Lake Placid’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration Lights Up the Adirondacks

LAKE PLACID, NY – The historic village of Lake Placid upheld its beloved Independence Day traditions on July 4, 2024, drawing over 15,000 visitors for a day of patriotic festivities against the stunning backdrop of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks.

Spectacular fireworks reflect on Mirror Lake during Lake Placid’s annual celebration (Photo: Lake Placid News)

Time-Honored Traditions

Parade: 75+ floats traveled Main Street featuring local veterans, Olympic athletes, and the 10th Mountain Division Band
Reading of the Declaration: Performed at noon by historian David Kahn at the War Memorial
Fireworks: 22-minute synchronized display launched from the Lake Placid Club at 9:30 PM

2025 Highlights

New This Year: Drone light show addition with 150 synchronized units forming patriotic images

Event Schedule

7:30 AM	Firecracker 5K Race
10:00 AM	Parade Begins
12:00 PM	Declaration Reading

Attendance Records

Community Impact

Local businesses reported record sales during the celebration:

Restaurants: 40% increase over typical summer day (Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce)
Hotels: 98% occupancy rate (Adirondack Visitors Bureau)
Merchants: $1.2M in collective sales (Downtown Association)

Historical Significance

First celebrated in 1907, Lake Placid’s Fourth of July is the longest-running consecutive celebration in New York State. The event has only been canceled twice – during World War II (1943-1945) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020).

Did You Know? The 1980 Winter Olympic cauldron is relit every July 4th at the speed skating oval

Visitor Information

Parking: Free shuttles from Northwood School
Accessibility: Reserved viewing areas at Mid’s Park
2025 Date: Saturday, July 4 (planning already underway)