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."
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