Port Henry prepares for Labor Day celebration

PORT HENRY | In our neck of the woods, the neighboring communities decided long ago to divide and conquer responsibilities when it came to summer holidays. Crown Point kicks things off with its Memorial Day celebration, Ticonderoga and Schroon Lake patriotically embrace Independence Day, and Port Henry closes out the season of warm weather with Labor Day, which is Monday, Sept. 4. And, representative of the name, the community on Lake Champlain considers this their labor of love. "I think kids and adults will really enjoy the celebration this year," says Alana Gaddor, Labor Day Committee Chairwoman and Moriah Chamber of Commerce volunteer. "Our goal through events like this is to support the economic growth of the community, support local businesses, draw in tourism, and equally important, to foster community pride." This year, there will be not one but three Grand Marshals for the event- local World War II veterans John Neggia, 97 years old, Charles Bryant, 97 years old, and Les Pepper, 96 years old. "We are honored to have three men that have made an impact on our community and really, our world," Gaddor explains. "We thank them for their service and the contributions they made to our area." Keep a special eye out for these men as they lead the parade. According to Gaddor, the committee has also made some exciting changes. This year there will be a three-day celebration beginning with the Port Henry Waterfront Farmers Market on Friday, Sept. 1. Saturday, Sept. 2 will have the traditional End of the Summer Town Wide Yard Sale and Open Mic at the Bandstand, which then leads into the M3 Music Festival organized by Trish Montgomery. "The Music Festival will include three bands, including a popular reggae band, Profile, and Barkeater, a local band," Gaddor says. "There will be vendors and popcorn by Granny G as well." On Sunday, Sept. 3, the Marketplace on Church Street begins at 11 a.m. and will feature a variety of local vendors and food trucks including So-Full Sisters and their sweet, savory waffle bowls as well as local favorite Czech's Food Wagon. Penelope the Clown will also be making an appearance, and there will be an inflatable obstacle course and activities for children. "Live Music performed by the North Country Travelers Band will also be a hit," promises Gaddor. "I'm also very excited about our live show the Gratto Family Jugglers at 3:30 p.m. after the parade. This year, I'm happy to say we're bringing back the Moriah Labor Day Dash 5K (but with a new route and less hills)." Gaddor reveals that race time was moved to 12:30 p.m. this year with hopes that as runners come through Main Street, the public can cheer on competitors as they head down to their finish line at the beautiful waterfront at the Bridgeview Harbour Marina. "I encourage the public to start lining up alongside Main St. at 12:30 p.m. to cheer on the runners and following the run we will kick off the parade," Gaddor states with excitement. And what would a Port Henry celebration be like without their trademark fireworks and Parade of Lights? On Saturday, the fireworks from the Port Henry Pier will begin when dark sets in and can be ideally viewed and enjoyed from the Port Henry Beach. The Parade of Lights, organized by Bridgeview Harbour Marina, will start beforehand around 8:30 p.m. Earlier in the day you can catch the Port Henry Regatta organized by the Port Henry Marina. "Sitting at the beach with my kids and husband while we watch the fireworks on the waterfront is pretty special," remarks Gaddor. "The weekend as a whole sets a positive feeling for the end of summer and then we head back to school and get ready for the fall." Gaddor encourages members of the community to reach out to the Chamber to join a committee and volunteer; whatever they can do to help support the economic development and community events that help the town grow. "Moriah Chamber of Commerce has visions and goals to help revitalize our community. We would like ideas and involvement from the community itself. There is so much potential in our area and I love that I hear people talk about that all the time, unfortunately, what I also hear all the time is how hard it is to get help and volunteers involved in certain initiatives," Gaddor reflects. "We're a small group of volunteers at the Moriah Chamber. In order to reach those goals we need the community vested and interested in helping. A little bit of volunteerism is better than none if we want to see change. Labor Day is celebrating just that - the achievements that our hard-working community brings about." Interested vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and really anyone who has an idea to make our Labor Day celebration even better can reach out to the Moriah Chamber of Commerce through their Facebook page or call 518-250-1050.

Signup for our newsletter

Port Henry prepares for Labor Day celebration

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS