1. It's a July 4th Celebration, full of fireworks, food, and fun in Saugerties.  The daylong fair begins with a parade down Main Street, followed by a family carnival and flea market, and ends with a lawn concert and spectacular fireworks.   Village of Saugerties. 845-246-3090.

 
2. The "Best of Show" art exhibit kicks off July 4th through 6th in Hudson. The city features over 60 artist-decorated fiberglass dogs displayed throughout the business district. Enjoy the "dog days" of summer!  Best in Show, Hudson. 518-671-6213, www.hudsonbestinshow.com.

3. Music lovers everywhere will appreciate the Caramoor International Music Festival, now through August 3rd, featuring jazz, pops, chamber, and symphonic music throughout its season at Katonah.  Caramoor International Music Festival, Katonah. 914-232-1252, www.caramoor.org.

4. Just a few miles up the river, the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, taking place outdoors in Oak Hill, covers four stages with award-winning bluegrass and acoustic music from July 17th to 20th.   Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Oak Hill. 888-946-8495, www.greyfoxbluegrass.com.

5. If Jazz is more your style, the Newburgh Jazz Series covers the waterfront every Wednesday and Thursday in July and August, with hot jazz played on the cool Hudson River in Newburgh.   Newburgh Jazz Series 2008, Newburgh. 845-568-0198, click here.

6. Summer greenery is the theme for the Rockland County Feis, a daylong Irish festival with step dancing, bag piping, music, art, food, and all things Irish. Take in the Gaelic football, old time waltz contest, and field game competitions held on July 20th.  Rockland County Feis, Anthony Wayne State Park. 845-942-1874, www.rocklandcountyfeis.com.

7. Spend some lazy days at the Dutchess County Fair, August 19th through the 24th, in Rhinebeck to take in the exhibits, fine arts and crafts, children's activities, horticultural displays, and more. You'll find entertainment throughout the 168 fairground acres along with over 100 food booths, a carnival and games.  Dutchess County Fair, Rhinebeck. 845-876-4001, www.dutchessfair.com.

 
8. Cheer on the Giants at their Summer Training Camp in Albany from July 25th to August 17th.  Meet the players and watch their practice sessions and preseason games.  New York Giants Summer Training Camp, Albany. 518-442-4522, www.albanynysports.com/NYGiantsCamp.htm

 
9. If the great American sport of baseball is more your style, take your seat at the New York-Penn League All Star Game in Troy's stadium on August 19th. This is the fourth All-Star Game in the New York League's history, and will showcase the best from the National League and American League affiliates.   NY-Penn League All Star Game, Troy. 518-629-2287, www.tcvalleycats.com.

10. Finally, bicycle enthusiasts can get moving by participating in the Tour de Putnam Cycling Festival on August 24th. Routes are of varying lengths, winding through this scenic and historic county.  Tour de Putnam Cycling Festival, Carmel. 845-225-0381, www.VisitPutnam.org.

No matter what your interest, the Hudson Valley has something exciting for everyone this summer.   For more information, visit the Hudson Valley Tourism website, www.travelhudsonvalley.com, or by calling 845-291-2136.