Fireworks, parade will highlight holiday celebrations

TRI-COUNTY AREA--The holiday weekend will feature celebrations with parades, fireworks, barbecues, carnivals, concerts and more.
Branchport will host their annual fire department's parade honoring the nation's independence Tuesday, July 4 at 2 p.m. The parade will start from the North End Marina, south of the four corners in Branchport and finishes at the Branchport School.
A chicken barbecue starts at noon at the firehouse and then at 10 p.m., Branchport features fireworks by the Young Explosives Corporation from Rochester.
The Penn Yan Flying Club holds their annual "Fly-In" breakfast set for Tuesday, July 4 from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Penn Yan Airport, 2487 Old Bath Road. The event is open to the public and features some 100 aircraft on display, along with airplane and helicopter rides. The pancake breakfast continues throughout the morning. Organizers expect 2,500 people to attend the fly-in.
For racing fans, the holiday weekend could start Friday, June 30 at Outlaw Speedway in Dundee. The best in the northeast will battle for 30 laps around the 4/10 mile clay oval in Dundee. After six divisions of racing action, the track will showcase their $12,000 fireworks show. Racing starts at 7 p.m. with admission cost at the gate.
In Watkins Glen, the Fourth of July fireworks display is Friday evening, June 30 sponsored by the Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce. The show starts approximately 9:45 p.m. and viewing from Clute Memorial Park is one of the best locations.
Another holiday themed event is sponsored by Freedom Village and the Chapel in the Glen. This year, the nationally acclaimed "I Love America" program and "It's Time We Take a Stand for America" featuring sounds of the Freedom Choir and the Victory Singers with special guest Gold City will be presented Saturday, July 1. The program is at Lafayette Park in Watkins and starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free and lawn chairs are suggested.
Also in Schuyler County, Watkins Glen International is hosting the Sahlen's Six Hours at the Glen.
In Hammondsport, the annual fireman's carnival is set from Thursday, June 29 through Saturday, July 1. The annual event features, rides, food and games on the firehouse grounds at 8521 State Route 54. For more, call 607-569-2167.
At the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, the Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival will present their annual Americana Concert Sunday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. The Manhattan Chamber Orchestra String Quartet will perform classics by Copland, Gershwin and George M. Cohen. Tickets are available at the Arts Center of Yates County, 127 Main St., Penn Yan and online at www.FingerLakes-Music.org.