The Ithaca College campus will be open for families to enjoy the 62nd annual community fireworks show on the night of Thursday, July 2, 2009 (rain date is July 6). Face painting and other activities will be offered in the parking lot near Smiddy Hall.
While the show is free to the public, donations to support the fireworks will be appreciated, according to Fran Benedict, chair of the volunteer committee that organizes the annual fireworks show in Ithaca.
"This is a family-oriented event, and the public is encouraged to picnic on the Ithaca campus, but alcoholic beverages are not permitted," Benedict said. He added that solicitation on the campus is also not permitted.
Volunteers, including employees of Tompkins Trust Company and members of the Ithaca Elks Lodge, will be on South Hill to seek donations from the public. Only those clearly identified volunteers are authorized to collect donations the night of the fireworks show, Benedict said.
"Just $5 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 tens of thousands of people watch the show each year, but donations have not kept pace with the cost of producing a spectacular fireworks display."
Donations may also 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 and the Ithaca Journal. Additional support is provided by Tompkins Trust Company, Ithaca College, TCAT, and area police agencies.
More information is available at communityfireworks.com, the fireworks website.
Further Details on the Event
Community Fireworks Website
Safe Parking, Use of Free TCAT Buses Recommended for Fireworks Show July 2
(Intercom, June 29, 2009)
VIP Packages for Community Fireworks Now Available
(Intercom,May 28, 2009)
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20090625101713151