Town of Penfield Independence Day celebration set for July 1
The Town of Penfield will host its annual Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 1. Festivities will begin with a morning parade followed by an evening of entertainment with food vendors, music, and fireworks at Harris Whalen Park. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Penfield High School. The parade will take the route of Five Mile Line Rd. south to Route 441, east on Route 441 to Baird Rd., and north on Baird Rd., ending at Penfield Community Center at 1985 Baird Rd. Roads will close at 9:45 a.m. and parking restrictions will be in place.
This year, the parade will feature community groups and organizations, and the music of Penfield Fire Company Band, The Mark Time Marchers, Feadan Or Pipe Band, Prime Time Brass, Fiddlers of the Genesee, and more. World War II veteran Elmer Pankratz and leader of the Braman Post 1229 of the American Legion Rick Gough will serve as Parade Marshals for the event. The familiar faces of Don Alhart from 13WHAM TV and Terry Clifford of 92.5 WBEE will serve as parade emcees.
Following the parade, an evening festival-style event will take place at Harris Whalen Park. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with food vendors and family-friendly activities, and live music headlined by Allegro which will play from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The fireworks show will be held at 10 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from Harris Whalen Park and be visible from neighborhoods and parking lots of businesses all around the park.
Cars and parking will not be allowed into Harris Whalen Park; parking will be reserved for emergency vehicles, police, fire, and EMS only. The park will be cleared immediately following the fireworks show.
The lineup of Independence Day events is as follows:
- 10 a.m. - Parade (roads close 9:45 a.m.)
- 6 p.m. - Harris Whalen Park festivities including food vendors and live music
- 10 p.m. - Fireworks launch from Harris Whalen Park