Ithaca College

Booming sounds this afternoon (Thursday, July 2) from South Hill will be the all-clear signal for the 62nd annual Ithaca Community Fireworks show. Beginning at 2:00 p.m., 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 show, said that the American Fireworks Manufacturing Company has planned an aerial display to begin at about 9:45 p.m. tonight.

If weather conditions Thursday night are not favorable, area radio stations will carry an announcement of the July 6 rain date. If the fireworks show is postponed, most pre-fireworks activities will be moved to Monday night.

"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. "We appreciate the support and logistics provided by IC, along with the efforts of the many volunteers who make this annual event possible."

Spectators should plan to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion, which hits its peak at about 7:30 p.m. "Better yet," Benedict said, "take a free TCAT bus from downtown to Ithaca College. That's especially important this year because the 300 block of East State Street is under construction."

Shuttle buses will depart from the bus shelter in front of the Seneca Street parking garage beginning at 6:30 p.m. They will make return trips downtown, after the fireworks show, until 11:30 p.m.

Motorists are reminded that there is no parking on state and county highways, especially on Routes 13, 34, 79, 96 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.

Volunteers, including employees of Tompkins Trust Company, will be on South Hill to seek donations from the public. Only clearly identified volunteers are authorized to collect donations the night of the fireworks show, according to Benedict.

"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. Individual, group, and business donations can be sent to the attention of Benedict at the Ithaca Commons office of Tompkins Trust Company. 

Community Fireworks Website