Celebrate Independence Day at one of the largest July 4th celebrations in upstate New York! Since our country’s bicentennial in 1976, crowds of more than 20,000 people have gathered along Empire State Plaza each year to celebrate America’s birthday. Festivities include special musical performances, delicious food vendors, a flyover by the 109AW New York Air Guard, pony rides, a bounce house, and of course a dazzling fireworks display. This year’s headliner is Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers. Bruce Hornsby is a Grammy-award winning artist who first rose to prominence in 1968 with his Grammy-winning debut album “The Way It Is.” Since then, he has appeared on over 100 records alongside artists such as Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, Stevie Nicks, Bon Iver and more.