After a two-year hiatus, two traditional events in Oswego — Harborfest and the Independence Day parade — will return to the port city in 2022, Mayor Billy Barlow announced Friday.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of those events in 2020 and 2021.

“We are extremely excited to bring back our traditional Independence Day Parade in 2022 and will hold the first of our three downtown block parties, successfully introduced in 2021, following the parade,” Barlow said in a statement. “Our Independence Day celebration and annual Harborfest event are marquee events for the community, bringing fun, excitement and economic activity to the city, making it critically important to reintroduce these events post COVID to give both residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the very best of our community,” Barlow said.

Harborfest, which attracts approximately 75,000 people to Oswego, will take place from Thursday, July 28 to Sunday, July 31, highlighted by the Grucci firework display Saturday evening over the Oswego Harbor. Barlow announced back in August that $30,000 would go toward supporting the event in 2022.

A comprehensive event program and schedule for Harborfest will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 4th of July parade will take place on Sunday, July 3 at 1 p.m. beginning on Liberty Street, turning eastbound onto Bridge Street. Following the parade, the city will host another downtown block party beginning at 5 p.m. along West First Street, featuring live music by Ruby Shooz, free activities for children of all ages, expanded outdoor dining space for restaurants and ending with fireworks launched over the Oswego River at 9:45 p.m.

Individuals or organizations interested in participating in the parade may find an application on the city website at www.oswegony.org, email amurphy@oswegony.org or can 315-343-3795. The deadline to register is Friday, June 10.