Independence Day fireworks will return to the City of Poughkeepsie for the first time in more than 20 years, officials said today (Mar. 24).
Mayor John Tkazyik announced a fireworks display is set for July 4th in Waryas Park along the Hudson River.
The mayor said he hopes the display will encourage residents to stay in the city for the holiday and patronize local businesses.
"This year, it is more important than ever to keep our business local,” Tkazyik said.
He said the fireworks will cost about $10,000 and could be funded with help from local banks and other private donors.
Tkazyik said Independence Day fireworks were held for years at College Hill, but were eventually discontinued due to lack of funding. Officials believe the city's last July 4th fireworks display was held along the river in the mid-1980s.