It’s almost Fourth of July weekend, and many celebrations have been altered because planning happened when people were unsure of how COVID-19 would impact this summer.

In Oswego, there will be more than a fireworks show. A downtown block party will transform West First Street on Sunday, starting at 5 p.m. The main event is fireworks on Sunday night, celebrating Fourth of July with a bang. Unlike past years, there’s no parade because of COVID-19, but there’s so much more happening.

The street will be closed down to allow pedestrians and outdoor dining to take over. The open container ordinance will be lifted. There will be a petting zoo, live music, an inflatable golf course and even flame throwers.

It’s important to bring people downtown after what’s been a really long year for businesses, Mayor Billy Barlow said.

"The city needs to do everything we can to support businesses and bring them to businesses," said Barlow. "So rather than having these events out in the middle of a field or in parking lots around the community, try to get them into the core downtown area, so they can patronize local businesses — stop in and grab a book from the bookstore, have dinner at a new restaurant.”

The night will be capped off by fireworks from the pedestrian bridge. It probably won’t be quite the same as the show during Harborfest, but one of the cool parts is you’ll be able to see them from vantage points around the city.

If you won’t be in the Oswego area this weekend, there are plenty of other opportunities throughout Central New York to celebrate Independence Day.

At the New York State Fairgrounds, the “Fourth A’Fair” at the Orange Lot will feature food, rides, games and music. The event will run Thursday, noon to 8 p.m., Friday noon to 10 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.

In Utica, an Independence Day Fireworks Celebration will take place on Monday, July 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at F.T. Proctor Park. There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, bounce houses and fireworks, which are scheduled to go off at dusk. The city is also partnering with health leaders to provide COVID-19 vaccines at the event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Down in the Southern Tier, it’s Family Fun Night at the Dick's Sporting Goods Open in Endicott on Saturday, July 3. "The Sandlot" will play on the jumbotron at the 18th hole beginning at 8 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:40 pm. The event is free, no registration is necessary and concession prices are thrown back to 1971.