The 44th Annual Corn Hill Arts Festival, July 7 & 8, in the Historic Corn Hill Neighborhood
by Sue Cannon
Our “Fireworks Finder” follows the Festivals & Special Events listings
•The “Pinta” and the “Nina” – replicas of Columbus’ ships – will be at the Port of Rochester, 1000 N. River St., thru July 3. Both ships offer a sailing museum to visitors – providing a chance to walk aboard and take a self-guided tour. Visit www.thenina.com for details.
•Camp Good Days and Special Times will benefit from a special event, Life, Cancer and the NFL – An Evening With NY Giants’ Mark Herzlich on June 27 at the Rochester Plaza Hotel, 70 State Street. Herzlich fought through Ewing’s sarcoma, a bone cancer, in 2009 and returned to the field in 2010. Call (585) 624-5555.
•Art & Treasures, a fundraiser for the Memorial Art Gallery, will be conducted June 28 thru 30 at the MAG, 500 University Avenue. On Thursday, “Bargains and Beer” provides a chance to take part in an early bird sale, relax and enjoy a cold drink. Then, the sale of gently used antiques, artwork, jewelry, china, silver, crystal, linens, porcelain and furniture is held on Friday and Saturday. Call (585) 276-8910.
•The Ameribeat Festival of Arts, held on June 29 thru July 1, at the Sterling Stage Kampitheatre, 274 Kent Road in Sterling NY, offer continuous music featuring Akron/Family, Sophistafunk, Primate Fiasco, AudioInflux, Tim Herron Corporation and more. The weekend also offers an artist village, family village, a 2nd line parade, psychedelic cinema, camping, vendors and food! Call (818) 212-9489; or visit www.sterlingstage.com.
•On June 30, the Weaving and Fiber Arts Center Open House will offer instructors, demonstrations, and sample work at 349 W. Commercial Street in East Rochester. You can try weaving on a triangular loom, kumihimo and more. Call (585) 377-2955.
•The Gates Summer Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, June 30 at Gates Chili High School, One Spartan Way, will include performances by Flint Creek, Up 2 Somethin’ and Ruby Shooz. There will also be community booths and family activities, and a giant Fireworks display! Call (585) 247-6100; and visit www.gatesrecparks.org for details.
CELEBRATING THE FOURTH OF JULY…
JUNE 30:
•PENFIELD – An Independence Day Parade is planned at 10 a.m.; with an evening celebration to follow in Harris Whalen Park complete with food, music by Dog House and Bobby Henrie & The Goners, and Fireworks. Call (585) 340-8655.
July 1:
•GREIGSVILLE – An Independence Day Celebration featuring games, prizes, face painting, musical entertainment, refreshments and Fireworks is planned on the York Central School Grounds, Routes 36 & 63. A rain date is set for July 2 for the event. Call (585) 243-2238.
JULY 1 THRU 4:
•PERINTON – Fourth of July activities are stepped up a notch this year as the Town celebrates its Bicentennial! On July 1, the Opening Celebration at Center Park, Ayrault and Turk Hill Roads includes an Interfaith Music Service and a concert by Ruby Shooz. There are walking tours of the Village of Fairport on July 3 and on the 4th, a Firecracker Race is planned in Perinton Park followed by a Parade, Luncheon and Picnic. Visit www.perinton.org.
JULY 3:
•FARMINGTON – A concert by Paulson, Baker ad Garvey is scheduled with food vendors available in Farmington Town Park, 1000 County Rd. 8; followed by Fireworks at 9 p.m. Call (315) 986-8193.
•GENEVA – The American Legion Grounds at 115 Lochland Road hosts rides, games and food vendors all afternoon with Fireworks to begin at dusk. Call (315) 789-5165.
JULY 3 & 4:
•HONEOYE – Fireworks are planned at dark on Tuesday night at Sandy Bottom Park; followed on Wednesday by a Parade that starts at 11 a.m. at United Church of Christ and ends at the Town Gazebo on Main Street where a ceremony will follow. Visit www.townofrichmond.org.
•IRONDEQUOIT – There will be arts and crafts, community booths, and entertainment both days on the Town Hall Grounds, 1280 Titus Avenue. A Street Dance is planned on Tuesday evening; and the Parade starts at 11 a.m. on the Wednesday, with Fireworks that evening. Call (585) 336-6070.
