There’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day than with fireworks and parades, and Saratoga Springs is doing just that, and more.

The first-annual All-American Celebration takes place this weekend, spearheaded by Commissioner of Finance Ken Ivins, Deputy Commissioner Kate Jarosh and honorary chairperson Kyle York.

“July fourth in Saratoga has been a great family event for many years. I remember bringing my children down to Congress Park and enjoying the fireworks. So I vowed as Commissioner of

Finance to continue this wonderful tradition. This year we decided to expand the tradition to not just one day but to have three days of fun events that the entire family will remember,” Ivins said. 

Festivities for the three-day weekend will begin Friday, July 4 at 1 p.m. with an opening ceremony with Mayor Scott Johnson and a guest appearance by Gideon Putnam (in costume, of course), one of the very first people to settle in Saratoga Springs. Beginning at 3 p.m., various musicians will play in the park and food will be available. Culminating the evening, fireworks will be set off from the park. 

Saturday will feature a parade on Broadway from Van Dam Street to Spring Street at 10 a.m. with people marching from Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and Wilton Fire and Ambulance Departments.

“We wanted to include the other communities as well. This weekend isn’t exclusive to Saratoga.

We hope everyone will come enjoy the festivities,” Jarosh said.

The first annual All-American BBQ and Dessert Festival will be held on Saturday from noon-5 p.m. Like the annual Chowderfest, people can taste various restaurants’ original creations for $1 and vote on which dish was the best. Voting ballots can be turned in at the Visitor’s Center, Jarosh said.

Saturday will also feature a vintage car show in the Lillian’s Parking lot from noon-5 p.m. Evening events will bring music fans to locations on Broadway to hear bands Bluesology, Sirsy, Rick Rourke and the Lost Wages with Ms. Jesse Stewart and Jonathan Lorenz Quartet from 7-10 p.m.

Finally on Sunday, dog lovers will be able to vote on which dog has the most spirit during Saratoga’s Most Patriotic Pooch Contest, sponsored by Sloppy Kisses. More than 25 dogs are expected to strut their stuff on Ellsworth Place, formerly Grove Street by the City Center.

“As a long time dog lover, I wanted to include our four-legged friends as well. My dog, Baili, cannot wait,” Ivins said. “I am looking forward to seeing lots of people enjoying our city this weekend. Thanks to many hands, this weekend will have many fond and lasting memories for families.”

Ivins added that he would not have been able to pull off this weekend without the help of Jarosh, York and a committee that consisted of Susan Farnsworth from the DBA, Leslie Miller from the Residence Inn Marriott, Jeff Shinaman from Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and David Zunker from the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau.

“We are really excited about this weekend,” Jarosh said. “A lot of people aren’t traveling this year, and we wanted to draw attention to downtown and give people something to do in their own backyards. It’s going to be a crazy weekend, and it’s going to be great.”