It's already been a year since the last fireworks display at Emerson Park in Owasco.
The popular event returns Tuesday.
The decades-old tradition will begin after dark courtesy of the city of Auburn and Cayuga County.
Longtime display engineers Auburn Telstar Fireworks will have some custom pyrotechnics to add to this year's show, said regional director Steve Pierce.
“It's never exactly the same program,” he said. “We like to make the fireworks show exciting and each year it's almost like we put on a new performance.”
Pierce took a trip to China last year to search for new additions to the show, which Telstar has been doing for about 20 years.
“It's our home show, so we try to make it big,” he said.
Telstar puts on displays across the state. At Emerson, the rule will be to arrive well before starting time.
“As always we ask people to come early because parking is limited, especially handicap parking,” county parks and trails director Gary Duckett said. “The only thing I can say is it's a great place to have a picnic.”
It's not unusual to catch die-hards and early birds arriving as early as noon, Duckett said. The newly installed disc golf course and beach represent some of the pastimes available.
About 8,000 are expected to show up. In addition to splitting the cost, the city and county also offer up their emergency services for the event.
“This is truly a cooperative event between the city and county,” Duckett said.
Many volunteer fire departments and emergency medical units will be on hand in addition to troopers, deputies and police.
The county crafts an emergency management plan that coordinates all the agencies represented if need be.
“Another thing we are trying to do again is have no alcohol in the park,” Duckett said. “This is a family fun event.”
Pets should be kept away from the crowd as well.
Those arriving early enough can park at Emerson for $5 per vehicle.
That cost is waived for senior citizens, the disabled and season pass holders.
Overflow will be directed to the Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum on Route 38A, Auburn High School on Lake Avenue and just about anywhere in between and beyond. Carpooling is recommended.
The program will be the same as years past with the exception of Auburn Little League, which will be serving up Fourth of July fare as a fundraiser. Typically a local restaurant takes the honors, Duckett said.
The Syracuse Symphony will begin playing at 8 p.m.
The symphony will have follow-up performances on July 11 and 19.
Duckett also recommends spectators take it easy in traffic when the show is over.
“Inevitably it takes a while to get out of here, so have a little patience,” he said.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
If you go
What: Annual Auburn city and Cayuga County
fireworks display
Where: Emerson Park, Owasco
When: Tuesday, 8 p.m. Syracuse Symphony performance, fireworks after dark (about 9:45 p.m.)
Cost: $5 per vehicle at
Emerson Park, free for season pass holders, senior citizens and disabled
The decades-old tradition will begin after dark courtesy of the city of Auburn and Cayuga County.
Longtime display engineers Auburn Telstar Fireworks will have some custom pyrotechnics to add to this year's show, said regional director Steve Pierce.
“It's never exactly the same program,” he said. “We like to make the fireworks show exciting and each year it's almost like we put on a new performance.”
Pierce took a trip to China last year to search for new additions to the show, which Telstar has been doing for about 20 years.
“It's our home show, so we try to make it big,” he said.
Telstar puts on displays across the state. At Emerson, the rule will be to arrive well before starting time.
“As always we ask people to come early because parking is limited, especially handicap parking,” county parks and trails director Gary Duckett said. “The only thing I can say is it's a great place to have a picnic.”
It's not unusual to catch die-hards and early birds arriving as early as noon, Duckett said. The newly installed disc golf course and beach represent some of the pastimes available.
About 8,000 are expected to show up. In addition to splitting the cost, the city and county also offer up their emergency services for the event.
“This is truly a cooperative event between the city and county,” Duckett said.
Many volunteer fire departments and emergency medical units will be on hand in addition to troopers, deputies and police.
The county crafts an emergency management plan that coordinates all the agencies represented if need be.
“Another thing we are trying to do again is have no alcohol in the park,” Duckett said. “This is a family fun event.”
Pets should be kept away from the crowd as well.
Those arriving early enough can park at Emerson for $5 per vehicle.
That cost is waived for senior citizens, the disabled and season pass holders.
Overflow will be directed to the Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum on Route 38A, Auburn High School on Lake Avenue and just about anywhere in between and beyond. Carpooling is recommended.
The program will be the same as years past with the exception of Auburn Little League, which will be serving up Fourth of July fare as a fundraiser. Typically a local restaurant takes the honors, Duckett said.
The Syracuse Symphony will begin playing at 8 p.m.
The symphony will have follow-up performances on July 11 and 19.
Duckett also recommends spectators take it easy in traffic when the show is over.
“Inevitably it takes a while to get out of here, so have a little patience,” he said.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
If you go
What: Annual Auburn city and Cayuga County
fireworks display
Where: Emerson Park, Owasco
When: Tuesday, 8 p.m. Syracuse Symphony performance, fireworks after dark (about 9:45 p.m.)
Cost: $5 per vehicle at
Emerson Park, free for season pass holders, senior citizens and disabled
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