Best Fourth in the North returns

TICONDEROGA | If you ask Debbie Barber why the Best Fourth in the North strikes an emotional chord, she'll tell you exactly. According to the event's chairwoman of 15 years, it's because the patriotic celebration is woven into the fabric of Ticonderoga. "For locals, it is more than a parade, it's a legacy," noted Barber. "Families return year after year, with generations lining the same streets where they once waved flags as kids. Ticonderoga's Best Fourth in the North is the perfect storm of small town charm, big time pride, and all-out celebration." A sea of red, white, and blue is on the horizon. Once the calendar hits July in a matter of days, the Best Fourth in the North will kick off on Tuesday, July 1, and run through the starry sky on Friday, July 4. And with three days of back-to-back events planned, let's all hope for sunny skies and that the ever-present rain will be held at bay. "From vendors to live music, the whole town turns into a celebration zone," Barber noted." It's a full-day experience with something for every age." Musical performances in Percy Thompson Bicentennial Park still include local favorite Hodge Podge on Tuesday night, followed by Living the Dream on Wednesday. A special treat will be on Thursday, July 3, when Legend, otherwise known as the ultimate Journey Band, will return to Ticonderoga with the band's greatest hits. And on Independence Day on Friday, the New York state modern country band Skeeter Creek will grace the stage with their energetic performances (which have earned them the title of headliners and openers for many big country acts). Audiences can expect a blend of acoustic folk bluegrass and southern rock outlaw country. Ticonderoga will also be welcoming Living the Dream, showcasing their mix of classic and new rock. Performances in the park will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Kids will get wild (and burn up energy and sleep like babies) in the inflatable fun zone and partake in giant lawn games. And nobody will have to worry about making it home for dinner, there will be multiple food trucks to choose from- Jungle Juice, Fries Before Guys, Mac Factor, Czech's, Kona Ice, Buena Comida just to name a few. The parade, the event highlight (well, tied with the firework display), will kick off at the top of Wicker Street at 2 p.m. on Friday, the procession heading down onto Montcalm Street. This year's Grand Marshal is John Bartlett. The annual running of the Montcalm mile will begin fifteen minutes prior at 1:45 p.m. Once the last runner makes their way over the finish line, get in your seats and have the kids ready to grab candy. "With floats, marching bands, fire trucks, classic cars, and hometown heroes- its lineup that stretches long and keeps everyone watching," Barber said. "You'll cheer for people you know and clap for ones you just met." Registration is still open for parade participants, and community members are encouraged to sign up and showcase their creativity. Once dusk settles over the downtown corridor around 9:30 p.m. on July 4, the fireworks display will begin over the park. "Let's be honest: the fireworks don't play around," Barber asserted. "They light up the Adirondack sky in a show that's far more impressive than you'd expect from a small town. People drive in just to see the finale." In the event the weather is uncooperative, a rain date of Saturday, July 5 has been scheduled. The days-long celebration attracts thousands of people to town, which, of course, boosts the local economy. Many small businesses and local entrepreneurs rely on big draw events like the Best Fourth. "The Best Fourth in the North has a substantial positive impact on our local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, retailers, gas stations, marinas, attractions, and many other businesses," noted Erin Mullen of TACC. For a full four days, downtown shops, restaurants and lodging see increased traffic and sales, Barber said. She would know, as her family business Burleigh's Luncheonette is right at the epicenter of the festivities on Main Street. "From tourists booking overnight stays to locals grabbing a meal out or shopping between events, the dollars stay local and they add up," she noted. With visitors coming into town from north, south, east, and west to enjoy the Best Fourth, and not just because they like the parade and find the firework finale top-notch. "Once they experience the scenery, history and hospitality, many return later in the year to camp, hike, shop or visit Fort Ticonderoga," Barber said. "It's a gateway moment for future tourism dollars." The event takes many dedicated hours of planning throughout the year- just as the yearly celebration winds down, the committee is back the next day on July 5 to begin on the next year. In planning 2025, there have been a few challenges along the way, including the loss of Canadian bands this year due to the political climate. Other bands were sought, but unfortunately were already booked. According to Barber, a second challenge the committee has been faced with for the past couple of years is securing amusements for the park. "This is something the committee has been continuing to reach out to various amusement companies without much success due to the fact that there are not many amusement companies within close proximity to our area," she explained. "It is also very challenging to get vendors to commit ahead of time and we begin looking for vendors on July 4." But the biggest challenge the committee continues to face? Being an all-volunteer staff, one that often faces disrespect from the community, Barber said. "Many people want to see more events and activities throughout the four day event, but aren't necessarily willing to give up their time during the holiday or throughout the year for meetings, to help with fundraisers, to help with set up in the park, parade line-up just to name a few," Barber said. The committee is in need of increased man-power to plan, fund raise, and implement; having volunteers to fundraiser is imperative to keeping the Best Fourth in the North the best, and ensuring it goes on year after year. All those tips kind community members kicked in at Pub Night back in April are wonderful, but they aren't enough to sustain an effort of this magnitude- the celebration costs approximately over $50,000 each year with most of that being raised by the volunteer committee. $10,000 comes from the Town of Ticonderoga. The committee is currently selling tickets for the Cow Plop Bingo in the final leg of fundraising for 2025. The fundraiser will be live-streamed at Lillie Valley on July 3. Tickets (available until July 2) may be purchased at the TACC office, from Best Fourth Committee members, TMSP Board Members, at Lillie Valley Farm, or at the annual Coin Drop on Saturday, June 21 and June 22 at Walmart. Tickets are $20 each with a $1,000.00 payout. Those wishing to contribute to the Best Fourth in the North may make monetary donations with checks payable to "The Best 4th in the North" and are asked to kindly mail checks to TMSP, P.O. Box 379, Ticonderoga, NY 12883. For those who would like to volunteer their time on the committee, please email TMSP@timainstreet.org. The committee typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. at the TACC office in downtown Ticonderoga.

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