The city of Rochester will not have fireworks downtown for New Year’s Eve.
That word came from City Hall on Monday morning which issued this statement:
"Due to inclement weather, including forecasted high winds, and safety concerns, Young Explosives has informed the City that tonight’s fireworks will be canceled.
The annual New Year’s Eve celebration inside the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center will go on as planned. The family-friendly event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m., and include a DJ Dance Party, giant bounce houses, an obstacle course, airbrush tattoos, photo booths, caricature artists, a magician, and costumed characters. Snacks and beverage will be available for purchase.
The annual New Year’s Eve Skate will also take place from noon to 9:30 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 353 Court St. Admission and skate rental are free."
Initially city officials had said the fireworks would not be held New Year’s Eve, partly due to budget concerns and also because the numbers of people coming to that particular event had been diminishing in recent years.
But soon after that announcement, officials said the fireworks were back on thanks to a donation from a Penfield couple, Om and Swadesh Popli.
That changed again Monday morning, with a forecast has includes a High Wind Watch for much of the region from Monday night into Tuesday morning and the possibility of some wind gusts topping 60 mph.
The forecast also calls for rain on Monday night.
