Free Event to Feature Food, Family-Friendly Activities and

The Capital Region’s Biggest and Best Fireworks Show

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced New York State and Price Chopper/Market 32 are teaming up again to present New York State’s 43rd annual Independence Day celebration at the Empire State Plaza. With an exciting program filled with amazing performances, great food, activities for children, and the largest pyrotechnics display in the region, this year’s festivities will run from 3 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4.

“We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Price Chopper/Market 32 to present a July 4 event that has been an Albany tradition here at the Empire State Plaza since the United States celebrated its bicentennial in 1976,” Commissioner Destito said. “We strive to make each year’s event better than the last and this year’s incredible lineup of entertainment, food, activities, and those amazing fireworks is sure to make it the best Fourth of July at the Plaza yet.”

“It has been the absolute pleasure of Price Chopper/Market 32 to present New York State’s July 4 Celebration, for over 40 years. We’re excited to partner once again with the NYS Office of General Services in hosting the biggest Independence Day gathering- and most spectacular fireworks show- in the area,” said Pam Cerrone, Price Chopper/Market 32 Director of Community Relations.

Formed in late 1994, Smash Mouth’s major-label debut album went more than double platinum and set the table for what most of the band’s fans consider their masterpiece, 1999’s follow-up album “Astrolounge.” Boasting three top-10 hits – “All-Star,” “Then The Morning Comes,” and “Can’t Get Enough Of You Baby” – sales of “Astrolounge” have approached nearly quadruple platinum status. Smash Mouth’s third release featured the smash hit “I’m a Believer,” which appears on the “Shrek” movie soundtrack.

The July 4 event will also feature a special performance by local artist Moriah Formica of “The Voice.”

At each year’s July 4 festivities, a big focus is placed on creating a family-friendly environment at the Plaza. Smoke- and alcohol-free kids’ play areas will be set up with fun activities for kids. The day’s lineup includes something for everyone, starting with a naturalization ceremony for new Americans and including dozens of food and craft vendors, activities for kids, and an evening of live entertainment leading up to the big pyrotechnics show that begins at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Grounds will open at 2 p.m., and this year’s Fourth of July festivities will begin with the naturalization ceremony at 3 p.m. and then live music starting at 4 p.m. and continuing throughout the afternoon and evening along with other entertainment and activities.

Free parking is available in the visitor and “P” lots under the Empire State Plaza, the East Garage, and the Grand Street and Elk Street lots.

Plaza security will enforce its alcohol policy consistent with all other events and will not allow outside alcohol beverages, hard-sided coolers, or glass containers to be brought onto the Plaza at any time of day. Alcohol will be served by vendors to adults with proper identification. The use of sparklers and fireworks is not permitted at the Empire State Plaza. All bags and backpacks will be subject to search.  No animals or pets (excludes ADA-defined service animals) will be allowed.

For event updates, visit the Empire State Plaza Events page on facebook, follow @plazaevents on Twitter or call (518) 474-4759. For additional information about Summer at the Plaza events, including directions and ground rules, visit www.empirestateplaza.org/.

Sponsors include Price Chopper/Market 32, I Love New York, New York Lottery, Miller Light, CDTA, Times Union, Albany.com, Renaissance Albany Hotel, and 99.5 The River.

About The Golub Corporation:

Based in Schenectady, NY, the Golub Corporation owns and operates 134 Price Chopper and Market 32 grocery stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The American owned, family-managed company prides itself on longstanding traditions of innovative food merchandising, leadership in community service, and cooperative employee relations. Golub’s 20,000 teammates collectively own more than 44% of the company’s privately held stock, making it one of the nation’s largest privately held corporations that is predominantly employee-owned. For additional information, visit www.pricechopper.com