2026 Schedule of Events

FROM YOUR SOFA BOARD

Dear Community Members & Businesses,

Members of Save Our Fourth Association, the Fair Haven 4th of July organizing committee, has been working year-round to plan another fantastic Independence Day celebration! Every resident and business plays a vital role in this acclaimed tradition, from our famous mile-long parade to the spectacular fireworks, your donations exclusively fund the weekend-long event.

The Challenge

Planning this year has been uniquely difficult. Following a decline in last year’s donations and facing our second year without the usual carnival, we’ve also had to navigate the nation’s 250th birthday. Due to the high regional demand for fireworks displays and limited number of servicers, we have had to move our show to Sunday night. These factors have made year-round fundraising efforts and this mailing donation campaign more critical than ever to cover costs like parade bands, daily entertainment, permits, insurance, and operating expenses.

The Good News

This year, we are thrilled to maintain our favorite traditions, like the parades and car show, while adding exciting new highlights! Be sure to check out Shane Hansen’s Rock-N-Circus (three shows daily), our first-ever United We Roll Touch-A-Truck event (Friday and Saturday), and a Happy 250th Birthday America! ice cream social on July 4th. Plus, discover a new clue every day in hopes of grabbing a prize in The Great Fair Haven Medallion Hunt: 250 Edition. Looking ahead even, things are more promising than ever for the return of the carnival and our traditional Saturday night fireworks in 2027! Watch our website and follow us on Facebook for all the details leading up to our beloved celebration.

A Note to Our Businesses

This four-day event is always the busiest weekend of the year for our local economy. To show our appreciation, SOFA will recognize business donors at the levels below in our “Thank You” letter in the Shopper after the celebration. Please help us continue to bring this beloved tradition to Fair Haven!

Red Level – up to ^$150 donation          White Level – up to ^$300 donation

Blue Level – up to ^$500 donation          Silver Level – up to ^$750 donation

Gold Level – over ^$750 donation

As an all-volunteer non-profit, we appreciate every dollar. Scan the QR code below or visit fairhaven4th.com to make a donation with any credit card, PayPal, or Venmo.

If mailing a check, please make it payable to “SOFA, Inc.” and send your donation to: SOFA, Inc., PO Box 521, Fair Haven, NY 13064

Thank You!

        — Your SOFA Board Members & Volunteers

SOFA, Inc.

Bailey Teachman, President

Kyle Meddaugh, Vice President

June Smith, Treasurer

Michele Sherman, Secretary

Larry Knoll, Board Member

Marnie Meddaugh, Board Member

Derek Stone, Board Member