Knights Motorcycle Club and a fly-over from the LifeNet helicopter. At right, Kristy Gee and Tiffany Pickett let the drivers know their appreciation as the parade passes by them and their fellow workers lined up outside Fox Hospital. After passing the hospital, the parade continued onto the Fox Care Center to laud workers there as well. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
CELEBRATION – 5 p.m. Start a safe & sober New Years celebration with parade down Main St. followed by poetry readings, festival featuring live music, games, dancing, & special guest Anthony Eardley, Oneonta’s American Ninja Warrior. Then first ever talent show featuring $1000 prize at 7:30, then black-light after-party featuring entertainment by Cosmic Karma Fire Spinners. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-431-2080 or visit www.facebook.com/FNOneonta/
PARADE – 5 p.m. Dress your best and show off your costume in this years Halloween parade down Main St., Cooperstown.
PUMPKIN GLOW – 6 – 7:30 p.m. Bring your carved pumpkin to enter in a contest or just to display to the trick-or-treaters. After the sun goes down stroll through the park and admire everyone’s handiwork. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607-432-1980 or visit www.facebook.com/hmloneonta/
OLDEST PARADE – 11 a.m. The second oldest parade in the country kicks off again, with a full day of festivities to follow, including a concert and fireworks at dusk. Springfield Center Community Center, 129 Co Rd 29A, Springfield Center.