•SODUS – The 4th of July celebration includes an annual costumed Kiddie Parade from Sodus Point Fire Hall to the Lighthouse at 10 a.m. on the 3rd; with Fireworks later, at 9:30 p.m. On the 4th, you can enjoy Breakfast on the bluff, the Sodus Bay Lighthouse 5K Run, a Children’s Fun Run, a concert by the Gap Mangione Big Band and an Arts & Craft Show. Call (315) 483-4936.
JULY 4:
•BATAVIA – Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council’s day-long celebration featuring family activities, folk art events, live entertainment and refreshment stands – “Go Art! Picnic in the Park” – will be held in Centennial Park, Richmond and Ellicott Avenues. Call (585) 343-9313.
•BRIGHTON – There will be a morning 5K Race at Twelve Corners and Brighton High School; followed by festivities in Meridian Centre Park beginning at 2 p.m. – rides, food, entertainment featuring The Skycoasters, and Fireworks at 9:50 p.m. The park is located at 700 Meridian Centre Road. Visit www.townofbrighton.org.
•BROCKPORT – An “Old Fashioned Fourth of July” is planned at the Morgan-Manning House, 151 Main Street, with food and musical entertainment, the popular Cake Walk, and a Children’s Parade led this year by the Excelsior Brigade Fife & Drum Corps. Call (585) 637-3645.
•CANANDAIGUA – There will be a Parade on Main Street at 10 a.m., followed by a Community Picnic at Kershaw Park starting at 3 p.m. with live music, and Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Kershaw Park is on Lakeshore Drive. Visit www.candaigua.govoffice.com.
•CHILI – Celebrates the holiday with the Chil-E Fest and a 4th of July Party complete with music on two stages featuring headlining bands Atlas and Elvis Lives. There will also be food and craft vendors, community booths, kids games and activities, bungy trampoline and inflatable rides, a car show, a parade, fire department activities, and Fireworks. Activities are held at 3235 Chili Avenue. Call (585) 889-4680.
•CITY OF ROCHESTER – The big 4th of July celebration downtown includes a concert by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra on Main Street Bridge; and a spectacular Fireworks display over downtown at 10 p.m. Free parking is available at the South Ave., Court St., Sister Cities and Main St. garages. Call 311 in the City, or dial (585) 428-5990.
•FAIRPORT – There will be a Firecracker 5 Mile Race, and an Independence Day Parade on Main Street, followed by a “Party in the Park” at Perinton Park on Route 31F and O’Connor Road. For information, call (585) 586-9840 or visit www.fairportperintonchamber.org.
•HENRIETTA – Craft and garage sales at the Henrietta Senior Center; and and afternoon celebration at Veterans Memorial Park, 595 Calkins Road, with live music, children’s games and activities, local food vendors, and Fireworks are planned. Call (585) 359-2540.
•MUMFORD – You can experience the pomp and pageantry that marked Independence Day observances of the past at the Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road. Witness the swearing in of new American citizens at an official naturalization ceremony, and enjoy patriotic concerts, witness a duel, or take part in games and a pie-eating contest. Especially exciting this year is the launching of the museum’s newest permanent exhibit – a Civil War era gas balloon reproduction of “The Intrepid.” Weather permitting, the balloon will take guests 300 feet into the sky, simulating what some of the world’s first military pilots experienced 150 years ago. Call (585) 538-6822 for full details. Editor’s Note – Interestingly, this exciting first launch almost didn’t happen because of a nationwide helium shortage! Luckily, Macy’s Department Store stepped in to save the day – donating the 50,000 cubic feet needed!
•From July 5 thru 15 it’s Rochester Pride Week. Events and activities expressing LGBT pride are scheduled including a Flag Raising at City Hall, movie screenings, a youth dance, a parade, festivals and picnics and much more. Call (585) 244-8640; and visit www.gayalliance.org/pride/events for detailed schedules.
•Patio Parties @ Casa Larga Vineyards are planned throughout the season at 2287 Turk Hill Road in Fairport. The events include samplings of a Riesling wine, beers from local crafters, food pairings and music. The parties will be held on July 5, 12, 19, and 26. Call (585) 223-4210.
•The Jam in the Valley planned for July 6 & 7 at Buffalo Hill Village, Varysburg NY will feature Miranda Lambert with Jerrod Niemann and Thomas Rhett on Friday; and Lynyrd Skynyrd with Justin Moore and Randy Houser on Saturday. Camping and a huge fireworks display complete the weekend. Call (877) 744-5488.
