The City of Rochester is planning a fireworks show on Saturday, July 3rd, after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

“The festivities will be more scaled down this year, due to public health concerns,” said Chris Bowlen, Recreation Department Director. “We have no plans to scale down the show itself. The fireworks will be as good as they’ve ever been with an amazing Grand Finale.”

The Recreation Department and Rochester Main Street are working together to manage fireworks, parking, and entertainment. Beginning at 7:30pm, there will be music on the football field and a few vendors on site. The public is encouraged to bring camp chairs, blankets, etc.

Organizers are asking attendees to leave dogs and other pets at home. Pets are not allowed on school grounds. Personal fireworks, sparklers, and other novelties of any kind are NOT allowed.

Since the festivities will be limited this year, Rochester Main Street volunteers are encouraging attendees to spend time downtown before the show. 

“We’re encouraging people to eat and shop downtown before and after the show,” said Jeff Bisson, Rochester Main Street. “This celebration attracts a lot of people and we hope they take the opportunity to see everything we have to offer.”

Many Main Street businesses will be participating in ‘Independence Week’, a promotion meant to attract people downtown for a variety of specials, discounts, and more. 

“Main Street will be handing out flyers on the night of the 3rd,” said Bisson. “Anyone that presents the flyer in the participating businesses will have access to the specials.”

The fireworks will take place at the Community Center/Spaulding High School campus at approximately 9:30pm. Parking will be available on-site, along Wakefield Street, and in downtown municipal lots. Organizers warn attendees to plan ahead for parking, as on-site parking spaces are limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

“We encourage families and groups to park downtown and walk to the Community Center for the event, leaving nearby parking available for those that need to be closer,” said Bowlen. “Plan to arrive early, enjoy the music, walk around. I don’t recommend arriving 30 minutes before the show.”

The James W. Foley Memorial Community Center (formerly Rochester Community Center) is located at 150 Wakefield Street, behind Spaulding High School. Rain date: Monday, July 5th, approximately 9:30pm. Contact Rochester Main Street at www.rochestermainstreet.org for questions and volunteer opportunities.