Follow us on Twitter!
subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Mon, Jul 06 2009 
Breaking News:  SUNY chancellor to visit Oneonta campus  July 06, 2009 11:27 am

Published: July 05, 2008 12:00 am    print this story  

On the Bright Side: Thousands mark 4th at park

By Mark Boshnack
Staff Writer

ONEONTA _ Sunny skies were a welcome change for this year's Independence Day festivities in Neahwa Park, a couple of those at the event said Friday afternoon.

"This is the strongest crowd we've ever seen," said Central New York Radio Group general manager George Wells.

The business has hosted the event for three years, he said, which includes musical entertainment, an Oneonta Tigers baseball game, vendors and fireworks.

The weather was the deciding factor this year, he said, with the high price of gas also being cited by others.

Rain, high winds and flooding have canceled festivities the previous two years.

"It's a beautiful family day," he said.

He expected more than 10,000 people to be at the park during the day.

It also provides an opportunity for area nonprofits to hold fundraisers, he said. There were about 25 that participated this year, though some had reduced expectations because of the past cancellations.

This included Oneonta Rotary, which was selling such items as hot dogs and spiedies.

"It's been really good," said member Ed Forman.

With the combination of good weather and high gas prices, preventing too much traveling, "we've been doing pretty well," he said. Historically, "it's one of our biggest fundraisers."

In past years, Rotary has raised about $1,000, but he said the total may fall short. He cited previous cancellations because of weather leading to fewer sales anticipated, and it is hard to resupply over July 4. But the day also serves as an opportunity to inform people about Rotary and encourage participation, he said.

Among those enjoying the event were Lisa and Scott Swart and their four children. This is the first time in a couple of years they had been there because of the weather, Scott said, but the smell of barbecue chicken was getting him into the mood to enjoy the day. His wife said she was looking forward to listening to some of the bands.

One of the couple's daughters, Eleanor, 10, said she was waiting for the cotton candy. Faithann, 8, said she was looking forward to going to some of the entertainment for kids.

Also at the event was Amanda Malewski, 13, of Oneonta. A lot of her friends were there, she said, and "it's fun to hang out," she said. The best part is the fireworks, she said.

The Laurens color guard was selling barbecue chicken to help fund its activities.

"It's our biggest fundraiser," said Kelly Bennett, one of the mothers volunteering. She said the color guard usually raises about $4,000, but poor weather in the past led to scaled-back plans this year.

It's nice having something so close to home, said Mike Jacobs of Oneonta, who was enjoying the day with his wife and two young children.

The couple has been coming for years, he said. Now that they have children, he said, he has found "it's a great place for them."

print this story  



Photos


People gather at Neahwa Park in Oneonta to see the fireworks display that lit up the sky around the water on Friday. None/ (Click for larger image)

Zillow
monster
autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Featured Jobs

Now Hiring ExperiencedSous Chef & Grill Cooks.
Now Hiring ExperiencedSous Chef & Grill Cooks. FT & PT. Apply in Person @ Tunnicliff Inn 607-547-9611...>MORE

Now Hiring QuickwayManager Hartwick/Oneonta NY
Now Hiring QuickwayManager Hartwick/Oneonta NY To Apply Call 607-237-4593 or email flo.kemeren@mirabito.com...>MORE

The Neptune Diner is now accepting applications
The Neptune Diner is now accepting applications for Overnight Waitstaff Apply in Person Rt. 23 Southside....>MORE

See all ads

Featured Autos

1996 Sunline Travel Trailer: 26 ft.,
1996 Sunline Travel Trailer: 26 ft., excellent shape. Everything works $3800. Call 607-278-6887 ...>MORE

Clean 03 Hyundai Elantra
Clean 03 Hyundai Elantra Front Motor Seal Needs Replacing $2250.00...>MORE

New, Used, Dealer or Individual
If you have a new or used car that you want to sell, advertise here on our Premium Auto section of our website. Whether...>MORE

Selling your car?
If you are looking for another way to advertise that you are selling your new or used vehicle, call The Daily Star Class...>MORE

See all ads

Featured Real Estate

Otego 1 bedroom upstairs
Otego 1 bedroom upstairs off street parking, credit check $600 + elec. + security. 315-491-3046. ...>MORE

2 & 3 bedroom apt.'s in West End
2 & 3 bedroom apt.'s in West End with garage. No pets $600 & $725/mo + util. 432-8709 after 5pm...>MORE

Portlandville & Otego $400-$650/mo.
Portlandville & Otego $400-$650/mo. + Utilities Security & 1 Yr Lease.Dave @ 607-330-5703...>MORE

4 bedroom Stamford village house
4 bedroom Stamford village house, no pets, all amenities $750 + deposit & utilities. 652-9019 ...>MORE

1 bedroom quiet building in Oneonta.
1 bedroom quiet building in Oneonta. In house laundry. No pets, $550+. 518-294-6719...>MORE

See all ads

thedailystar.com
Home
Local News
Local Sports
Obituaries
Weather
Community
Police Blotter
Lifestyles
Letters to the Editor
Editorials
Columns
Community News
Forums
Contests
AP Headlines
Street Talk
Special sections
Web Extras
Archive
Photos
Video
Births
Step Back in Time
Support Groups
What's Going On
Communtiy Calendar

Columnists
Emily Popek
Sam Pollak
Tanya Shalor
Tom Sears
Tom Grace
Lisa Miller
Cary Brunswick
Mark Simonson
My Turn
Michele Clapperton
Additional Resources
Business Card Index
Real Estate Professionals
Stay Tuned - TV Guide
Social Networks
WUOW Radio
SUNY Oneonta Weather Cam
Breaking News Alerts

Market Place
Jobs
Cars
Classifieds
Free Coupons
Yellow Pages
Place an ad
Employment Opportunties
Cafe Press: The Daily Star Store
Circulation
Subscriptions
Renew Subscription
Use EZ Pay
Vacation Stop
Delivery Feedback
Address Change
Weekly Star Locations

Services
Report a website issue
Contact Information
Advertise with us
Website Design
Photo Reprints
Can't find an article
Full Page Reprint

Reader Submissions
Birth Announcement
Community Event Announcement
Wedding / Engagement Announcement
News Tip or Story Idea
Photos
Letter to the Editor
Closing, Delay or Cancellation






Partners
Prom dresses Fundraisers Full Tilt kids bedding
Concert Tickets Speedy-paydayloans and Cash Advance Wireless broadband Cash Advance Car Rental Avis - Hertz - Europcar
Casinos Canda Online Gambling News Online Casino Place Your Link Here! Payday Loan
Geld Reverse Phone Number Lookup

 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
Advertiser index