•A Wilmot Cancer Center benefit featuring 5 cooking competitions is scheduled for July 6 thru 8. The Brockport Rotary BBQ & Music Festival, complete with a full slate of musical entertainment, will be held in Northampton Park. There will be a Friday evening car cruise-in with music by Heavenly Chillbillies; followed by a Kids BBQ contest, chili cook-off, rib cook-off, backyard grilling contest and music by Moose River, Shaded Passion and Bonnie & Collide on Saturday. Sunday will feature a motorcycle poker run, the KCBS BBQ cook off and live music by Warehouse and Jellyroot. A beer and wine garden, kids’ area, cooking demonstrations are also planned. Call (585) 472-5093.
•Night Markets & Bands on the Bricks run from July 6 thru August 24 at the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union Street. Enjoy the unique shopping experience of the Public Market on Friday evenings from 5-10 p.m., featuring an eclectic mix of vendors, a variety of food choices and live musical entertainment. Call 311; or outside of Rochester, dial (585) 428-5990.
•Multiple bands and stages will provide plenty of musical entertainment on July 7 at the Webster Jazz Festival. Food and refreshments from local establishments will also be available along Main Street in Webster. Visit www.websterbid.com.
•At the July 7 Letchworth Luau, there will be food, volleyball, Hula dancing and instruction, a steel band, beach music and a swim time at the Harvey Pool Complex. Activities are centered on the Highbanks Recreation Area at Letchworth State Park in Castile NY. Call (585) 493-3600.
•Center Park in the Town of Perinton will host Perinton Youth Day on July 7 complete with a jitterbug contest, an outdoor unplugged concert, a youth community walk, a fire dept. open house and more. Visit www.perinton.org.
•On July 7, it’s time to celebrate at Inspire Moore Winery & Vineyard, 197 N. Main Street in Naples NY! Their 5th Anniversary Party gets started at 11:30 a.m. and runs through 10 p.m. “BBQ, Blues, Blaufrankisch” will feature concerts by Mitty & the followers from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the John Bolger Band from 3 to 5:30 p.m.; and The Prickers from 7 to 10 p.m. Call (585) 374-5970 for details.
•Salute to our Heroes on July 7 at Hamlin Beach State Park, Ontario Beach Parkway in Hamlin NY, with classic rock and Fireworks! Call (585) 924-2462.
•The annual Corn Hill Arts Festival, featuring the work of more than 400 fine artists, as well as an Emerging Artists’ Expo, is scheduled this year for July 7 & 8 in the Corn Hill Neighborhood. Four stages will be filled with continuous live music, and there will be children’s activities, an array of food choices, and a beer and wine garden. Look for performances by the Campbell Brothers, Rick Holland’s Uptown Society Orchestra, Prime Time Funk, and many others. Call (585) 262-3142.
•Always popular each summer season is the Sterling Renaissance Festival which runs weekends from July 7 thru August 19 at 15385 Farden Road, Sterling NY, between Fair Haven and Oswego. Be transported to an English Renaissance village complete with entertainment including nearly 100 stage and street performances, jousting matches, pub sings, wench auctions, olde world rides and games, specialty foods and special event weekends…Family Appreciation – 7/7 & 7/8; Knights and Heroes 7/14 & 7/15; Romance Rendezvous – 7/21 & 7/22; Pirate Invasion – 7/28 & 7/29; Highland Fling – 8/4 & 8/5; Fantasy Weekend – 8/11 & 8/12; and the Grand Finale Weekend – 8/18 & 8/19. Call (800) 879-4446; or visit www.SterlingFestival.com.
•Finger Lakes Classic Car Club hosts their Bay View Hot Rod & Classic Car Show on July 8 at Damascus Shrine Field, 979 Bay Road in Webster. There will be multiple awards at stake; and parts vendors will be on hand. Call (585) 392-3841.
•The Webster Firemen’s Carnival runs July 11 thru 14 at the Webster Firemen’s Field, Sanford Street. The event includes rides, games and food, a Kiddie Parade, a Firemen’s Parade, and Fireworks! Visit www.websterfire.com.
