MORRISTOWN — Each year, thousands of people descend upon Morristown for the community’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

“It’s a family get-together for people from all over,” said Morristown Fire Chief Kevin J. Crosby. “For anyone in or around Morristown, it’s one of the bigger field days.”

Mr. Crosby said the celebration serves as the biggest fundraiser each year for the Fire Department.

This year’s festivities will kick off June 30 with the department’s annual fundraising auction at the fire station, 200 Morris St.

“We haven’t really had many donations yet this year,” Mr. Crosby said. But with the auction still three weeks away, he said, he’s not worried. “We usually have enough to fill up our three bays at the fire hall,” he said.

Those wishing to donate new or used items for the auction can do so by calling Ed at 375-6536 and leaving a message. Arrangements for item pickup can be made.

Behind the fire station at dusk on July 3, Morristown will be hosting one of the largest fireworks displays in the county.

“Each year, it costs us about $5,000 to set them off,” Mr. Crosby said, adding that donations to help offset the cost of the fireworks may be sent to Morristown Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 4, Morristown, N.Y. 13664, with “fireworks” written on the check’s memo line.

The festivities’ biggest day, however, is July 4, the nation’s birthday.

Mr. Crosby said Independence Day activities start with a 10 a.m. parade that begins at Main Street and Route 37 and will feature the Morristown, Ogdensburg, Heuvelton, Lisbon, Edwards-Knox and Gouverneur school marching bands.

At 11:30 a.m., the field day begins behind the fire station. The event features a chicken barbecue, concession stand, antique-tractor pull, children’s games and more.

“It’s fun for the whole family,” Mr. Crosby said.

In the past, the Fire Department also has sponsored a drawing for a chain saw, a lawn mower or some other type of prize. But this year, Mr. Crosby said, the department has elected to do a 50/50 drawing.

Tickets for the drawing may be purchased from any member of the Fire Department and are on sale now.

Tickets also will be sold at the auction and during the Independence Day parade, with the drawing to be held the afternoon of July 4.

“I’m hoping it’s going to be a big prize,” Mr. Crosby said.

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