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LAKEWOOD – A longtime Independence Day celebration returns to the Village of Lakewood this year.
This is the first time since the pandemic, the 4th of July Summerfest is returning to southern Chautauqua County.
“We’re hoping our first year back will be successful, and our next year will be even bigger” said Lakewood Deputy Clerk and Event Planner Julie Tonnis.
From a footrace to a grand fireworks show, the Village of Lakewood is set to celebrate America’s 246th birthday.
“We’re gonna have the firecracker race in the morning that the YMCA puts on, and then we’ll have vendors on the streets starting around 11, mostly food trucks,” said Tonnis, “And then Smokehouse will be playing down at the beach before the fireworks, and then at dusk we’ll have fire.”
For many residents, seeing events like this, especially in Lakewood, holds a great significance.
“I grew up here and I moved away for 17 years. I just moved back partly because of COVID and it’s nice to see Lakewood people walking up and down the street. It’s getting busier and busier,”
In the end, organizers hope hosting the event will bring the community together again.
“I’m hoping people are ready now that COVID is a little more under control, to come out, have some fun, and see some fireworks,” said Tonnis.
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