Where to watch 4th of July Fireworks in Elmira, Corning, Watkins Glen and beyond

Opportunities abound in the Southern Tier before, on and after Independence Day arrives on Thursday.

Here's a guide featuring spots to catch organized Fourth of July fireworks shows and other Independence Day parades and carnivals in the Southern Tier.

Elmira: “Party in the Park” at Eldridge Park is set for Sunday, June 30 starting at 2 p.m. with a Craft Fair, food vendors, and inflatables. Fireworks are expected to start around 9:30 p.m.

Elmira: If you miss the fireworks show Sunday at Eldridge Park, you’ll have another opportunity to view fireworks Wednesday, July 3 at Dunn Field following the Pioneers game.

Corning: The annual 4th of July fireworks display show over the Chemung River near Pedestrian Bridge and Riverfront Park will begin at 9:45 p.m. July 4, according to Mike Bono, treasurer of the Corning Lions Club, which sponsors the event.

“It’s a lot of fun for the family and really everybody,” Bono said. “I think it’s an important event that thousands of people come out to. It’s an important community event.”

Bono said people start arriving about an hour and a half before sunset to pick the spot they want to watch the fireworks.

Watkins Glen: The annual 4th of July Fireworks at Clute Park will be held from 6-9 p.m. with fireworks expected to go off at dark, likely between 9-10:30 p.m. The event will also include Seneca Jam Under the White Tent and food at the concession stand.

“It’s definitely a really fun event,” said Nico Piacentini, a Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce spokesperson. “We have a lot of people that come to the shoreline to watch the fireworks over Seneca Lake. It’s a very family friendly event.”

Hammondsport Firemen’s Carnival: The carnival will run from July 4-6 off state Route 54 in Hammondsport. The event, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday, will include rides, concession stands and various games. On Saturday, July 6, the event will feature a chicken BBQ, kids fire truck rides, a fireman's parade and fireworks, which will begin at about 10 p.m., according to the Hammondsport Fire Department.

Horseheads: Fireworks will start at Thorne Street Park and run from about 9:30-9:45 p.m. July 13, according to the Horseheads Village Parks and Recreation Department. The Family Day event at the park, which will start at 4 p.m., will also include music performances, food trucks and inflatables for kids.

Hornell: Hornell’s Independence Day Parade is scheduled for noon with lineup at 11 a.m. in the Community Bank parking lot. The Hornell fireworks display will be at 10 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park at James Street, Thursday, July 4.