Fireworks show, July 2, features family activities

The 2001 edition of the Community Fireworks Show in Ithaca will feature more family activities leading up to the late-night pyrotechnic display. This year's fireworks show, the 54th annual event, is slated for Monday night, July 2, on Ithaca College's South Hill campus.

Fran Benedict, chairman of the volunteer committee that organizes the annual fireworks program, said the family-oriented entertainment this year is the result of suggestions gathered following last year's fireworks show. "We're taking a more traditional and patriotic approach," Benedict said.

Activities on July 2 start with baseball games on IC's Freeman Field at 5 p.m. New this year will be a Kids' Carnival featuring games, rides and slides provided by Bobby K Entertainment. The carnival, on the football field at Butterfield Stadium at IC, will run from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition, there will be musical entertainment, magicians, clowns and antique fire trucks and automobiles at the stadium.

While the fireworks show itself is free, there will be a $2 admission charge for the carnival, Benedict explained, and any adult accompanied by a child, 12 and under, will be admitted free.

Pre-fireworks activities, including concession stands operated by the college and musical performances, start at 6:30 p.m.

Benedict said families are welcome to have their own picnics on the Ithaca College campus and enjoy a host of pre-fireworks activities, including the RE/MAX hot-air balloon. The tethered hot-air balloon rides will take place weather permitting.

TCAT will provide free bus service to and from the IC campus and will leave from East Green Street in front of the Tompkins County Public Library beginning at 6:30 p.m. Following the fireworks, buses will return downtown until 11:30 p.m.

Benedict said American Fireworks of Utica and Ithaca, which will stage the fireworks display, has promised an expanded show, including a bigger opening and a spectacular finale.

In addition to the general events across the Ithaca College campus, there will be a special VIP area. Benedict said there are still some VIP packages available. "VIP packages include special parking, a sumptuous barbecue buffet and entertainment right near the fireworks firing point," he said.

Chris Allinger of Q-Country (WQNY-FM, 103.7) and Kevin English of Lite 97 FM (WYXL, 97.3) will be hosts at the VIP area.

Donations continue to be the main source of support for the annual fireworks show, Benedict said, and donations can be made in advance at all branches of Tompkins Trust Co. and on the IC campus the night of the show. Members of On-Site Volunteer Services will be spearheading the collection of donations on the night of the show.

The Community Fireworks Show is organized by volunteers and supported by Tompkins Trust Co., Ithaca College, Cornell, Welliver McGuire Inc., Eagle Broadcasting, Ithaca Journal, Time Warner Cable, TCAT, On-Site Volunteers and the Ithaca Sertoma Club.