New Paltz sets date for fireworks, scraps reference to Independence Day

The 2014 fireworks finale (photo by Lauren Thomas)

The Town of New Paltz fireworks are scheduled to take place on Friday, June 30. As the celebration will not even be in the same month as the Fourth of July, supervisor Neil Bettez chose to call it a “town fireworks celebration” rather than reference the holiday.

Deputy supervisor Dan Torres referenced the common explanation for choosing a different date, that it saves money to avoid the competition on July 4 itself. Pressed for specifics, he was only able to identify Saugerties as a local community likely to have fireworks on the national holiday.