New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Otsiningo Park
Winter Storm Gail and torrential rains forced shut downs all over the Greater Binghamton area for the past few weeks.
Tioga County and Broome County begin to lift local emergency orders, the holiday Lights at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton reopened last night, after snow and rain caused damage and flooding to the park.
Speaking on WNBF’s First News, Festival Lights coordinator Dave Pessagno said we wanted to do something for the community around the holidays, that would get people out of the house, and maintain a safe environment.
The Festival of Lights is a drive through event, and allows individuals and groups to drive through the park, and be treated to some wonderful holiday light displays.
The event benefits veterans and local food banks, the Children's home, and other local community organizations.
Pessagno also said the proceeds will also help with our annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally, something he has been involved with for 36 years.
When the snow hit the event was shut down for five days, and then the rain came and flooded many of the area’s where the light displays for placed in the park, many of the displays where in 3 or four feet of water.
Pessagno said after cleaning and removing snow and ice most of the displays lit up.
Tomorrow night New Year’s Eve there will be a festive holiday fireworks show from Otsiningo Park, beginning at 7pm, Dave said it would be one of the biggest displays of fireworks people have seen in a while.
If you’re planning on coming to the fireworks show on New Year’s eve, bring some food or snacks to enjoy, while sitting in your vehicle watching the displays, and people should try to arrive around 6 to 6:15pm, so that cars can be parked for a great view.
The Festival of Lights is open Sunday through Thursday 5-9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 5-10 p.m. through January 10.
Admission is $15 per vehicle (no matter number of occupants) for as many drives around the park as one wishes. Admission is free for veterans.