The nonprofit group Walkway Over the Hudson and Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park will commemorate achieving a major visitation milestone at its Fireworks Over the Hudson event on Monday, July 4th when the organization chooses the park's symbolic one millionth visitor from among the event's nearly 3,000 attendees.

"Because our attendance figures are approximations determined by New York State Parks' staff, we only know that the Walkway will have reached one million visitors some time in the month of June," said Walkway Executive Director Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart. "So we plan to pick one lucky Fireworks Event attendee to represent our one millionth visitor. Whoever it is will receive several nice prizes."

The event is especially significant given the Walkway State Park's speedy rise to prominence, becoming an extremely popular tourist and recreational destination since opening in October, 2009. Walkway State Park has already attracted national and international media attention, appearing in articles by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, The New Yorker, the Daily News and numerous others.

"Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park has truly captivated the public's imagination and that has translated into economic revitalization and a new sense of optimism for our region," said Walkway Chairwoman Sally Mazzarella.

Walkway plans to select the one millionth visitor during a brief ceremony that will be held at the park's western entrance at approximately 7:30 p.m. from among those who purchase tickets to view the City of Poughkeepsie's July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.

Those wishing to watch the annual fireworks extravaganza from high atop Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park must purchase a wristband from one of the participating outlets (please see list below.) Wristbands cost $10 each, must be purchased in advance and are required of anyone over 5 years old.

On Monday, July 4th Walkway State Park will close to the public at 5:30 p.m. and then re-open at 6:30 p.m. for those possessing valid wristbands. The fireworks display is expected to begin after 9:00 p.m. If the event is postponed due to inclement weather, it will be re-scheduled for Tuesday, July 5. Tune into Hudson Valley radio stations for weather and event updates. (Please note: There will be no refunds offered to wristband holders.)

Due to the nature of the 4th of July event, all ticket holders are asked to adhere to these special event regulations:

• No dogs, bicycles, rollerblades or scooters allowed on the Walkway,

• No coolers, alcohol or smoking permitted,

• Visitors are advised to car pool and to bring a flashlight.

There will not be shuttle bus service for the July 4th fireworks event, so those with valid wristbands are encouraged to car pool and to park at various City of Poughkeepsie or Town of Lloyd municipal lots or approved on street parking spaces and allow ample time to get to Walkway State Park in time for the fireworks. Ticket holders may access the Walkway from either the East or West entrances.

For more information about Walkway Over the Hudson visit www.walkway.org.

Wristbands will be sold at these locations:

City of Poughkeepsie:

1. Café Bocca – Mt Carmel

2. Lola's Restaurant – Washington Street

3. River Station - Water and Main Street

4. Coppola's - Route 9 in Hyde Park

5. Shadows on the Hudson

Town of Lloyd

1. Gateway Diner

2. Mariner's on the Hudson

3. Vigneto's Café

Town of Milton

1. Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa