Breakdown of Independence Day celebrations in the Finger Lakes

After 248 years of the holiday going strong, people nationwide will gather to celebrate Independence Day on Thursday, July 4 with fireworks, food, friends and family.

Despite canceling the Ithaca Rotary fireworks and Lansing fireworks in Myers Park, the Ithaca area is hosting its own swath of celebrations, including a fireworks display at the Inn at Taughannock Falls this Friday, and across Cayuga Lake throughout the following weekend.

Tickets have been sold out at the Inn for a week or so, but fireworks there are viewable from Taughannock Falls State Park with parking available there.

This Thursday, July 4, a parade is scheduled at 2 p.m. in Branchport, also hosting fireworks that evening.

Watkins Glen will host its fireworks show on Thursday at Clute Memorial Park.

July 5, 6 events

Barbecues and fireworks will continue in the town of Groton on Friday, July 5 with food and a DJ ringing in its dusk fireworks display.

The Finger Lakes Cider House is hosting pop-rock cover band Betty’s Ghost to celebrate; they’ll play from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Similarly, Jonas Choplosky and friends are playing at the Cedarwood Event Venue in Trumansburg on July 5, with half of the event proceeds going to benefit pediatric cancer. From 6 to 10 p.m., expect local live music to highlight fun events including a cornhole tournament and silent auction.

Cortland is hosting its usual celebrations at Dwyer Memorial Park in Preble on July 6, from 2-10 p.m.

Please send notice of any additional Independence Day events in Tompkins County to jmack@gannett.com for entry into this list.