According to Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mathew Courtright, Ticonderoga’s annual Best Fourth of the North celebration was originally organized by the Ticonderoga Volunteer Fire Department.  After Courtright polled his own family, he learned the event has been happening for over 65 years, maybe longer.

“Debbie Barber is the chairperson of the event,” says Courtright. “It has always been run by a dedicated group of volunteers. They add various aspects to the event each year. This year we have seven bands and even added a fifth day.”

Ticonderoga’s Best Fourth in the North usually runs July 1-4, but for 2017 the organizing committee has added June 30 to the schedule.  A Parking Lot Street Dance Party is set to kick the festival off on Friday at the site of the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour.

Courtright rattles off a list of events and activities that feature the 31st Annual Montcalm Mile foot race and the Independence Day ‘Set Sail’ themed parade. The weekend also includes carnival rides, vendors, a farmers market, and live music in Bicentennial Park.

“Other communities may have a one day celebration,” says Courtright. “In Ticonderoga, we host a multi-day celebration for 5 days this year, June 30-July 4 as the schedule says. We will have one the best parades and a grand firework display. This year we have also have a  firefighters competition that brings the Best Fourth of the North back to the beginning roots of this celebration.”

“Access to everything is free,” says Courtright. “People don’t have to pay for anything. They can come and enjoy live music every night as well as all the community has to offer. There is a cost associated with the carnival rides, food, and race.”

The Best Fourth of the North kicks off June 30 and continue with a packed schedule of activities, culminating in a grand firework display on July 4th at dusk.

Photo of The Best 4th in the North fireworks provided by Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce.