City of Rochester
News Release
(Tuesday, June 29, 2021) - Mayor Lovely A. Warren today announced that Rochester will continue its annual July 4 Independence Day Celebration with aerial shows in two locations: fireworks Downtown and a drone light show at High Falls; the first of its kind in the Rochester region.
“As we gather with friends and family to celebrate, let us remember the spirit of Independence Day and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free,” said Mayor Warren. “We are happy to once again offer an opportunity for people to gather Downtown to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends. I am excited to announce that this year, in addition to the fireworks, Rochester will have a new way to celebrate the 4th of July with the area’s first-ever drone light show! I hope to see you there!”
The drone light show will be produced by Firefly, a Detroit based drone show company. The show will feature 200 drones that will make a series of aerial designs over the span of fifteen minutes. Firefly has performed previous shows for the Ford Motor Company, the City of Milwaukee and the Capital One Orange Bowl. Those interested in Firefly’s previous shows can view them at
www.fireflydroneshows.com/work.
The drone show will begin at approximately 10 p.m. on July 4 and is best viewed from the High Falls area. Recommended viewing areas include the Pont de Rennes Bridge, High Falls Terrace Park and the nearby High Falls District.
The fireworks will be launched at approximately 10:15 p.m. from the eastern side of the Genesee Riverway Trail, south of the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for more comfortable viewing and to please refrain from bringing pets.
Recommended viewing areas for the fireworks show include the Main Street Bridge, the Broad Street Bridge, the Court Street Bridge, Chestnut Street near the Washington Square Garage and the streets surrounding those areas.
Free parking will be available at the Court Street, South Avenue, Sister Cities, High Falls and Washington Square garages.
Motorist Advisory: Several street and pedestrian way closures will be in effect:
• Main Street, from St. Paul Street to State Street will be closed to vehicle traffic, 7 to 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 4.
• Court Street Bridge, from Exchange Boulevard to South Avenue, will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7 to 11:30 p.m., Sunday, July 4. No parking will be allowed on the bridge at any time on Sunday, July 4.
• Broad Street Bridge, from Exchange Boulevard to South Avenue, will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7 to 11:30 p.m., Sunday, July 4. No parking will be allowed on the bridge at any time on Sunday, July 4.
• On Sunday, July 4, the Frank and Janet Lamb Sister Cities Pedestrian Bridge will be closed from 6 to 11 p.m. and the eastern side of the Genesee Riverway Trail from the Time Warner Cable building to South Avenue will close from 1 to 10:30 p.m. No stopping will be allowed on the Inner Loop or I-490.
Media photographers, video crews and reporters must seek viewing locations outside the restricted areas listed above. Unauthorized personnel in these areas, including the launch area, will be subject to arrest.
For event details, visit
www.cityofrochester.gov/july4.
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