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Salisbury strikes up the band and sets sail at Town Grove

Salisbury strikes up the band and sets sail at Town Grove

Salisbury band plays patriotic tunes after a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Aly Morrissey

SALISBURY – The parking lot was full and the beach was packed as residents and visitors of all ages flocked to the Town Grove to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4.

Throughout the afternoon, people cooled off in the lake, ate hot dogs and enjoyed patriotic songs from the Salisbury Band under a blazing hot sun. Concertgoers – many clad in red, white and blue – sat beneath a canopy of trees as they listened to a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by familiar tunes.

As always, Lou Bucceri assumed the role of Heman Allen, brother of Ethan Allen, who lived in Salisbury for about 20 years. Allen was one of more than 25 Salisbury men who lost their lives in the Revolutionary War. Bucceri read the Declaration of Independence in a booming, theatrical voice for the 24th year.

Bucceri said he keeps coming back year after year because, “It’s the Fourth of July!” He added that the event is a way to stay connected with the Salisbury Association, which sponsors the celebration. “And it’s great material,” he said.

Asked whether he has the Declaration memorized by now, he joked, “No…it’s far too long with too many grievances.”

A boat parade also took place, with vessels decked out in patriotic decorations as they cruised Lake Wononscopomuc, creating a colorful scene on the water for beachgoers.

Informational signs were posted throughout the Grove, highlighting Salisbury’s historic buildings and role in the nation’s early days.

As the storm rolled in, the laser light show at Satre Hill was canceled.

A lake boat is decked out in patriotic decor ahead of the boat parade at the Town Grove July 4. Aly Morrissey

Aly Morrissey
Reporter
Aly Morrissey joined LJMN in 2025 as a reporter and photographer for The Millerton News, covering local government, community life and the arts across northeastern Dutchess County and northwest Connecticut before moving into newsroom leadership. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, she began her journalism career in Boston, working in radio before joining the Boston Herald as an editorial assistant and City Desk reporter covering breaking news. Her career spans nearly two decades in journalism, communications and professional photography. A lifelong theater enthusiast, Aly spent several seasons as production photographer for Sharon Playhouse and now happily embraces her newest role as a budding stage mom.
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