Nearly 100 groups will be participating in this year's Fourth of July Parade in Utica on Friday.

The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Friday (7/4) in front of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and will end at the Parkway Rec Center.

The Parade includes local businesses, non-profits and local sports teams and will feature area college presidents serving as Co-Grand Marshals along with their college communities and staff.

The parade will be followed by a 'Party in the Park' at F.T. Proctor Park from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include live bands, a bounce house for children, food and beverage vendors and a fireworks display at dusk.

The Entertainment line-up is:

  • The Red Band/La Banda Rosa at 6:00 p.m.
  • Easy Money Big Band at 7:00 p.m.
  • Holidaye at 8:00 p.m.

The Mayor's office wants to inform residents that with an event of this size several neighborhoods will be affected, including:

For the Parade: Barton Ave., Lowell Ave., Butler Ave., Genesee Street, Sunset Ave., the Parkway and surrounding streets will be utilized. Expect delays and road closures in these areas between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

For the Party in the Park/Fireworks: Culver Ave., Rutger Street and all streets parallel will be utilized and affected. Expect road closures and delays in these areas between 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Centro is also offering Free Shuttle Service from MVCC starting at 5:30 p.m. and running until the event is over. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the free transportation.

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