Governor Kathy Hochul announced a major program at Jones Beach State Park for Memorial Day weekend, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, with free parking for easy access for families.
The event set for Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 will feature a historic village with re-enactments from 1776, depicting various events from the past and illustrating the way of life of that time.
Cultural exhibits will highlight Long Island’s role in the American Revolutionary War. This “Recreation Village” will be located between parking areas 3 and 4, with hours from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
There will also be good live music both days and a nighttime air show of up to 1,000 illuminated drones to close the Sunday program.
The initiative seeks to celebrate the history of the state of New York and offer free and accessible activities to kick off the summer season on Long Island.
It should be noted that Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the beach bathing season within Jones Beach State Park. For more information on schedules and activities, visit https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/jones-beach-state-park .
The grand finale of Sunday night will begin with a patriotic musical tribute to the armed forces. The performance will take place on the open-air stage (Bandshell) of the Central Mall, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
And then a 20-minute drone aerial light show, produced by Grizzly Entertainment, will begin. The animations will include patriotic symbols and images to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary and pay tribute to military personnel.
See this post on Instagram
“This exciting two-day event at Jones Beach State Park will be an incredible start to the summer season on Long Island; and, with free parking, we are making it even more affordable and accessible for New York families,” said Governor Hochul.
“The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is an unparalleled opportunity to commemorate New York’s history and promote the state as a premier destination for visitors. “I look forward to the events across the state this year to highlight our revolutionary spirit and remind the world that New Yorkers have always been at the forefront of the ongoing fight for freedom and equality,” Hochul said.
“Jones Beach State Park, during Memorial Day weekend, is the ideal place to welcome thousands of New Yorkers from all over who will join in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution,” said Kathy Moser, Acting Commissioner of New York State Parks.
«This exciting event represents an opportunity to reflect on our history and pay tribute to members of the US armed forces, while enjoying the start of the summer season, he concluded.
The “Recreation Village” program includes:
– Living historians dressed in period costume, who will represent the 5th New York Regiment, as well as the Rhode Island Regiment (an African-American unit).
– A historical reenactment play starring 4 New Yorkers who signed the Declaration of Independence: William Floyd, Francis Lewis, Philip Livingston and Lewis Morris.
– A dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by an actor who will play Thomas Jefferson.
– Colonial cuisine (Sunday only): historical culinary demonstration that recreates the era, carried out in an open-air fireplace.
– Shinnecock Cultural Exhibition: an immersive experience of traditional indigenous life, with an exhibition that showcases ancient cooking methods, sustainable cultural practices and deep insight into indigenous traditions.
– Reenactors portraying George Washington, Benjamin Tallmadge and dragoon officer Stephen Moylan will appear on horseback. Other re-enactors representing James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin will also be present.
– Look to the sky to spot the legendary “Warbirds”! These aircraft represent more than 80 years of aviation history and come from the American Airpower Museum, located at Republic Airport. Overflights will take place throughout each day, starting at 12 p.m.
In addition, the park’s service concessionaire will expand its gastronomic offering during the “Memorial Day” weekend with the installation of 3 tents on the central boardwalk (Center Boardwalk).
And at the West Bathhouse, an authentic Greek food truck will offer a taste of the Mediterranean just steps from the beach.
