The Inlet/Old Forge area will be a hub of activity this Independence Day weekend, with a wide array of activities planned ranging from engaging childrens’ activities, an informative presentation by Inlet’s American Legion Post #1402, fireworks displays, and live music on Adirondack lakefronts.

The festivities kick off on the evening of Sunday, July 3, with a free Summer Concert Series performance featuring local musicians, Alisha Kay Cartsens, and Joe Bolton at 7 p.m. on the Old Forge Lakefront. The summer concert series is sponsored by the Town of Webb. The fun continues in Old Forge on July 4 with live music by Floyd Community Instrumental Ensemble at the Old Forge Lakefront beginning at 7:30 p.m. A brilliant fireworks display over the Old Forge Pond will follow at dusk. For more information, please call (315) 369-6983.

Inlet Tourism Director Adele Burnett said she is excited to welcome everyone to Inlet for the July 4th holiday, adding that between the lakefront concerts, kids’ activities, shopping, and ceremonies, there is surely something to suit all interests.

“We have a couple new activities planned this year,” Burnett said. “With the help of the Inlet Youth Commission and the Inlet Historical Society, there will be some family-friendly games at Fern Park starting at 11:30 a.m. There will be a scavenger hunt, spoon races, water balloon toss, sack races, and more, with prizes! Goodie bags and treats will be provided. Fern Park is a great place to bring a blanket and pack a lunch.”

At 1 p.m., Inlet’s American Legion Post #1402 will be holding a Flag Burning Ceremony at Fern Park. The ceremony will be educational and is open to all.

“They will explain the meaning of the American flag and show how to destroy them properly and respectfully after they have become faded and worn,” Burnett said.

Arrowhead Park in the Town of Inlet during July 4 weekend. Photo by Jamie Organski.

At 7:30 p.m., guests are welcome to enjoy the music of Jamie Notarthomas on the lakefront at Arrowhead Park. Jamie is a veteran of the independent music scene and has dazzled audiences for more
than 20 years with his inspired performances and ability to blend folk music with nearly any other style. Hailing from the Syracuse, New York area, Jamie continues his rigorous touring schedule of an average 200 shows a year. With apparent ease, he can connect to a wide variety of audiences with a warmth and intimacy that transcends generations, effortlessly moving an audience through moods and dynamics with his impressive repertoire of both originals and cover tunes.

Over the years, Jamie has been a featured performer at many of the region’s premiere festivals, such as the Blue Heron Festival, Grass Roots, Bethlehem Music Fest, Lilac Fest, Hookaville, and the Harvest Moon Jamboree. He has also written and recorded with a number of notable musicians such as Trey Anastasio, John Popper, 10,000 Maniacs, and David Bearwald of Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Club. Jamie has opened for many greats including Bob Dylan, The Replacements, Melissa Ethridge, David Burne, Rosanne Cash, Tori Amos and performed on stage with the likes of Alan Tousant, Rick Danko, Keller Williams, and Hot Tuna and Patti Smith.

At dusk, Inlet will set off a spectacular display of fireworks by American Fireworks. The display can be seen from the eastern shores of Fourth Lake.

For more information and for a list of this summer’s concerts and schedule of events go to www.InletNY.com or call the Inlet Information Office at (315)357-5501.

Photo at top: Fireworks display over Old Forge Pond. Photo by Kurt Gardner of Kurt Gardner Photography.