Smithtown Marks America 250 With Parade, Concert, Drone Show

SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown marked America’s 250th year of independence with a weekend celebration that brought residents, veterans, first responders, civic groups, families and local leaders together for events across town, officials said.

The celebration began Friday, July 3, with the America 250 Classic Rock Concert and Drone Show at Callahan’s Beach. The event, presented by the Smithtown America 250 Committee in partnership with Cosentino Companies, featured live music, food trucks and a patriotic drone show over Long Island Sound.

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The concert included performances by NY to Boston, a Long Island American classic rock tribute band, along with KTU DJ Tommy Nappi. Food trucks included 3 Sons, Philly Pretzel Company and 3 Sons’ new gourmet ice cream truck.

Town officials said an unexpected weather system appeared on radar during the evening, and the drone show was slightly shortened because of rain and wind. Still, officials described the event as a successful kickoff to Smithtown’s America 250 weekend.

“Rooted in the very history that shaped our nation, Smithtown carries forward a legacy of patriotism, resilience and deep respect for those who came before us,” Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said. “This celebration was more than a weekend of events. It was a tribute to our shared heritage, our enduring values and the people who continue to make Smithtown such an extraordinary community.”

The celebration continued Saturday, July 4, with Smithtown’s America 250 Parade and Ceremony. The parade stepped off from Singer Lane and proceeded along Main Street to Smithtown Town Hall.

Scout troops, veterans organizations, military representatives, fire departments, civic organizations and community groups from across Smithtown’s hamlets participated in the parade, officials said.

Among those recognized was U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kevin Carcamo, who marched with the American Legion in Smithtown and Kings Park as he prepares to retire this year from the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Smithtown.

Brad Harris, past president of the Smithtown Historical Society and former Smithtown town historian, was driven in the parade by Smithtown Historical Society Trustee Joan Harris, officials said.

After the parade, the Smithtown Knights of Columbus gave out hot dogs and cold beverages at Town Hall as part of the celebration.

A formal America 250 ceremony followed at Town Hall, with Wehrheim serving as master of ceremonies. Smithtown High School student Marilena Castoro performed the National Anthem, and the invocation was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford of the First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, the town said.

Wehrheim, Suffolk County Legislator Sal Formica and State Sen. Mario Mattera delivered brief remarks. Mayor Richard Smith, the town historian, introduced his cousin, Daniel White, who read the Declaration of Independence in its entirety, officials said.

White is a descendant of Richard Smith, the founder of the Town of Smithtown, and the great-grandson of Stanford White, the noted Gilded Age architect, officials said.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic Liberty Bell ringing by Wehrheim and Liberty Sponsor Steve Johnson of Reworld. The crowd then joined in singing “God Bless America,” led by Castoro.

At noon, places of worship throughout Smithtown rang their bells in unison as part of a coordinated tribute, officials said.

As part of the America 250 celebration, the town displayed 250 commemorative banners throughout Smithtown’s Main Street and installed the Flags of the American Revolutionary War at Town Hall, with support from Suffolk 250.

Smithtown is also featured in Suffolk 250’s “Long Island’s Path to Independence: A Revolutionary Historical Passport,” which highlights historic locations and stories connected to the region’s role in the American Revolution.