The Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival returns to Kingsland Point Park on Saturday, July 18, bringing an afternoon of whimsical entertainment, live performances, local vendors, and family-friendly activities along the Hudson River.

The festival runs from 1 to 5 p.m. at Kingsland Point Park, 299 Palmer Ave., Sleepy Hollow, and features a Mermaid Parade, art activities, a Mermaid Costume Contest, live music, marketplace vendors, and a variety of food trucks.

Visitors traveling from Rockland County can turn the event into a day trip by taking the Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry across the Hudson River and connecting with Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Philipse Manor Station. The station is just a short walk from the festival grounds.

Admission is $10 for adults, free for children under 10, or $35 for a family four-pack. In the event of rain, the festival will be held on Sunday, July 19.

The Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival celebrates the Hudson River’s maritime heritage while offering a unique summer experience filled with creativity, costumes, music, and waterfront fun for all ages.

Across Rockland County and the nation, Americans are celebrating Independence Day with parades, concerts, family gatherings, and fireworks as the country marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Fourth of July commemorates July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally announcing the 13 colonies’ separation from Great Britain. The document laid the foundation for the United States and its enduring ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government.

This year’s celebration carries added significance as communities prepare for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Across the country, local governments, historical organizations, and community groups are hosting special events highlighting the nation’s Revolutionary War history and the people who helped shape its founding.

In Rockland County, that history is especially meaningful. The county played an important role during the American Revolution, with sites such as Stony Point Battlefield preserving the story of the Continental Army’s daring 1779 victory and the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence.

Independence Day also serves as an opportunity to recognize the generations of military service members who have defended the nation’s freedoms since its founding. Communities throughout Rockland County will honor veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, and all those who continue to serve the public.

Residents are encouraged to celebrate safely by attending local events, following fireworks safety guidelines, and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors.

As the nation looks ahead to the America250 celebration next year, this Independence Day offers a chance to reflect on the country’s history, celebrate the freedoms Americans enjoy today, and look forward to the next chapter in the nation’s story.

Happy Independence Day, and have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.