LEEDS, N.Y., June 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County, New York announce a summer calendar jam-packed with family-friendly entertainment, July 4th celebrations and cultural festivals spanning cultures and genres.
Celebrate Independence Day in Greene County with a series of 4th of July events that span several days, offering live music, fireworks displays and parades. Watch fireworks displays from Dutchmen's Landing Park against the backdrop of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains during Music in the Park with the Lustre Kings & Fireworks July 3 starting at 7 pm.
Enjoy a full day of fun with Cairo's 4th of July Celebration, including a "Home Town Heroes" celebration honoring veterans and U.S. Armed Forces with 110 banners placed along the town's streets. Blackthorne Resort in East Durham offers several days of events, including a golf cart parade, frog catching contest, live music and more.
Greene County summer festivals kick off in the "Emerald Isle of the Catskills" during the 19th Annual Catskill's Irish Arts Week in East Durham July 14-20, offering seven days of entertainment, live performances of traditional and contemporary Irish music, dancing, craft vendors and family-friendly activities. Experience this rich and varied culture and participate in painting workshops, jewelry making, weaving and carving classes. Enjoy Irish music sessions at pubs and restaurants throughout the town.
On July 20, Mainly Greene, a partnership of four Greene County arts organizations, kicks off a weekend of arts and culture featuring exhibition and gallery openings, workshops on filmmaking and painting, piano recitals and more. For additional information and to start planning your visit, log onto: www.mainlygreene.org.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival at Walsh Farm in Oak Hill is slated for July 18-21. This family-friendly outdoor musical festival is an annual favorite, featuring live bluegrass and acoustic music, workshops, activities, jam sessions, food and craft vendors and on-site camping. Tickets are now available online starting at $55.
In keeping with the Catskill's multi-cultural traditions, don't miss the German Alps Festival at Hunter Mountain, slated for August 10 and 11. Enjoy plenty of German food, drink, traditional dancing and more. Tickets will be available at the door starting at $12 for adults. The following weekend, Hunter Mountain hosts the International Celtic Festival August 17-18 with a bagpipe competition, fireworks display, traditional cuisine and live entertainment. Tickets available online starting at $16.
In August, the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre celebrates the 25th anniversary of the East Durham Irish Feis. This Irish step-dancing competition features 500-1,000 dancers on August 24. Nearby, the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham will host its own Celtic Festival August 31 through September 3 with live music, family-friendly fun and more.
For more information about the Great Northern Catskill's summer events, visit www.greatnortherncatskills.com.
About Greene County:
Greene County is located in the Great Northern Catskill Mountains and the verdant Hudson River Valley. The region is home to five of the 10 highest Catskill Peaks and the Catskill State Park and is known as the nation's first wilderness. Greene County is renowned as the home of Thomas Cole's Hudson River School and the inspiration for Washington Irving's literary legend, Rip Van Winkle, and was named in honor of American Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene. This 705,500 acre wilderness offers diverse year-round outdoor recreation and celebrated cultural events. Find more Catskills packages at www.GreatNorthernCatskills.com.