What to expect at the Lilac Family Fun Festival and Fireworks on July 8 in Rochester

Special to Foster's
·3 min read

ROCHESTER — The city and its Recreation Department will host the Lilac Family Fun Festival and Fireworks on Saturday, July 8 from 4 to 9 p.m.

The event is a family-friendly celebration that offers free admission to kiddie carnival rides, live music and entertainment, activities and games, food trucks, vendors, and what Mayor Paul Callaghan calls “the best fireworks show in New Hampshire.”

The festival will take place at Spaulding High School and the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center at 150 Wakefield St.

The 2023 Lilac Family Fun Festival and Fireworks will be held July 8 in Rochester.
The 2023 Lilac Family Fun Festival and Fireworks will be held July 8 in Rochester.

According to Callaghan, additional funding for the 2023 event allowed organizers to expand several offerings, which included doubling the number of free kiddie carnival rides, adding live music by Whiskey Bent & The Hell Hounds and Brad Marino Band, Sage’s Entertainment Magic Show, Wildlife Encounters, and an enhanced firework show.

“We had such a great time last year and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” said Callaghan. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back this year to celebrate our nation’s independence and enjoy fun activities with our children, families, and neighbors.”

Callaghan says Rochester’s reason for celebrating Independence Day on July 8 is to attract more people to the community.

“We don’t want our event to compete with the many other celebrations occurring around the Fourth,” said Callaghan. “Our hope is that our event will attract more people to Rochester to see what we have to offer and support our local commerce.”

Parking will be limited on-site. Participants are instructed to utilize street parking and other nearby municipal lots as much as possible. Anyone who is able is encouraged to park downtown and walk to the event. COAST Bus is committed to providing a free shuttle throughout the evening.

Schedule of events

  • 4-9 p.m.: Free carnival rides for little kids and fun family activities with Rochester Public Library

  • 4-5:45 p.m.: Brad Marino Band (power pop and rock)

  • 5:45-6:30 p.m.: Wildlife Encounters (educational with live animals)

  • 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Whiskey Bent & the Hell Hounds (country and rock)

  • 7-7:45 p.m.: Sage’s Entertainment Magic Show

  • 9 p.m.: Fireworks

Event rules

  • Service animals only. No pets allowed.

  • No sparklers or novelty fireworks.

  • Watch the show from designated viewing areas only.

  • No alcohol, smoking, tobacco products vaping, or illicit drugs.

  • Anyone under the influence of drugs/alcohol will not be allowed on event grounds.

  • Follow the direction of event staff and law enforcement.

  • All rides are ‘kiddie’ rides and are intended for young children. Height restrictions will be enforced by ride staff.

  • Enjoy the show and be respectful of others around you.

Food

  • Flat Iron Catering Company

  • Sausage Express

  • Kona Ice

  • Brother’s Concession Food Trucks

Vendors and activities

  • 1000 Drones for 1000 Girls

  • Rochester Conservation Commission

  • Convention of States

  • Gateway Retirement Solutions

  • Girl Scouts of the Green & White Mountains

  • Guyer Travel

  • Haven

  • Hibbert Enterprises

  • Hillios Novelties

  • Meredith Village Savings Bank

  • Our Creative Imaginings

  • Paper-Pie

  • Rochester Democratic Party

  • Rochester Riverwalk

  • Rochester Social Club

  • Rochester Regional Republican Committee

  • The Family Busyness

  • The Woodman Museum

  • U.S. Navy

  • Your Next Move Realty

  • Rochester Youth Hockey

  • Rochester Public Library

Information: rochesternh.gov/fun

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester NH Lilac Family Fun Festival and Fireworks on July 8