OSWEGO, NY – Relentless rain storms that began early this morning (July 23) and lasted well into the afternoon postponed what many call the real start of Harborfest – the annual Children’s Parade.
Each year, hundreds of children, decked out in attire highlighting the festival’s cultural component, march from East Park to the Children’s Stage at the Novelis Family Park at historic Fort Ontario.
Gusty winds also caused some problems.
The wind blew over a small tent near the Jazz Stage in East Park early Friday morning
The inclement weather delayed the parade, but it didn’t slow down Joe Trionfero.
Normally, he holds a pre-parade party for the youngsters in East Park.
On Friday, he held dance and music / movie trivia contests under the tent at the Children’s Stage at the fort.
About four dozen youngsters were joined by several volunteers in having a fun time, despite the rain.
By mid-afternoon the festival was getting back to normal.
“We’re moving forward at this point with the schedule. There may be some delays at certain parks, but hopefully not many,†said Tom Van Schaack, executive director.
In case of inclement weather Saturday evening, the rain date for the fireworks is Sunday, he added.
Harborfest entertainment doesn’t slow down Saturday with The Fabulous Thunderbirds on the Main Stage at 8:15 p.m.
The Jam Bones will perform at 1:30 p.m. on the Veterans’ Stage in Riverwalk West.
They’ll be followed by Cheers Elephant at 3:30 p.m. and more.
Among the acts on the Jazz and Blues Stage in East Park are Hard Logic at 2 p.m., Salsamba Latin Jazz Group at 4 p.m. and WC Clark Blues Revue at 8 and 10 p.m.
The children’s musical, “The Three Musketeers,” will be performed on the Fort Ontario Family Stage at 2:15 p.m.
The Fort Ontario Family Stage will offer plenty of activities for youngsters including Bob Gibbons and Sweetheart the Clown at noon, In Jest at 3:35 p.m. and the Singing Boys of Pennsylvania at 6:30 p.m.
The annual Entergy Nuclear Fireworks Spectacular will light up the sky over the Oswego Harbor at 9:15 p.m. Saturday.
Fireworks by Grucci has provided world-class fireworks displays at Harborfest for the past 22 years. A typical show for Harborfest takes five days to set up.
The Utica Street Bridge as well as the Bridge Street Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 9:30 p.m. until midnight following the fireworks.
For more information, visit www.oswegoharborfest.com
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