Sis-Boom-Bah! The Crowd Goes Wild!

Fireworks are something you either love or you hate. Maybe you explode right out of your seat and burst into cheers, maybe you clap your hands loudly each time the man-made thunder cracks, each time the night sky sparks red and green and blue. Or maybe you wiggle in that seat of yours in anticipation of the sound and clasp your hands tightly over your ears each time a different rocket is shot into the air. For every one or two people who are averse to fireworks, there are dozens it seems who find pleasure in the spectacle of these festive pyrotechnic displays.

In some cultures fireworks “are thought to have the power to fend off evil spirits and ghosts that are frightened by the loud bangs . . . at most events such as births, deaths and birthdays.” In the United States fireworks are gathered each year by an assortment of people for two primary purposes – New Year's Eve and the celebration of the birth of our nation. And if you love fireworks, you’re going to love the next two weeks in Corning & the Finger Lakes as there are a number of ways to get out and experience some great sis-boom excitement.

Auto racing is an explosive sport, so it makes perfect sense that what has been called the “most spectacular Fireworks Extravaganza in the region” would take place at Woodhull Raceway. On Saturday, June 26th (yes, this Saturday), you can experience thirty minutes of non-stop action including a 1,200 rocket grand finale. The fireworks show was started four decades ago by the original owners of the track and has been refined over the years by subsequent owners into the breathtaking display that’s in store for visitors this year. Gates open at 4:30pm and, just in case fireworks aren’t enough of a reason to get there, be sure to check out the chicken barbeque sponsored by the Woodhull Volunteer Fire Department. Oh yeah, and there’s racing at 6:30pm.

And you won’t have to wait until the 4th to take part in more holiday festivities. From July 1st through July 3rd you can enjoy the Fireman’s Carnival in Hammondsport. There’s a clam special from 8pm-10pm on Thursday and a bike giveaway at 9pm (children’s bikes will be given away each day of the festival). On Friday evening at 7pm there’s a “Waterball” Competition which has been described as a sort of “tug of war with water.” Apparently this involves six fire department teams, a ball tied to a string, and lots of water. The competition goes on for about an hour and is a lot of fun. There’s also a band in the grandstand from 8pm-11pm kicking off this year’s Music in the Park. On Saturday the excitement starts earlier in the day with fire truck rides from 12pm-1pm, a chicken barbeque from 12pm-4pm, and another bike giveaway. From 1pm-4pm it’s Wristband Day which, roughly translated, means one price admission gets you on as many rides as you can get on during that time (Ferris wheel, rollercoaster, and more). The fireman’s parade starts at the Village Square around 6pm and works its way over to Champlin Beach where there the fireworks celebration will take place at 10:30pm.

Just down the road, in the Maple City, you’ll find a “Parade & Festival of Events” on July 4th. The parade starts at noon on Main Street in Hornell, but that’s only part of the fun. There will be Elvis sightings, dance performances, live music, food and games, and fireworks at dusk. The events take place at Veteran’s Memorial Park at James Street. For more information about how you can add some fireworks to your holiday weekend (and beyond), visit Corning & the Finger Lakes or call 866-WINE-FUN.