Ti's Best Fourth in the North under new committee

TICONDEROGA | With less than four months on the calendar until July 4, and heading into the 250th anniversary of the nation this summer, there has been a changing of the guard for the long-running annual Best Fourth in the North Celebration. It was announced via press release early last week that the all-volunteer Best Fourth Committee under the Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership (TMSP) had decided to resign (and TMSP itself relinquished its coordination services), and the baton had passed to North Country Rural Development (NRDC) and its own event committee, North Country Roots (NCR). "As we move forward, I strongly encourage our community to continue to support this event and the new committee members who have stepped forward to take on this important responsibility," said Debbie Barber, former Best Fourth in the North Chairperson of 25 years (30-year volunteer total). "Organizing something of this size takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and teamwork, and the encouragement and support of the community will make all the difference." And this year, the Best Fourth is particularly important for the new committee to get right. Ti's Revolutionary War history will take center stage this summer as visitors from all corners of the country flock to the area. Fort Ticonderoga will be revving up its 250th anniversary programming, as will neighboring historic sites on both sides of Lake Champlain, to attract a wider national audience. That means Ticonderoga will be busy on the actual holiday, and the days leading up to it, with increased foot traffic and people looking for evening entertainment. It will be time to put on a good showing. "It is important to capitalize on that for our small businesses in our downtown and to attract the visitors they are bringing into the downtown area and to this event," reminded Nicole Justice Green, NRDC President & Executive Director. "Above and beyond that, our sense of pride as a community is built upon not just our industrial history but our national history, and it is really important for people in our community to really celebrate this special 250th, just like we did for the Bicentennial." Formed at the end of 2025, NCR already has three successful seasonal celebrations under its belt (the Christmas time Cookies & Cheers, Hearts on Main for Valentine's Day, and most recently the St. Patrick's Day inspired Shades of Green), bringing the total family-friendly event count in the past year alone from NRDC to five (Walls Between Waters and the Fireside Folk Fest). "NCR was born out of our Public Art Strategic Plan when it came to light that a lot of people wanted to do some additional events that were not art-based," Green explained. Though the clock is ticking and the challenge has been set forth for NCR to deliver the same caliber (if not superior) Fourth of July that North Country residents have come to expect, the committee is completely onboard and ready to tackle the North Country's largest multi-day patriotic celebration. "I believe our role is not to dismantle what has come before us, but to build upon the strong foundation and legacy established by both TMSP and the Best Fourth in the North Committee," expressed NCR member Susan Zacharenko. "The years of dedication and hard work that shaped this event deserve respect, appreciation, and thoughtful continuation. Our goal is to carry that legacy forward while bringing renewed energy and fresh ideas to ensure the event continues to grow and thrive." But to grow and thrive takes capital. Though immediately following the press release, it began circulating around town NRDC was after the Best Fourth's pot of money, the truth is there is no money to be had. The Town of Ticonderoga annually provides $10,000 to the celebration, and for 2026, Barber said they are providing $20,000- that's all that NCR is starting with, and Barber said the fireworks alone cost as much, if not more. On average, the entire celebration costs $52,000, which is why fundraising is so crucial. But with less than 120 days to go, NCR has no fundraising proceeds to work with. "All proceeds from this year's Best Fourth fundraisers all went to paying any remaining bills from 2025," Barber revealed (and the upcoming Pub Night fundraiser will NOT be a benefit for the Fourth, rather, it will now be a TMSP event fundraiser). NCR members have already been brainstorming ideas, and are welcoming any ideas residents may have to help raise money (on a positive note, the ambitious Lemonade Stand kids will be back with a vengeance this year- they really love their fireworks, and will be peddling through blistering heat or torrential downpours to help their town out). Luckily, NCR already has an ace up their sleeve- NRDC has managed to secure carnival rides from Amusements of America, ending the few-year dry spell in which no rides were available in the park and people made their extreme discontent known. Barber said the initial plan was for the Best Fourth Committee and NRDC to collaborate on rides for 2026, but now that the landscape has changed, NRDC will still be moving forward in bringing a carnival back to Percy Thompson Bicentennial Park, putting forth the $100,000 financial guarantee to the company. "Amusements of America said if this was a successful event, they are willing to sign a multi-year contract with us," Green shared, adding there will be 15 rides in total coming to Ticonderoga. If eating cotton candy while atop a ferris wheel as the fireworks illuminate the sky is your wish, this will be your year. "We are still finalizing the ride tickets. I won't have final numbers until May," Green said. "An all-you-can-ride band has typically been $20-30 for their other carnival. We are setting aside 75 bands for children in our community to ride for free via nomination from the school. We want to make this accessible and cost-effective." Well-loved traditions are returning. The Montcalm Mile will still be happening, and with a little extra pizazz. The parade, a Fourth of July staple, will of course, not be going anywhere with NCR members Dylan Menke and Katie Andersen heading that area up. The bandstand will be making a reappearance after an absence, and NCR will be looking to engage and involve as many of the community groups and organizations as possible- Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, dance teams, etc. Floats are going to be highly encouraged, as are local businesses to create a float for a proud ride down Montcalm Street. A stage with live music will provide entertainment, and yes, there will be fireworks. They may not be 45 minutes, but NCR assures the finale will feel every bit as magical as people have become accustomed to. In addition to the classics, the intention is to have a few new attractions and activities. NCR is inventing a new wheel, and it's one that will harken back to a more old-fashioned style holiday. The important thing is, Kuhl said, that though it may be on a smaller scale, the event has the same impact. NCR is seeking volunteers for the Best Fourth, and will be putting forth, within the next few weeks a survey on the North Country Roots Facebook page, encouraging residents and visitors to offer their feedback on what they would like to see the new Best Fourth feature. Kids and teens are also requested to provide their opinions. "As much as we appreciate the effort and time and commitment of the former committee, this is also a chance to try some new things as we come into the 250th and beyond," Kuhl noted. "We want this event to reflect the spirit, pride, and expectations of the Ticonderoga community and to continue to stand as the highlight of the year for generations to come," said Zacharenko. With many eyes on Ti for the 250th and an expectation that has been firmly set, NCR needs to hit this Fourth out of Bicentennial Park; this year cannot fail. "We don't fail," Katie Andersen assured. Those who are interested in volunteering for the Best Fourth in the North, please email ncrticonderoga@gmail.com. In the meantime, follow the North Country Roots Facebook page for updates and the upcoming Best Fourth survey.

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Ti's Best Fourth in the North under new committee

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