Booming sounds from South Hill will be the all-clear signal for the 53rd annual Ithaca Community Fireworks Show Monday night, July 3. Beginning at 2 p.m. Monday, an aerial salute that can be heard for miles around will be fired every hour on the hour by fireworks technicians as a reminder that the show is a "go."
Fran Benedict, chairman of the volunteer committee that organizes the annual fireworks shows, said the American Fireworks Manufacturing Co. of Utica and Ithaca plans an aerial display that will begin about 10 p.m., with a bigger opening and a bigger finale.
If weather conditions the night of July 3 are unfavorable, area radio and television stations will announce the rain date, which is Wednesday, July 5. If the fireworks are postponed, the sock hop with disc jockey Tom Joseph of WTKOldies and the "Back Talk Band" also will be moved to July 5.
Souvenirs and hot dogs, ice cream, candy and beverages will be available at concession stands operated by the Ithaca College's dining contractor. There will be several attractions for children this year, including an appearance by Bugs Bunny, whose visit on the Ithaca College campus is being underwritten by Time Warner Cable.
The schedule of festivities includes:
"Once again, Ithaca College has opened its campus parking lots, fields and facilities for the annual fireworks show, which will be visible from various points surrounding Ithaca," Benedict said. Spectators should arrive early to avoid traffic congestion, which hits its peak at about 7:30 p.m. "Better yet," Benedict said, "take the TCAT bus, which is offering free service from downtown to Ithaca College."
Shuttle buses will depart from the East Green Street shelter near the new county library beginning at 6:30 p.m. They will return after the fireworks show and sock hop.
Motorists are reminded that there is no parking on state and county highways, especially on routes 13 and 96B. Police and public-safety officials will help direct traffic, and firefighters from the Ithaca Fire Department will be on standby near the fireworks.
Members of the Ithaca Sertoma Club, On-Site Volunteers and employees of Tompkins County Trust Co. will be on South Hill to seek donations from the public, Benedict said.
"Just $2 from each person who watches the show -- whether it's from South Hill or surrounding hillsides, parks and backyards -- would help," Benedict said. Individual, group and business donations can be sent to the attention of Benedict at the Ithaca Commons office of the Tompkins County Trust Co.
Media partners helping to promote this year's fireworks show are Eagle Broadcasting, The Ithaca Journal and Time-Warner Cable. Additional support is provided by Tompkins County Trust Co., John C. Lowery Inc., Paolangeli Contractor, Welliver McGuire Inc., Cornell University and Ithaca College.
| Cornell Chronicle Front Page | | Table of Contents | | Cornell News Service Home Page |