Kids & Family

July Fourth Celebrated With Fanfare at John Jay Homestead [Photos, Video]

Locals share what the holiday means to them as thousands gathered in Katonah for a patriotic celebration of America's birthday.

The skies cooperated perfectly for the on Wednesday, opening up for rain early in the morning and later in the evening, but never raining during the patriotic celebration.

From a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence to colonial-era games, to sheepherding demonstrations, historic house tours and hands-on learning about cooking during the 19th century, the fair offered activities for families and history buffs alike.

Home and garden guru Martha Stewart, a resident of Katonah, posed for a Patch photo before taking a historic house tour and walking the grounds of the homestead and former home of John Jay, the first chief justice of the United States.

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The event's success was due in large part to a small army of volunteers from Bedford-Armonk Rotary and from the Friends of John Jay Homestead. Volunteers served food from hot grills, directed parking and staffed ticket tables under hot afternoon temperatures.

Click through our photo gallery for snapshots of the day and watch the video to hear local residents share what Independence Day means to them.

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