America 250 Celebration Features Music, Family Fun, Fireworks
Monroe County's official America 250 celebration is free to attend and includes live entertainment, interactive attractions, community exhibits, local vendors
WHAT
Monroe County’s official America 250 Celebration will bring live music, interactive family attractions, community exhibitors, ballpark food and beverages, retail vendors and a fireworks finale to ESL Ballpark, One Morrie Silver Way, Rochester, tonight, Sunday, July 12, as the region comes together to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The free, family-friendly celebration will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. and is open to the public. No tickets are required.
Announced earlier this spring, the event will transform the ballpark into a community-wide celebration with entertainment and activities throughout the stadium. The evening will highlight Rochester and Monroe County’s history, creativity, civic life and community spirit while joining communities across the country in recognizing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The celebration is designed as an all-ages experience, with something happening throughout the ballpark all evening. Guests will be able to enjoy performances from regional musicians, take part in hands-on activities and games, explore exhibits from museums and community organizations, shop from local vendors, enjoy ballpark favorites and Rochester-inspired food and end the night with a patriotic fireworks display.
The first 250 attendees will receive a voucher for a free ice cream, along with a commemorative America 250 coloring book and poster, while supplies last.
Note to editors: To access the America 250 Celebration media kit online, click here.
WHERE
ESL Ballpark, One Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
WHEN
Sunday, July 12, 5 to 9 p.m.
Live Entertainment All Evening
The America 250 Celebration will feature a full lineup of live music, beginning at 5 p.m. News10NBC anchor, Deanna Dewberry, will serve as emcee for the evening's festivities. Performance times are approximate and subject to change.
5 p.m. – Prime Time Brass
5:30 p.m. – Brandon Bennett, acclaimed Elvis tribute artist, performs the National Anthem
5:45 p.m. – Ampla-Fire
6:45 p.m. – Controversy
7:45 p.m. – The Uptown Groove
Fireworks finale – Following the conclusion of live entertainment
Interactive Activities Transform ESL Ballpark
The America 250 Celebration will transform ESL Ballpark into an interactive playground with hands-on attractions, oversized games, sports challenges and family-friendly experiences throughout the evening. Guests of all ages will have opportunities to play, compete, climb, explore and celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Interactive Activities Include:
AMERICA250 Display: An illuminated patriotic installation created exclusively for the America 250 Celebration that serves as the event's photo opportunity.
Roc City Circus: Experience hands-on circus fun with opportunities to try an aerial rig, learn basic circus skills from experienced instructors and explore balance toys, circus wheels and other interactive equipment.
Hungry Hippo: A life-sized version of the classic game where participants race to collect balls while attached to a bungee cord.
Pony Hops: A fast-paced inflatable horse race where guests can challenge family and friends.
Obstacle Courses: Oversized inflatable courses featuring climbing, crawling and racing challenges.
Zuper Big Cornhole: A supersized inflatable version of one of America's favorite backyard games.
Climbing Wall: A guided climbing experience designed for a variety of skill levels.
EuroBungee: A bungee-assisted trampoline attraction that lets participants jump high and perform aerial movements.
Two-Lane Slide: Race side by side down a giant inflatable slide.
Classic Cornhole: Enjoy one of America's most popular lawn games.
Home Run Derby: Step up to the plate and swing for the targets.
Mini Golf: Play a family-friendly round on a portable miniature golf course.
Speed Cage: Measure the speed of your baseball pitch or soccer kick.
Sports Shootout: Test your aim through a variety of inflatable target games.
WXXI Kids Zone: The WXXI Kids Zone offers free, family-friendly activitiesthroughout the evening for children and their families.
Face Painting & Crafts: Enjoy free face painting and hands-on craft activities.
Kids Silent Disco: Dance under the tent using wireless headphones with multiple music channels to choose from. Participation is free. Headphones are available while supplies last.
WXXI Public Media: Celebrate WXXI's 60th anniversary with family-friendly activities and a PBS KIDS photo opportunity with Daniel Tiger from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Learn more about WXXI's six decades of educational programming and community service.
Community Exhibitors Bring History, Culture and Civic Life to the Celebration
The America 250 Celebration will bring together museums, historical organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, civic organizations and community partners from throughout Monroe County, giving attendees opportunities to explore America's history through interactive demonstrations, museum exhibits, cultural displays, educational experiences and family-friendly activities. Together, the participating organizations showcase the people, places and institutions that continue to shape Rochester and Monroe County.
Community Exhibitors Include:
Alzheimer's Association
Borinquen Dance Theatre
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society
Compeer Rochester
Democrat & Chronicle
Genesee Country Village & Museum
Geva Theatre
JCC of Greater Rochester
Landmark Society of Western New York
League of Women Voters
Monroe County Board of Elections
New York Museum of Transportation
RG&E
RIT University Arenas
Rochester Knighthawks
Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC)
Seneca Park Zoo
Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
The Arc of Monroe
Trillium Health
Veterans Outreach
Visit Rochester
Wickham Farms
WXXI Public Media
Shop Local
Guests can shop from Rochester-area businesses and artisans throughout the evening.
Retail Vendors Include:
All Purpose Studio
Cleo + Kin
Mansawear: Clothing Made to Fit Your Life
Poncho's Pins
Enjoy Ballpark Favorites and Rochester Favorites
Guests can enjoy a variety of food and beverages available for purchase throughout ESL Ballpark, including classic ballpark fare, Rochester-inspired specialties, family-friendly favorites, soft drinks, specialty beverages, and domestic and craft beers, including local brews. The first 250 guests to arrive will receive a voucher for a free ice cream while supplies last. Concession offerings are subject to change based on availability.
Additional information is available at America250Rochester.com.
Parking, Admission and Event Information
The America 250 Celebration is free and open to the public, with no tickets required. The event will take place rain or shine from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at ESL Ballpark.
Parking will be available in Lots C and D adjacent to ESL Ballpark for $7 per vehicle, plus tax. Parking is cashless only, and accessible parking spaces will be available in both lots. Additional parking is available at the High Falls Garage via State Street, the Gravel Lot accessible from Oak Street and Lot T, all within walking distance of the ballpark.
ESL Ballpark is a cashless venue. All purchases must be made with a credit or debit card. All bags are subject to security screening upon entry, and outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Sponsors and Partners
The America 250 Celebration is produced by Monroe County, COMIDA, and Visit Rochester and is presented by Van Bortel Ford and made possible through the generous support of Wegmans, Rohrbach Brewing Company, Monroe County Economic Development, and the City of Rochester. Media partners include Democrat and Chronicle/LocaliQ, News10NBC, CITY Magazine, WXXI and KidsOutAndAbout.com.
###
