OLEAN, N.Y. — Grab the lawn chair and get ready to “ooh” and “ah” at any of the dozens of fireworks displays to light up the sky this summer.
Despite the best-known displays revolving around Independence Day, fireworks were prescribed to celebrate the day even before there was a United States.
In a prophetic letter to his wife on July 3, 1776, Founding Father John Adams wrote that the long-known fireworks would become an integral part of the nation’s observance of its birthday.
“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival,” he wrote. “It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
But fireworks aren’t just for the Fourth of July, as the variety of displays set for this summer make obvious.
From celebrating music to firefighters, from balloons to sasquatch, fireworks displays in the region this summer include:
Today
• Cuba, dusk, Cuba Lake.
• Allegany State Park, 2 to 10 p.m., with chicken barbecue, live music, fireworks at dusk, Quaker Beach.
• Little Valley, Freedom Daze demolition derby begins at 7:30 p.m., fireworks to follow, Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds.
• Bradford, Pa., Pennhills Club Independence Celebration, 5 to 11 p.m., Pennhills Club, 146 Pennhills Drive. Fireworks after dusk.
July 4
• Olean, annual city fireworks display and festival at Bradner Stadium. Featured artist Bryan Mayer. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., fireworks begin after dusk.
• Andover, annual Fourth of July festivities. Parade at 10 a.m., fireworks after dusk.
July 5
• Ellicottville, Ellicottville Championship Rodeo, 7 p.m. competition with fireworks to follow.
July 6
• Salamanca, fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m., Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino.
July 7
• Allegany, Old Home Week, fireworks at dusk. Carnival from July 3 to 7.
• Austin, Pa., Duane Dow Memorial Fireworks Celebration, dusk, Austin Area School.
• Galeton, Pa., annual Goodyear Hose Co.’s Red Suspenders Weekend & Independence Day Celebration, fireworks display at 10 p.m. over Berger Lake.
• Kane, Pa., Squatchfest, 3 p.m. music festival with four bands, family-friendly activities, pig roast. Fireworks at dusk. For more information, call 814-837-9760 or see https://www.facebook.com/kanefamilydrivein/
• Smethport, Pa., Majestic Trails 4th of July Party, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Majestic Trails, Route 46. Firework display will begin at dark. For more information, call 814-465-9979 or see www.majestictrails.com.
July 14
• Roulette, Pa., annual Roulette Chemical Engine No. 1 chicken barbecue and fireworks display. Barbecue served at 11 a.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. or when dark.
July 21
• Great Wellsville Balloon Rally fireworks, 9:45 p.m., Island Park
• Great Valley, Old Home Days Bicentennial. Parade, a street dance and fireworks.
July 26
• Ridgway, Pa., 81st Ridgway Firemen’s Carnival, 10 p.m. Events run July 23 to 28. For more information, visit http://www.rfd4.org/firemenscarnival.htm.
July 28
• Onoville, annual Onofest, 1 to 9:30 p.m., Onoville Marina, 704 W. Perimeter Road. Live music, vendors, exhibits, activities. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Duke Center, Pa., Otto-Eldred Old Home Days, Otto Township Memorial Park. 11 a.m. parade, car show, vendors, petting zoo, music from 8 p.m. to midnight. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Sept. 1-3
• Rushford, 110th annual Rushford Labor Day Festival. Fireworks scheduled for dusk Sept. 1 and 3. Saturday and Monday.