•An all-new midway featuring Gillette Shows highlights the Monroe County Fair, running July 11 thru 15 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 2695 East Henrietta Road. The event also features delicious fair foods, contests and exhibits, a menagerie of farm animals, and entertainment – aerial shows, horse shows, talent shows, local and regional bands on the Monster Energy Stage and motorsports in the grandstand. Call (585) 334-4000; or visit www.mcfair.com.
•Head out to the Medina Railroad Museum at 530 West Avenue in Medina NY and enjoy a two hour Summer Fun Train Ride through the historic Erie Canal corridor. Departures are at 11 a.m. on July 11; and at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 14 & August 13. While you’re there, check out the huge HO-scale train layout – it’s 204 feet long! And visit the largest railroad and toy train museum in NY State. Call (585) 798-6106; or visit www.railroadmuseum.net on line.
•The Colonial Belle tour boat will host a series of special Parrot Head Cocktail Cruises featuring Fred Vine this season, leaving from the dock at 400 Packett’s Landing in Fairport. This summer’s dates are July 11, July 31, and August 28. Call (585) 223-9470 or visit www.colonialbelle.com.
FIREWORKS FINDER
June 30 – 10pm • Gates • Gates Summer Celebration @ Gates Chili High School, 910 Wegman Rd.; 585-426-1670 • www.gatesrecparks.org
June 30 – 10pm • Penfield • Independence Day Celebration @ Harris Whalen Park, Routes 250 & 441; 585-340-8655 • www.penfield.org
July 1 – At dusk • Greigsville • York-Leicester Field Day @ York Central School Grounds, Routes 36 & 63; 585-243-0184 • (Rain Date: July 2)
July 3 – At dusk • Brockport • Sweden/Clarkson Community Center, 4927 Lake Rd.; 585-431-0090 • www.swedenclarksonrec.com
July 3 – At dusk • Farmington • Independence Day Celebration @ Farmington, Town Park, 1000 County Rd. 8; 315-986- 8193 • www.visitfingerlakes.com
July 3 – At dusk • Geneva • Independence Day Celebration @ the American Legion Grounds, 1115 Lochland Rd. (Rt. 14 South); 315-789-5165
July 3 – At dusk • Honeoye • Sandy Bottom Beach on Honeoye Lake, West Lake Rd., off County Rd. 36 • www.townofrichmond.org
July 3 – At dusk • Lakeville • Vitale Park, north end of Conesus Lake, Routes 20A & 15 • www.conesusfest.com
July 3 – 10pm • Perry/Castile • Club at Silver Lake • 10pm • 3830 Club Rd. • www.iloveperryny.com
July 3 – 9:30pm • Sodus Point • West Pier, with viewing at Sodus Point Public Beach, and Sodus Point Lighthouse Museum Grounds, Ontario St • www.soduspoint.info
July 4 – 9:50pm • Brighton • Independence Day Celebration @ Meridian Centre Park, 2025 Winton Rd. South • www.townofbrighton.org
July 4 – 9:30pm • Canandaigua • Independence Day Celebration @ Kershaw Park, Lakeshore Drive • www.canandaigua.govoffice.com
July 4 – 10pm • Chili • Chil-E Fest/Independence Day Celebration • 3235 Chili Ave.; 585-889-4680 • www.townofchili.org
July 4 – 10pm • Downtown Rochester • Independence Day Celebration on the Main Street Bridge, with additional viewing from the Broad Street Bridge, Chestnut Street near the Washington Square Garage, and surround ing streets; 311 / 585-428-5990 • www.cityofrochester.gov
July 4 – 9:40pm • Henrietta • Independence Day Celebration @ Veterans Memorial Park, 595 Calkins Rd. • 585-359-2540 • www.henrietta.org
July 4 – 9:30pm • Irondequoit • Independence Day Celebration @ Town Hall 1280 Titus Ave.; 585-336-6070 • www.irondequoit.org
July 4 – 9:45pm • Lima • Mark Tubbs Park, Ziegler Dr., off Rt. 15A • 585-624-2210 • www.lima-ny.org
July 4 – At dusk • Lyndonville • Lions Club Independence Day Celebration @ Lyndonville Central School, Rt. 63 and Housel Ave.; • www.yateslibrary.org
July 4 – 10:30pm • Warsaw • Warsaw Firemen’s 4th of July Carnival @ The Village Park, Liberty St. • www.warsawfiredepartment.com
