Pathfinder Bank stepped up this year and is the sole sponsor of the Grucci Family fireworks.
The cost of the Harborfest show this year was $103,000, according to Harborfest officials.
“Back in 2016, Entergy was bought out by Exelon, at least that’s the story I know. When Exelon took over the nuke plants they wanted to phase out the fireworks spending and at that time it was $80,000 to $90,000,” said Harborfest Executive Director Dan Harrington.
During the same timeframe Pathfinder Bank decided to help co-sponsor the event.
Over a five-year period, Exelon was going to slowly back out and Pathfinder was going to increase its spending, so by 2023, Pathfinder would be the sole sponsor, he explained.
But now, Constellation has taken over the nukes and they are looking at sponsoring the Novelis Breitbeck Park Lakeview Stage, he added.
Crucial financial and in-kind support for the show is also being provided by the city of Oswego and the Port of Oswego Authority.
The fireworks simulcast will be played on Dinosaur Radio (103.9 FM).
“Our fireworks display is easily the most expensive part of Harborfest and support from Pathfinder, the city of Oswego and the Port of Oswego Authority is crucial to preserving this great tradition loved by everyone,” he said. “We are grateful for Pathfinder Bank’s continued commitment to the growth and vitality of our community.”
In a news release, James Dowd, Pathfinder Bank’s CEO, said: “The opportunity for Pathfinder Bank to serve as sole sponsor of the Harborfest fireworks display is one we couldn’t pass up. We have a significant legacy of investing in the communities we serve through support of arts and culture. We’ve been supporting Harborfest for many years now and have seen first-hand the positive economic impact this festival has had on the city of Oswego, its residents and small businesses.”
