Fireworks display is returning to Canandaigua
CANANDAIGUA – 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.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the city had ended the display of fireworks, which was usually held the night of the July 4 holiday.
The city decided to end the 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.
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, Mayor Bob 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.
So while the fireworks are planned for July 6, the annual Fourth of July parade will happen 10 a.m. 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 .