As much a part of American Independence Day tradition as potato salad and picnics, packing the family into the car for Fourth of July fireworks is an indispensable part of the holiday. Several fireworks displays and events in the greater Auburn area uphold that tradition each year, among them, the events at Emerson Park, the Fair Haven celebration and the New York State Fair fireworks.
The Emerson Park fireworks, to be held Monday, will be $5 per car with music by The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, beginning at 8 p.m. and fireworks roughly at 9:30 p.m., or dusk. The fireworks are weather dependent, so a rain date of July 13 has been established.
Cayuga County parks and trails director Gary Duckett said the park draws people who come just for the fireworks, some just for the orchestra before and some for both. Duckett estimates that 7,500 people are on site each year for the event in addition to the hundreds of boats on the water, those who watch from up on the hill and those who park at the school around the corner.
“We're very thankful for the city's contribution to this event. Without the city, we would not be able to do this,” Duckett said.
Duckett encourages guests to come early and to carpool to avoid having to turn cars away. Seniors and the disabled may enter the event for free, and season ticket holders may also enter for free.
Not to forget the reason for the July 4 celebration - those who fought for American independence, and those who represent freedom today, Duckett said, “It is a real community-wide effort, a celebration of our liberties, so I think it's particularly appropriate when we have soldiers dying in a foreign land.”
Fair Haven has a history of its own when it comes to celebrating American independence. A 60-year tradition, the Fair Haven Independence Day Celebration begins on Friday with the traditional mile-long parade and continues with a full three-day carnival including a chicken barbecue and live music.
About 4,000 visitors come in from all over - and that is just for the parade, which this year will feature two Scottish pipe bands from Syracuse.
A craft show runs all three days, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, there will be a classic car show. A 5 kilometer walk/run event to benefit the Hospice of the Fingerlakes, a children's parade and an unlimited ride matinee in the afternoon followed by live entertainment again that night will round out Saturday's festivities.
On Sunday, the event features more food, entertainment and crafts, until the grand finale when Fair Haven residents show the rest of the county where they are from.
At 9:15 p.m. all homeowners on the bay set up highway flares to create a wall of fire to set the stage for the $9,000 fireworks show at 10 p.m.
The whole event is sponsored by a citizen-run organization known as SOFA - Save Our Fourth Association.
Patricia Hanford, the head of SOFA, and two other women began the committee and have been hosting it since 2001.
Hanford's husband Pete said the organization raises $20,000 each year, just about breaking even, which is fine, because SOFA is a non-profit organization.
Patriotism thrives in Fair Haven, and it is not over this year on July 2.
Every year Fair Haven hosts a boat parade, always at noon on July 4, no matter what day it falls on. The coast guard travels from Oswego to lead it and boats are decorated in patriotic themes. Several homeowners around the bay give them a cannon salute as the boats go by, sealing their reputation as true patriots.
A fireworks spectacular featuring the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes takes place Tuesday.
The event is held at Chevrolet Court and is free to guests.
The fireworks display begins at approximately 9:15 p.m., after the music.
Cayuga County parks and trails director Gary Duckett said the park draws people who come just for the fireworks, some just for the orchestra before and some for both. Duckett estimates that 7,500 people are on site each year for the event in addition to the hundreds of boats on the water, those who watch from up on the hill and those who park at the school around the corner.
“We're very thankful for the city's contribution to this event. Without the city, we would not be able to do this,” Duckett said.
Duckett encourages guests to come early and to carpool to avoid having to turn cars away. Seniors and the disabled may enter the event for free, and season ticket holders may also enter for free.
Not to forget the reason for the July 4 celebration - those who fought for American independence, and those who represent freedom today, Duckett said, “It is a real community-wide effort, a celebration of our liberties, so I think it's particularly appropriate when we have soldiers dying in a foreign land.”
Fair Haven has a history of its own when it comes to celebrating American independence. A 60-year tradition, the Fair Haven Independence Day Celebration begins on Friday with the traditional mile-long parade and continues with a full three-day carnival including a chicken barbecue and live music.
About 4,000 visitors come in from all over - and that is just for the parade, which this year will feature two Scottish pipe bands from Syracuse.
A craft show runs all three days, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, there will be a classic car show. A 5 kilometer walk/run event to benefit the Hospice of the Fingerlakes, a children's parade and an unlimited ride matinee in the afternoon followed by live entertainment again that night will round out Saturday's festivities.
On Sunday, the event features more food, entertainment and crafts, until the grand finale when Fair Haven residents show the rest of the county where they are from.
At 9:15 p.m. all homeowners on the bay set up highway flares to create a wall of fire to set the stage for the $9,000 fireworks show at 10 p.m.
The whole event is sponsored by a citizen-run organization known as SOFA - Save Our Fourth Association.
Patricia Hanford, the head of SOFA, and two other women began the committee and have been hosting it since 2001.
Hanford's husband Pete said the organization raises $20,000 each year, just about breaking even, which is fine, because SOFA is a non-profit organization.
Patriotism thrives in Fair Haven, and it is not over this year on July 2.
Every year Fair Haven hosts a boat parade, always at noon on July 4, no matter what day it falls on. The coast guard travels from Oswego to lead it and boats are decorated in patriotic themes. Several homeowners around the bay give them a cannon salute as the boats go by, sealing their reputation as true patriots.
A fireworks spectacular featuring the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes takes place Tuesday.
The event is held at Chevrolet Court and is free to guests.
The fireworks display begins at approximately 9:15 p.m., after the music.