Fireworks This Weekend

Here's good news for anyone disappointed that there were no fireworks from Athens last weekend. The Athens Street Festival--the daylong event in the the village across the river that culminates with fireworks--happens this Saturday, July 13, and fifty bucks will put you in the best place to view them while supporting a worthy cause.

Every summer, the Friends of the Hudson Area Library sponsor a cruise on the Spirit of Hudson to benefit the library. This year, by a happy coincidence it seems, the cruise occurs on the same day as the Athens Street Festival. The departure time for the cruise has recently been changed to ensure that the boat will be on the water during the incendiary extravaganza--from 7 until 10 p.m.

In addition to the fireworks, the cruise offers hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, live jazz, and an amazing sunset. Space is limited. Buy your tickets at the library (400 State Street), where they will cost $50 each, or take your chances and buy them at the dock on Saturday, where they will cost $60. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. The boat leaves the dock at 7.