(WKTV) - Central New York's red, white and blue was out in full swing Saturday as our nation celebrates its independence. Most local towns and municipalities held their own events to honor the 4th of July.

In Utica, some changes were made this year for the city's Independence Day celebrations. The festivities began at noon on Saturday for what was called "4th of July Party in the Park." All day, spectators enjoyed an array of musical performances, food vendors, a classic car show and a carnival for children. The parade got underway at 6:00.

The fireworks this year will be held at Proctor Park as opposed to the typical location of the Parkway. Construction on the parking lot of the Parkway forced the city to move the fireworks to the new location. It is also the 100th anniversary of Proctor Park, and holding the Independence Day celebrations there instead is used as a way to celebrate.

In Springfield, an annual parade takes place in the town. This year, the Cooperstown Community Band performed at noon and Otsego County's famous Brooks Barbecue offered food. Event organizers say 6,000 people typically turn out for the event and this year's theme was Red, White, Blue and GREEN.

Rich Moore, of Springfield, said, "They come from all over, you see fire trucks from down south, it's literally the biggest thing in Central New York for July 4th, even though it only takes about a half an hour for the parade to finish."

In Frankfort, the first annual Charity Horse Show was held at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds. Organizers said it was a day of sport and fun and some serious competition. The event was hosted by For The Good, Inc. who provides strategies for low to moderate income individuals and families to improve their lives.

Cooperstown always has their own special way to celebrate Independence Day. The Farmers' Museum held their popular annual festivities which included a militia muster and drill, patriotic music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and children's crafts. Visitors explored the 1840s historic village, specially adorned with patriotic banners and bunting.

Other major news that took place to honor the 4th of July was in New York City. After nearly eight years of being close, the Statue of Liberty's crown was reopened to visitors.

The National Park Service says the crown remained closed since September 11 because the narrow, double-helix staircases could not be safely evacuated in an emergency and didn't comply with fire and building codes.

So far, about 14,500 tickets to the crown have been sold, most of them for visits through the end of August. Tickets currently on sale are for visits in the fall and beyond. Tickets for the July Fourth weekend sold out within hours.