Fireworks to light up Canandaigua again, but not on July Fourth. When to see them

CANANDAIGUA, NY — Fireworks will be returning this summer to Canandaigua, although not on the Fourth of July holiday.

The city and town of Canandaigua are partnering to bring back a fireworks display, which will be held at dusk Saturday, July 6. As in the past, the fireworks will be shot into the summer night sky at the north end of the lake, off Kershaw Park.

Back during the COVID-19 pandemic, the city had ended the display of fireworks, which was usually held the night of the July 4 holiday.

What they’re saying about Canandaigua fireworks

Both the town and city are splitting the cost of the fireworks, so neither municipality’s budget will take a big hit, said Mayor Bob Palumbo.

"I'm glad to join this announcement of the return of fireworks and the partnering with the town of Canandaigua on this celebration of our nation’s independence,” Palumbo said.

Town and city officials are excited to bring back this treasured tradition, which has long been a highlight of Independence Day festivities in the Canandaigua area, said Town Supervisor Jared Simpson.

“We are thrilled to bring this tradition back to the residents of Canandaigua and to celebrate our nation’s independence” Simpson said.

What happened to the Canandaigua fireworks?

The city decided to end the July 4 firework display because of environmental concerns for Canandaigua Lake and workforce issues, among other reasons.

In the past, the Fourth of July parade would begin in the morning, followed by music and other events at Kershaw Park. The fireworks would cap off. the day's events.

All in all, it made for a long day and evening for city employees, including police, firefighters and public works and parks people who were paid overtime on the holiday but also missed out on the holiday themselves.

This gives employees “a little break” until that weekend, Palumbo said.

Reaction to the return of fireworks in Canandaigua

Although some Canandaigua area businesses offered their own July 4 fireworks displays, residents have been pressing city officials for the return of the display for some time.

City staff investigated the environmental concerns, and discovered there was no real harm to the lake or environment, Palumbo said.

Of course, some were happy the city discontinued its display, citing the impact of loud booming noises on pets and people.

“I think knowing exactly when we’re going to have it ... they can at least plan for it and know that this is when it’s going to happen,” Palumbo said.

Will there still be a Fourth of July parade in Canandaigua?

So while the fireworks are planned for July 6, the annual Fourth of July parade will happen on July 4.

Kick off is at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4.

Marchers will begin at the Main and Ontario streets intersection and work their way down to the lakefront.

According to the downtown Canandaigua Business Improvement District, more than 75 units and organizations are already participating .

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Fireworks to light up Canandaigua again, but not on July Fourth. When to see them