Fireworks at Beekman Mansion

Fireworks to celebrate William Beekman and NYS joining the Union in 1788 at the Beekman Mansion on Friday, July 26 in Sharon Springs.

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Beekman Boys, Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, celebrated their namesake and the founder of the Beekman Mansion, William Beekman, this past weekend with a large fireworks display in Sharon Springs.

The date for this celebration of July 26th was significantly paired with New York State joining the Union on that day in 1788 and the arrival of William Beekman to the same property back in July 1788 as well!

The celebration kicked off around dark with an impressive fireworks display lasting for over 25 minutes that was seen and heard for miles as the booms echoed in the surrounding hills. In line with their motto of “kindness”, The Beekman Boys extended invitations to neighbors who were able to drive up and watch from a field off of Slate Hill Road.

The history of Beekman and his influence in the area and the establishment of the County itself run deep. William Beekman was born in June 1767 and according to an online historical database “was a "boy soldier" in the Revolutionary War, and as an adult became a successful and respected businessman with a general store situated across the road from where he would eventually build his Mansion (in Sharon Springs). He married Joanna Lowe, and had eight children, only two of whom made it past the age of twenty. Beekman was appointed the first judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Schoharie County in 1795 and held the position until 1833. He also served as State Senator from 1799-1802. William Beekman died in 1845 at the age of 78 and was buried on the property.”

The Beekman Boys, Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, purchased the Beekman Mansion back in 2007 and gained fame in 2010 with their hit TV series “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” that took place in Sharon Springs. In 2012, they made waves again by competing and winning The Amazing Race, Season 21. They have since spread kindness and goodwill around the globe with their highly successful international brand Beekman 1802. The Kindness Shop on Main Street in Sharon Springs is well worth the visit, stocked with all their famous products and friendly faces too!