Published: July 03, 2009 08:41 am      

A special weekend

It is a bit strange: The holiday to celebrate the independence and birth of our 233-year-old government has evolved into a celebration of things that bind us together beyond government.

The weekend will be filled with lots of activities and opportunities to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family — a time of parades and partying, of fireworks and fun. On Friday, the Cooperstown Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Ice Cream Social at 5 p.m. From there, it’s only a short walk down to Lakefront Park to listen to the Cooperstown Community Band, whose patriotic tunes have stirred Otsegoans since the start of the Civil War. The Band concert begins at 8 p.m. and at dusk the Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department will put on its show of fireworks over the lake.

Saturday, The Farmers’ Museum’s Independence Day festivities will give you a look at what celebrations of the past were like in a tribute to nationalism as it was more than 160 years ago.

And if you travel up the lake to Springfield Center, you can enjoy the 95th edition of the Springfield Fourth of July Parade. You will see example after example of the things that bind our country and communities together and bring out the best in us.

Every year, a large crowd turns out in this town of about 1,400 residents to see and hear military veterans, school bands, local dignitaries and others march down state Route 80 on the nation’s birthday. You will see volunteer fire departments and emergency squads — men and women who devoted endless hours each year, without pay, to protect their communities. You will see Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, members of 4-H clubs and many other young people.

``People go to celebrate the Fourth and meet friends they haven’t seen in a long time,’’ said Keith McCarty, former highway superintendent, who represents the town on the Otsego County Board of Representatives.

``I never miss it. I meet people I haven’t seen in 30 years,’’ he said. ``A lot of them come back to the area in the summer, and they know that’s where everyone’s going to be.’’

The parade starts at 11 a.m., and after the marching ends, friends and neighbors will share a chicken barbecue on the grounds of the Springfield Community Center and take part in other activities planned for the event, including another opportunity to hear the Cooperstown Community Band.

All we need now is a little cooperation from the weatherman.