CANANDAIGUA, NY — Festivities for this year’s Fourth of July start early with a patriotic and musical red, white and boom on July 2 and they continue into the weekend with more music, more fireworks and an opportunity to travel back in time.
Here’s what’s in store for a patriotic Fourth of July holiday celebration in Canandaigua.
RPO at CMAC on July 2
Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center welcomes back the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra with a performance at 8 p.m. July 2.
Visitors will enjoy those stirring Sousa spectacular pieces that folks have come to know and love as well as favorite toe-tappers and inspiring anthems. Yes, the RPO concert is complete with fireworks.
What’s happening at The Central on Main on July 3 in Canandaigua?
For one, Plant Bingo, which will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. July 3 at the Central on Main, 111 S. Main St., Canandaigua.
Participants will the chance to win plants as prizes as part of this fun, friendly competition.
Then, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Old Hippies will take the Rotary Stage and play live music from the golden era.
Attendees are also welcome to purchase food and drinks from local eateries.
When is the Fourth of July parade in Canandaigua?
Downtown Canandaigua’s annual Fourth of July parade begins at 10 a.m. July 4 at City Hall and continues down Main Street to Booth Street at the Canandaigua Lake waterfront.
Patriotic floats, music, local community groups and honorary service men and women will be part of the parade lineup.
Music and fireworks on July 5 in Canandaigua
In anticipation of fireworks, the Central on Main will once again host free live music for the community to enjoy July 5.
Bach to Rock, a modern music school dedicated to shaping the next generation of performers, kicks off the music at 6 p.m. The young musicians will showcase their skills and passion in a high-energy opening set.
The Cool Club and the Lipker Sisters, performing an intoxicating blend of intricate harmonies with the sophistication of jazz, the soul of rhythm and blues mixed with Latin, and good old rock and roll, will follow, performing from 7 to 9 p.m.
At dusk July 5, the community can enjoy fireworks at the waterfront beginning at 9:45 p.m., courtesy of the city and town of Canandaigua and and the Lakeshore Hospitality District, at Kershaw Park, 155 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua.
Contributions come from Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake, COHO Pizza & Wine Bar/ Seager Marine, Scoops/Canandaigua Lady, DSL Events (New York Kitchen), Hotel Canandaigua, Tapestry by Hilton, The Lake House on Canandaigua Lake, Fire on the Lake (owners of Kix on Main) and Canandaigua Country Club.
Ride the rails from July 4-6 in Canandaigua
Families can travel back in time as they board a restored 1940s-era passenger train as part of the Finger Lakes Rail Experience.
Departing from Canandaigua, these vintage train excursions will offer riders a way to explore the Finger Lakes region in a style not seen for some time.
For passengers of all ages, the train, which includes restrooms, air conditioning and other modern amenities, features open seating in vintage passenger cars, photo opportunities and a chance to experience train travel the way it used to be.
Children ages 3 and under ride free and do not require a ticket if they do not occupy a seat. Visit www.flxrailexperience.com to purchase tickets and for more details.
More about Fourth of July festivities in Canandaigua
Be sure to visit the Canandaigua Business Improvement District website at www.DowntownCanandaigua.com for a detailed schedule of events, and up-to-date information.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Live music, parades and fireworks: How Canandaigua is celebrating the Fourth of July
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
