As Oswego’s Harborfest celebration enters its third decade, the event continues to garner recognition and attract visitors from across the United States.

When Chrystal Hoyt, Harborfest’s membership/volunteer coordinator, answered a recent phone call to the Harborfest offices, it was brought to her attention that Harborfest’s annual fireworks display is ranked in the top 10 of the largest, biggest and best fireworks displays in the United States.

“I received a phone call from a gentleman who lived in the Detroit area and wanted information regarding Oswego,” Hoyt said. “He said that he and his wife are avid fireworks fans and travel throughout the country to view the finest displays. They read about Harborfest on the Fireworks Guide Web site and decided to plan a trip to Oswego this summer to view the fireworks at Harborfest.”

The Web site, www.fireworksguide.com, is a comprehensive site that lists fireworks displays not only in the United States but also throughout the world. The site lists Oswego’s Harborfest is number eight in the “Top 10 Largest, Biggest and Best Fireworks Displays Annually in the USA.” Quite an accomplishment considering the other locations in the top 10 include Macy’s 4th of July Celebration in New York City, as well as the Independence Day Celebrations in Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. The site also includes a link to the official Harborfest Web site.

“It was really great to receive such recognition for our community,” said Mike Redding, executive director of Harborfest. “We are very happy to be able to offer our community and our visitors a world class fireworks display and thankful for the support we receive from partnering companies such as Entergy Nuclear whose sponsorship helps makes it possible for us to bring the fabulous Grucci fireworks show to Oswego.”

Oswego’s 21st Annual Harborfest Celebration will be held July 24-27, with the annual fireworks display over the Oswego harbor set for July 26.

With the Route 104 bridge closed for repair this summer, those attending are urged to plan accordingly in order to not miss the events. The Utica Street bridge will be open as will the pedestrian walking bridge located just north of Utica Street.

For more information, contact the Harborfest office at 343-6858 or visit the Harborfest Web site at www.oswegoharborfest.com for the latest information regarding transportation options and performance schedules.