by J. Forbes

Created on: May 20, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

I would like to tell you a story about my most memorable 4th of July experience ever. I grew up in a small town called Ticonderoga, in upstate New York, in between Lake Champlain and Lake George. I can honestly say that the celebration of this holiday is and always has been the highlight of my summer for many reasons, all of which can be attributed to what my hometown has to offer. Ticonderoga is a beautiful little town that is loaded with history, fun, and activities for people of all ages, especially on the celebration of this American Holiday.

The first thing that I can remember doing on this particular 4th of July is running in the Montcalm Mile. Ticonderoga's own La Chute Road Runners, an organization known for promoting fun and healthy activities for people of all ages hosts this annual run through the historic streets of downtown Ticonderoga. Each year, about a hundred of contestants of all age groups either run or walk this extremely fast mile to both support the Road Runner's organization and enjoy themselves at the same time. I had just finished my junior year of high school, and was excited to run in the mile with my friends and fellow track team members. I ended up coming in 9th place, with a time of 4:46 for the mile, which is all downhill. I can remember being extremely happy because this was and still is my fastest time in the mile.
After my friends and I got our fill of cookies and Gatorade, we all headed over to the Carnival that takes place in the middle of Ticonderoga all of 4th of July weekend. This carnival comes complete with a Ferris wheel, a number of other rides, and many different side games to take part in. My friends and I rode just about every ride, ate all of the fried dough our stomachs would allow, and spent all of our money by about 2:00pm. Then, we all decided to visit our other friend Brian at his workplace, Fort Ticonderoga.
Fort Ticonderoga is a historic landmark that most definitely needs to be seen in one's lifetime. Brian is a tour guide at Fort Ticonderoga, whic welcomes nearly 90,000 people each year, many of which on this day of celebration of America's first victory during the American Revolution. The Fort hosted readings from the Declaration of Independence throughout the day, which we all decided to listen to. It was very entertaining because everyone was dressed up in reenactment clothing. Our trip to Fort Ticonderoga also made out parents happy because it was something fun and educational that all of out parents approved of. We all went out to eat at the local Pizza place until about 8:00pm, when we all gather around the La Chute River next to the Carnival.
We were preparing to witness the spectacular fireworks display over the La Chute River. People of all sizes and shapes were sitting down on the banks of the beautiful La Chute River to watch the multi-colored fireworks. Once it started, I couldn't take my eyes off from the different colored lights and shapes that were broadcasted in the night's sky. I can remember on the ride home that night my Mom asking me a question, and the way I answered her really explains the whole day. She said, "Jonathan is everything okay?"
"Yep, it's better than okay Mom. It's perfect," I said. It truly was the perfect day, and I am glad I was able to share it with someone else. Perhaps you too can visit my hometown someday and wrap yourself up in its warm history and charming atmosphere.

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