WXXI: A Fine Night for Fireworks (2009-07-04)

The city of Rochester promises fireworks and music for its "Independence Weekend Blowout." Along with celebrating the country's birthday, the city is celebrating its 175th birthday.

In a prepared statement, Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy said, "This year's Fourth of July celebration will be like no other. Not only will we again have our spectacular fireworks display over downtown, but it will be set to the outstanding music of the RPO. This also marks the RPO's return home."

The evening of events kicks off with a special appearance by Flint Hill Folk at 7:30 p.m. on the Main Street bridge over the Genesee River. Main Street is closed between South and Exchange for that performance, and for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, which will play on the Main Street Bridge tonight from 9 until 10:30.

The fireworks will be launched from the eastbound entrance ramp to I-490 off the Inner Loop over the Genesee River downtown.

The recommended fireworks viewing areas for the July 4 show are the Main Street Bridge, the Broad Street Bridge, Chestnut Street, near the Washington Square Garage and the streets surrounding those areas.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for more comfortable viewing of the fireworks show and concert and to refrain from bringing pets for everyone's safety. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Free parking is available at the Washington Square, Court Street, and Sister Cities garages.

Main Street, from South Avenue to Exchange Boulevard, is closed until Sunday, July 5, at 2 am; the entrance ramp to I-490 E off the Inner Loop westbound will close, 1p.m.- midnight; the Sister Cities Bridge will close to pedestrians, 6-11 p.m.; Court Street, from Exchange Boulevard to South Avenue will close, 8-10:45 p.m.; Woodbury Boulevard, from St. Mary's Place to South Avenue, will close to vehicles and pedestrians, 9-10:45 p.m.; South Avenue, from Broad Street to Griffith Street, will close, 9:45-10:45 p.m. No stopping will be allowed on Route 490.

Area Fireworks Displays
Other fireworks tonight are in Branchport, Brighton, Chili, Fair Haven, Greece, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Lyndonville, Penfield and Warsaw.

Looking for a parade? Canandaigua and Fairport's parades begin at 10, Irondequoit at 11, Lyndonville at noon, Branchport and Penfield at 2 and Chili at 5.