Independence Day is celebrated across the entire country, but as YNN's Matt Hunter reports, residents in one Capital Region area can boast they enjoyed the holiday in one of the ten best communities to spend the Fourth of July.
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Not far from the very battlefield where the Revolutionary War turned in favor of the Patriots, Saratogians celebrate America's independence at the annual "Family, Freedom and Founding Fathers Parade."
"It's really good so far and I really like it because all of the things in it and all of the people," Saratoga Springs resident Michael McClain said.
While just about any community you visit on the Fourth of July is likely to have its fair share of Americana on display, the Spa City has set itself apart. So much so that ABC News recently named it the fifth best small community in the U.S. to celebrate Independence Day in.
"I think we're better than number five, but I'm happy with the rating," Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott Johnson said.
"We came 3,000 miles for this parade,” California resident Steve Thomson said.
“Why did you travel so far to come to Saratoga?” our reporter asked.
Thomson replied, “Because this is the greatest place in the world. This is where you come to see the best Fourth of July parade. We do it every year!"
Saratoga earned the designation due to its strong ties to history, particularly the Revolutionary War and Victorian eras.
Walking around Congress Park Wednesday, it's clear Saratogians are proud of that past.
"I mean, there aren't many areas that have as much history in a small area, so we're proud of that and I think our residents are too," said Saratoga Springs History Museum Executive Director Jamie Parillo.
If a walk back in time isn't your thing, the city's day-long celebration offers plenty of activities, not to mention food, to satisfy even the toughest critics. It all adds up to a Fourth of July that locals and visitors will tell you is tough to beat.
"It sort of tells us we came to the right place which was sort of the idea, but yeah, we love it here, there's so much to do, so much history," Maryland resident Gunther Shaffer said.
Thomson said, "Beautiful little town, very nice people. How can you beat Saratoga?"