Spend the Fourth of July Weekend in Westchester

The Fourth of July weekend is upon us, and enjoying the coming days does not have to mean a gridlocked battle trying to get upstate.

There are a number of activities and events in Scarsdale and Westchester to keep you and your family busy for the entire weekend, including nearby fireworks displays and barbecuing with some of the area's best restaurants to commemorate Independence Day.

SCARSDALE

Fireworks display at the Scarsdale Pool on Friday, July 2, at 9:15pm. It is open to the public. Admission will begin at 6:00pm. Take note, there is a $2 fee charged for entering the pool after 5:00pm. Picnicking is allowed, but do not bring alcoholic beverages and do not smoke.

On Sunday, July 4 at the before the fireworks display, pool members can participate in a day full of picnicking, carnival attractions, games and swim races, music and aquatic activities for children. Children may also play on the jumbo water slide, on the jumping castle, and play an outdoor video game screen with Guitar Hero World Tour. They can get their face painted as well. The event begins at 11:00am and ends at 4:00pm.

Before the Carnival Day for Scarsdale Pool members on July 4 at 11:00am, Citibabes Scarsdale is celebrating at the pool starting at 9:00am. Children can decorate visors and see their teachers.

VALHALLA

Kensico Dam music festival and fireworks with band The Wanderers will start the night right, and the Gerard Crelli Orchestra will follow. Gates open at 5 p.m. for picnicking, with music starting at 6 p.m.The fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m.

WHITE PLAINS

Fireworks display at White Plains High School at 550 North St. on Thursday, July 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It is advised that you park at Memorial United Methodist Church at 250 Bryant Ave. and walk over to the high school's 75-acre campus.

NEW ROCHELLE

The Westchester Chamber Orchestra will perform a free Independence Day concert, featuring works by American composers Leroy Anderson, Aaron Copland, Victor Herbert, and others on Saturday, July 3 starting at 5:00 p.m. at the New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza, between Hugenot and Main Sts.

Enjoy jazz and a fireworks display at Five Islands Park on Lefevre Place on Sunday, July 4 beginning at 9:00 p.m.

MAMARONECK

Fireworks display at Harbor Island Park on Sunday, July 4 (rain date July 5) at 9:00 p.m., sponsored by the Village of Mamaroneck Volunteer Fire Department. Be advised that parking is limited.

The 63rd Annual Firemen's Carnival began on Tuesday, June 29 and will run until Monday, July 5 also at the park. The carnival opens at 7:00 p.m. and closes at 12:00 a.m., midnight. There are rides, food, and games.

Dinner and fireworks display with Singles Gourmet - Metro NY at Molly Spillane's, 211 Mamaroneck Ave. on Sunday, July 4. Enjoy a cocktail hour with passed appetizers, a three-course dinner, and then as a group walk over to the fireworks presentation at Harbor Island Park. All while mingling with other singles.

LARCHMONT

Enjoy races, games and free hot dogs at Flint Park, off Hommocks Rd., sponsored by the Larchmont Fire Department. The fun begins on Sunday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m.

Free Manor Park Concert at 99 Park Ave. on Sunday, July 4 from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. featuring a patriotic performance by the Dixie Dandies. No picnics allowed. It is sponsored by the Committee on the Arts.

To satisfy your appetite, try the Outdoor Band BBQ Tent Party at Plates Restaurant, 121 Myrtle Blvd., on Thursday, July 1 starting at 6:00pm. Enjoy an outdoor bar, live music and the BBQ tent. Food includes pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, brisket, bratwurst dinner plates, and home-made ice cream. Dr. D and the Jammers will play blues and rock with a side of Harmonica. No reservations necessary

TARRYTOWN/SLEEPY HOLLOW

Celebrate Independence Day 1850-style at Washington Irving's Sunnyside on Sunday, July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Attend informative educational events, and dramatic presentations, including costumed guides, focusing on Independence Day. Picnics are welcomed.

Fireworks display on Sunday, July 4 starting at 9:00 p.m. Watch the show from either Tarrytown's Pierson Park or Sleepy Hollow's Kingsland Point Park. Rain date is Monday, July 5.

Visit Striped Bass at 236 W. Main St., for its 15th annual July 4th Lobster Bake on Sunday, July 4 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Prices are $64.90 a person. Enjoy Maine lobster with unlimited beer, wine and soda. Also on the menu are steamers, clams, mussels, shrimp, ribs, roasted chick, and desserts. Jimmy Coyle and the Bad Habits will play a mix of calypso, reggae and soft rock all night. Everyone will receive a Striped Bass t-shirt. Reservations are required. Need to RSVP by Saturday, July 3.

The Philipse Manor Improvement Association and the Sleepy Hollow Manor Association are hosting the annual Fourth of July Parade and Picnic on Saturday, July 3 at 10:00 a.m. (rain date is Sunday, July 4). Parade begins at Bellwood and Highland Avenues and ends at Peabody Field. Children can participate in games, contests and pony rides. Live music and the annual patriotic cake contest is for everyone to enjoy.

So set aside a little time today to sit down and map out which events you plan to attend. Make sure to take lots of pictures and share them with us by posting them on your Patch profile! And, of course, stay safe this holiday.