Kiwanis Club and The Meltaway Bakery to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Giant Community Cake

A slice of cake, a chorus of voices, and 250 years of American history — that's what's coming to Cantine Field this Independence Day. The Kiwanis Club of Saugerties and The Meltaway Bakery are joining forces to throw the Hudson Valley's sweetest birthday party, and everyone's invited.

America's 250th: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration

July 4, 2026, marks America's semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Communities across the nation are planning special tributes, and Saugerties is stepping up with an event that embodies what small-town America does best: neighbors coming together to share something meaningful.

"America's 250th birthday deserves something special. This celebration is about neighbors coming together, sharing a joyful moment, and celebrating both our country and our community."

— Peg Nau, President, Kiwanis Club of Saugerties

The Cake: 1,300 Slices for the Community

The centerpiece is a stunning three-tiered patriotic cake prepared by The Meltaway Bakery, one of Saugerties' most beloved hometown bakeries. Drew Pineiro and his team are also baking ten sheet cakes, bringing the total to enough for approximately 1,300 people — and Drew and his wife will personally serve the tiered cake during the celebration.

"We are excited to be part of this historic event. We are honored to help mark the occasion by preparing cake for 1,300 people."

— Drew Pineiro, Owner, The Meltaway Bakery

A Full-Circle Saugerties Story

The collaboration carries special meaning. Peg Nau shared: "I worked with Drew years ago at Lachmann's Bakery, where I was assistant cake decorator to Ralph Lachmann. I have always believed that every great birthday party needs a cake."

From decorating cakes together at a legendary Saugerties bakery to collaborating on the town's biggest birthday party — it's the kind of story that only happens in a place like this.

At Cantine Field, Saugerties' Gathering Place

The celebration will be held at the Main Pavilion at Cantine Field, Saugerties' premier community sports and events complex. Known for hosting the annual Hudson Valley Garlic Festival and countless community gatherings, Cantine Field is the perfect backdrop.

The Kiwanis Club extended special thanks to Greg Chorvas, Superintendent of Parks and Buildings for the Town of Saugerties, for making the pavilion available.

Saugerties and the American Story

The celebration carries extra resonance given Saugerties' deep roots in American history. Settled in the 1600s along the Hudson River, Saugerties grew within one of the most strategically important regions of the American Revolution.

During the Hudson Valley campaigns of 1777, British forces moved along the Hudson corridor as pivotal battles unfolded nearby — including the Burning of Kingston and clashes in the Hudson Highlands.

Nearly 250 years later, Saugerties continues its tradition as a close-knit Hudson Valley community where local organizations, small businesses, and volunteers work together to celebrate shared traditions.

About the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties

The Kiwanis Club of Saugerties has long been a pillar of community service in Ulster County, dedicated to supporting local children, schools, scholarships, and charitable causes. This July 4th celebration continues that mission — creating a free, welcoming event centered on community pride and togetherness.

About The Meltaway Bakery

The Meltaway Bakery has become one of Saugerties' best-known hometown bakeries, recognized for reviving beloved local pastries and serving generations of Hudson Valley residents with classic baked goods made with care.

Join the Celebration

The celebration is free and open to the public. Families, friends, and visitors are all welcome to gather at the Main Pavilion, enjoy a slice of cake, and join in singing "Happy Birthday USA" as Saugerties marks this historic milestone the way only Saugerties can — together.

Event Details

• What: America 250 Birthday Cake Celebration
• When: July 4, 2026
• Where: Main Pavilion, Cantine Field, Saugerties, NY
• Cost: Free
• Hosted by: Kiwanis Club of Saugerties & The Meltaway Bakery