By Sydney Havens

Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow announced the 4th of July Independence Day Parade and annual Harborfest celebration will return to Oswego in 2022 after being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Harborfest, a free admission outdoor music festival attracting approximately 75,000 to Oswego, will take place from July 28-31 throughout the city. The parade will be held July 3, at 1 p.m., followed by fireworks which will be launched over the Oswego river at approximately 9:45 p.m. 

“We are extremely excited to bring back our traditional Independence Day Parade in 2022 and will hold the first of our three downtown block parties, successfully introduced in 2021, following the parade,” Barlow said.

The parade will begin on Liberty Street, eventually turning eastbound down Bridge Street. Following the parade, the city will host another downtown block party at 5 p.m. along West First Street. There will be live music from Ruby Shooz, free activities for children of all ages and expanded outdoor dining space for restaurants. 

Individuals or organizations interested in participating in the parade may find an application on the city website at www.oswegony.org, email amurphy@oswegony.org or can call 315-343-3795. The deadline to register is June 10.  

Parade participants will compete for cash prizes with categories including best float overall, most patriotic float, most creative float, best youth performance float and best non-youth performance float. To become a vendor or volunteer, visit www.oswegoharborfest.com.

“Our Independence Day celebration and annual Harborfest event are marquee events for the community, bringing fun, excitement and economic activity to the city, making it critically important to reintroduce these events post COVID to give both residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the very best of our community,” Barlow said.

A comprehensive event program and schedule for Harborfest 2022 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Image via Flickr