There will be pre-fireworks festivities at the Ithaca Community Fireworks Show on Monday night, July 2, at Ithaca College, including hot-air balloon rides and a display of classic cars.
At 6:30 p.m., weather conditions permitting, the RE/Max hot-air balloon will be available for tethered rides on the lower playing fields at Ithaca College.
Also at 6:30, Car Pride of Ithaca will have a display of classic cars in the college’s “Visitor” parking lot.
While all these events are free to the public, donations to support the fireworks and pre-fireworks activities will be appreciated, according to Fran Benedict, chair of the volunteer committee that organizes the annual fireworks show in Ithaca.
Volunteers, including employees of the Tompkins Trust Company, will be on South Hill to seek donations from the public. Only these clearly identified volunteers are authorized to collect donations the night of the fireworks show, Benedict said.
“Just $3 from each person who watches the show — whether it’s from South Hill or surrounding hillsides, parks, and backyards — would help guarantee a fireworks show next year,” Benedict said. “We know that there are tens of thousands of people watching the shows each year, but donations do not keep pace with the cost of producing a fireworks spectacle.”
Donations can be sent to the attention of Benedict at the Ithaca Commons office of Tompkins Trust Company.
Media partners helping to promote the fireworks show are Cayuga Radio Group (WHCU, WNYY, WYXL, and WQNY) and the Ithaca Journal. Additional support is provided by Tompkins Trust Company, Ithaca College, Cornell University, and TCAT.
Additional information is available 24 hours a day at www.communityfireworks.com, the fireworks website.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20070626110726430