By Annika Wickham
Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow announced the 2022 Oswego Sunset Concert Series along with the proposal of a new open container law that would coincide with events.
The concerts will start on June 22, 2022 at Breitbeck Park and will be weekly, with the exception of July 27 for Harborfest, until Aug. 24. The Sunset Concert Series will be in its 88th season and performances will include show tunes, standard band literature and traditional marches, according to a news release.
“I know I speak for all the musicians in saying we are looking forward to the series this year,” David Sterio, President of the Oswego County Musicians Union, said. “Both the Concert Band and Jazz Band are warmed up, ready to go and looking forward to seeing all our support in the park again this year!”
According to Barlow, the city is partnering with both the Oswego County Musicians Union and the Oswego County Musicians Collective to sponsor the shows.
“The concerts offer a free and enjoyable opportunity for listeners to get outside, support local musicians and hear some fine music,” Barlow said.
The announcement of the concerts on March 7 was followed by another statement from Barlow about the creation of a new social district on March 17.
The social district will be a designated area within the city that will allow patrons to consume and possess alcohol outdoors. The proposed area would be from approximately W. 2nd Street from Utica Street to the shore of Lake Ontario.
“We’ve had great success with lifting the open container ordinance during city events and with so many more downtown events scheduled to take place in the future, it makes sense to make this a permanent change during the summer months,” Barlow said.
The Social District would be in effect from June 1 to Oct. 1 and includes Wright’s Landing Marina as well as the linear river walks Veteran’s Stage and Water Street Square. All alcoholic beverages would have to be in clear containers and would be able to be taken from restaurants and bars to other local businesses.
“The creation of a social district will bring more energy and enhance the atmosphere of our revitalized downtown area while giving small businesses another opportunity to expand sales and work together to continue improving our downtown,” Barlow said.
Patrick Mitchell, owner of Southern Fare, said he fully supports the creation of the district because it makes downtown Oswego more appealing to both locals and tourists.
“I’ve experienced first-hand the success such a district has had in other cities and think it’s a great step forward for our downtown,” Mitchell said. “A Social District supports local business and continues our momentum in making our city more pedestrian friendly. Imagine grabbing a cocktail or beer to go and strolling through farmer’s market, enjoying music at The Summer Concert Series, or walking to the waterfront to catch the sunset.”
Barlow’s proposal followed Governor Kathy Hochul’s state-wide motion to permanently legalize carry out alcoholic beverage sales in New York.
Legislation to approve the social district was considered by the Administrative Services Committee on March 21 and was approved for a public hearing on April 11.
Image via City of Oswego
