Parking will be free at Jones Beach on Memorial Day weekend
The beach at Parking Field 4 at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Beachgoers will save $10 as parking is free at Jones Beach State Park on Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday.
A two-day program at Jones Beach will include live music, a historical village and a drone show on May 23 and 24 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and highlight Long Island’s role in the war, Hochul said in a statement.
"The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is an unparalleled opportunity to commemorate New York’s history and promote the state as a top destination for visitors," the governor said. "I’m looking forward to events across the state this year to highlight our revolutionary spirit and remind the world that New Yorkers have always been at the forefront of the continuing fight for liberty and equality."
Legendary Warbirds will do flybys throughout each day beginning at noon, representing more than 80 years of aviation history from the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport.
On both days, historical reenactors will demonstrate various events in history and illustrate the way of life in 1776. There'll be a reenactment play of New Yorkers who signed the Declaration of Independence, portrayals of African American infantry units the 5th New York Regiment and 1st Rhode Island Regiment, and an immersive Shinnecock cultural display showcasing Indigenous traditions.
Reenactors will also portray key historical figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin.
A Colonial cooking demonstration will take place on Sunday.
The reenactment village will be between Parking Fields 3 and 4, with events there from noon to 6 p.m.
Additionally, the park concessionaire will expand food offerings for the weekend, with three pop-up tents at Center Boardwalk to include an authentic Greek food truck at the West Bathhouse.
And from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, a patriotic musical tribute to the military will take place at the Central Mall Bandshell.
At 9 p.m., a 20-minute drone light show by Grizzly Entertainment will close the weekend’s programs, featuring animation designs consisting of up to 1,000 drones.
While primary viewing for the show will take place at the park’s Central Mall, music will be simulcast along the boardwalk for an interactive viewing experience.
