With the summer season just around the corner, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board announced the township’s annual Independence Day celebration will be held at Town Park in Point Lookout on June 27 at 7:30 p.m.
The annual Independence Day celebration will be a “drive-in” event with fireworks and a concert headlined by popular local music talent Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot.
The event kicks off with a special ceremony to honor Hempstead Town’s most heroic residents – the annual “Salute to Veterans” and special recognition for COVID-19 frontline workers. The rain date for this event is scheduled for Sunday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m.
“The Town of Hempstead’s Independence Day celebration has always been a cherished event that many residents look forward to as they gear up for the summer season,” Clavin said. “I am excited to host this reimagined ceremony while also recognizing our Hempstead Town neighbors who fought to keep us safe and worked to keep us healthy – our community’s veterans and healthcare heroes.”
The reimagined festivities, altered from previous years in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, will be limited to the Town of Hempstead residents only on a first-come, first-served basis.
This year’s media sponsor is KJOY 98.3, and the fireworks show will be presented by Special FX Wizard.
Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles and to enjoy the drive-in accessible celebration from the comfort of their car, truck, or SUV. Residents will not be permitted to sit or stand outside of their vehicles during the concert. This new policy, based on the guidance of public health experts, will ensure those enjoying the celebration are able to maintain safe social distancing.
Starting with a welcome from Supervisor Don Clavin, the evening will kick-off with a video presentation, saluting veterans for their service and recognizing the vital efforts of first-responders and essential employees.
Following the video, local legend Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot will take to the stage, performing classic Billy Joel hits mixed with epic rock anthems and a few originals of their own. After the performance, a spectacular fireworks show will commence, lighting up the night sky to patriotic music.
The township’s Coronavirus Concierge Service team will be available to safely guide residents to their parking spots, provide directions to restrooms and assist with enforcing social distancing guidelines.
They will be equipped with hand sanitizer and masks and will be on-hand answering any questions patrons may have as well as ensuring attendees are comfortable during the concert.
“This is a great opportunity to celebrate America and many of the brave heroes who call Hempstead Town home,” Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby said.
“I am delighted to be able to celebrate the founding of this great country while recognizing our neighbors who have given so much to ensure our freedom,” Councilman Bruce Blakeman said.
“This annual event is integral to the identity of Hempstead Town,” said Councilman Anthony D’Esposito. “I salute the veterans and front-line workers of our township and thank them for their invaluable service.”
“As a veteran who proudly donned the uniform of this nation, it brings me great pride to join my Hempstead Town neighbors in recognizing service members for their commitment to defending this great nation, along with our neighbors working in healthcare protecting us here at home,” said Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., a proud veteran of the Vietnam War.
“Hempstead Town is well-known for its patriotic spirit, and I look forward to celebrating this important holiday and the many brave American’s who fought for our ability to be free,” Councilman Thomas Muscarella said.
“I am always so proud to call myself an American, and am honored to join with our community’s amazing veterans and healthcare heroes as we celebrate the founding of this incredible nation,” Councilman Christopher Carini said.
“Things are quite different this year, and while we all adjust to changes in our everyday lives, we can still gather in a safe manner to celebrate Independence Day and the amazing veterans and healthcare heroes who have given so much for our nation,” Clavin concluded.
Submitted by the Town of Hempstead
