Good news for those in Greater Rochester that like to enjoy fireworks on New Year's Eve.
A few days after the City of Rochester announced that there would be no fireworks show on 12/31/18 due to diminishing attendance, City Hall announced today a private donor has given a donation to cover the cost for the fireworks show and it is back on!
The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve. More details are in the city press release below.
FULL STATEMENT FROM THE CITY OF ROCHESTER:
(Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018) –The City of Rochester’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are back in the 2018 holiday lineup after a generous gift from Om and Swadesh Popli.
The fireworks are scheduled to launch at 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31st. The best viewing will be from the Main Street Bridge.
Om Popli started his career as an engineer for the City of Rochester and went on to found his own architectural and engineering firm based in Penfield.
“I wanted to continue a tradition that brings delight to our local families, and to show my appreciation for a community that welcomed me and has provided so much to my family,” Popli said.
“We are delighted to reinstate the New Year’s Eve fireworks display this year thanks to the generosity of the Popli family,” said Mayor Lovely A. Warren. “Our New Year’s Eve activities continue to showcase our dynamic downtown, contributing to more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for all. This opportunity to cap the evening off with fireworks brings a special excitement to the celebration.”
Main Street from South Avenue to State Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for the fireworks display starting at 8 p.m. The Broad Street and Court Street bridges will close starting at 8:30 p.m.
The City is also sponsoring several family-friendly events leading up to the fireworks display, including:
Family New Year’s Eve Party at the Riverside Convention Center, 6 - 9 p.m. 123 E. Main St. Join family and friends to ring in the New Year with a DJ Dance Party, giant bounce houses, an obstacle course, airbrush tattoos, photo booths, caricature artists, a magician, and costumed characters. Snacks and beverage will be available for purchase.
New Year’s Eve Skate, 5 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 353 Court St. Free admission. $3 skate rental. Family skate: 5 to 7 p.m.; Adults only (over 16 years old) skate: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.