GFD Fireworks Spectacular thrills community

by Rachel Hunter

The North Country community gathered at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds on Wednesday, July 3 to witness the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. The event was held by the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department in celebration of its 146 years of service to Gouverneur and the surrounding communities.

Did you know? The first fire department in Gouverneur was known as “Gouverneur Hose Company No. 1” and was organized in December 1868. On November 22, 1877, this company voted to disband. On January 29, 1878, the Fire Company was reorganized again under the name “Gouverneur Hose Company No. 1” and chartered by the State of New York, and has remained in continuous service to this day.

The Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department takes great pride in offering the largest fireworks display in the North Country each year, thanks to the efforts by the Northern New York Display Fireworks (Potsdam, NY) and contributions from local community members and area businesses. This year’s sponsors include the following: Gold Sponsors - 4 Season Storage Fowler NY, BiOrigin Specialty Products Natural Dam, Casablanca Restaurant, Gouverneur Savings and Loan Association, KT Contracting, Lions Club of Gouverneur, Northern Tier Contracting, Northland Veterinary Hospital, RM Conklin Insurance Agency, RSI Roofing, Superior Propane, Tripps Fuel A division of Glider Oil. Silver Sponsors - Blevins Ford and Dodge Gouverneur, Cives Steel Company, Don Peck Auctions, Gouverneur Elementary PTO, Hilltop Energy , Newvine’s Napa Auto Parts, Management Recruiters of St. Lawrence County, Inc., and Titan Mining.

Allan LaValley of Northern New York Display Fireworks has been deploying fireworks for nearly 30 years and was pleased to return to the Gouverneur Fairgrounds for the 2024 GFD’s Fireworks Spectacular. The Gouverneur community was once again wowed by the incredible display of fireworks, which was deployed by the Northern New York Display Fireworks crew and volunteers from St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis Counties. This was just one of the shows that the Northern New York Display Fireworks organizes each year.

The Gouverneur Volunteer Firefighters accepted donations at each fair entrance (Rock Island St., E. Barney St., and Babcock St.) after the gates opened at 5 p.m. Much gratitude is extended to all the North Country families who showed their great support of the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department at the event. North Country residents and visitors packed the Gouverneur Fairgrounds for a chance to witness the fireworks spectacular from their selected spot around the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County fairgrounds.

Many North Country families enjoyed fun, food and fellowship at the event. The family friendly fun available included locomotive train rides, participate in the GFD’s 50-50 raffle ($1362 awarded to the winner), and so much more. Those who entered the fairgrounds via the W. Barney St. entrance (by the fair office) had the opportunity to view GFD’s Engine 17 and Truck 2 (from which a large American Flag was proudly displayed). Food vendors were on site including several local businesses, such as Jumbo’s, Cotton Candy N More, Mullin’s, New York Pizzeria, Nibbles Snackery, Kim’s Cheesecake on a Stick, and more.

The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association was also on site to promote the upcoming 2024 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, headline concert (Locash/David Lee Murphy on August 3). They also sold soda, water and French fries. The 2024 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will be held Tuesday, July 30 through Sunday, August 4, at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. For more information, call 315-287-3010. The Gouverneur Fire Department extended much gratitude to the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association for the use of the grounds for the GFD’s Fireworks Spectacular.

Due to the rain in the forecast, the fireworks were deployed earlier than originally scheduled, starting at about 9 p.m. Lots of “oohs” and “aahs” could be heard as the North Country community enjoyed the fireworks display. Many North Country residents told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that they were impressed by fireworks spectacular, with many calling it “the best ever.” Much credit was also extended to the food vendors and others for making the event fun for the whole family. North Country residents are already making plans to witness the Gouverneur Fire Department’s Fireworks Spectacular in 2025.