The semester is finally over and summer break has begun! Most of us will return to our hometowns after our last final to spend the summer with our friends and families. But if you’re one of the lucky few to spend the summer in Oswego, fear not! There are TONS of things for you to do around town that you may not be able to do during the school year!
So, when you think of Oswego, you think of endless parties and bar nights, right? And you may think that because everyone has left, the fun has stopped, right? Wrong! Sure, the bars won’t be as packed as they are during the school year but that’s not the only thing there is to do in Oswego. Oz is actually full of fun town activities in the summers. Here are a few things you can do during the summer in Oz:
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Harborfest
Harborfest is like New Years Eve in NYC for Oswego residents. It’s the biggest event to hit Oswego during the summer, and it tends to draw an estimated 200,000 spectators per year. It’s a four-day free admission event that features live music, craft vendors, food and games. Fireworks are displayed alongside Lake Ontario at the end of the festival. This year, Harborfest will be held from July 25-July 28. For more information on Harborfest, visit their official website www.oswegoharborfest.com. So grab your friends and go to Harborfest this summer!
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Oswego County Fair
This year will be the 156th Oswego County Fair in Sandy Creek, only a 45 minute drive from Oswego (which is the same distance from Oswego to Syracuse). The fun begins July 3 to July 7 and this year’s theme is “Summer in Oswego County.” Admission is free but grandstand prices vary per day. The fair includes rides, parades, agriculture displays and a festive July Fourth fireworks display that attracts a lot of Oswego county residents. For more information, visit www.oswegocountyfair.com.
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Farmer’s Market
Who doesn’t love fresh fruits and veggies in the summer? Oswego offers a farmer’s market every Thursday in the summer that is usually held on West 1st Street. The street is closed off and vendors offering fresh produce set up stands and offer the Oswego community a variety of the freshest produce in Oswego City. Not only is produce sold, other items such as handmade jewelry and apparel is also sold. Chances are you’ll find something you’ll love at the market!
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Oswego City Band Concerts
If you love going to concerts, especially laid-back ones, this may be for you! Beginning June 26, live music will be featured at Breitbeck Park in Oswego every Wednesday night. Admission is free and the concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in June and July, and 7:00 in August. Music genres include jazz bands, classic marches, show tunes and popular movie music.
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The Lake
Although this is self-explanatory, the lake is perhaps the biggest attraction at Oswego. Take advantage of it this summer! Lay down near the flat rocks to tan, or go for a swim. Enjoy the sunsets with your friends or have a picnic by the lakeside. Anything that you do by the lake is guaranteed to be a fun time, because let’s face it, everyone loves the lake!
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Take a road trip
Depending on where your hometown is located, Oswego is practically hours away from Canada. Grab some of your buddies and plan a road trip! You can go to a modern city like Toronto or a vintage city like Montreal. Both cities are equally four hours apart from Oswego, so you can even visit both cities at different times throughout the summer. You can also take a three hour road trip to Ottawa. Whichever destination you choose, make it a fun time with your friends.
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This is just a taste of how your summer at Oswego will be. No matter what you choose to do, Oswego won’t disappoint!