Independence Day Celebration at GCV&M
The patriotic and spirited festivities that turned July 4th into America’s greatest national holiday still flourish in this year’s grand celebration of Independence Day. Members FREE!
Join the hoopla of traditional American celebrations around the Historic Village.
Pageantry, marching bands and merrymaking are all part of the day’s July 4th festivities, highlighted by the swearing in of new American citizens on the steps of the Town Hall. You won't want to miss this memorable moment as nearly 50 people from countries all over the world swear their allegiance to the flag. Ceremony begins at 11:00am. Immediately following the ceremony, head down the road to see a 100-pound anvil fired into the air!
From the Village Square the Geneseo Cornet Band will fill the air with rousing tunes in celebration of the nation! In true 19th-century fashion, be part of the revelry of the 1876 Grand Parade (museum staff will be looking for young volunteers from the audience to join the parade), immediately followed by the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Throughout the day, enjoy family-fun activities like the egg toss, sack races, and pea-shooter contest. Visit the farm animals, including Buck & Dan the oxen and our newest oxen team, Star & Bright! Join the ladies' base ball team for a Town Ball match in the afternoon on the Great Meadow.
Don't forget to sign up for the pie-eating contest — an annual tradition at the museum — or cheer on the contestants as they eat their way through warm cherry pie!
