By Stefan Yablonski
Oswego has a beautiful waterfront; many parks afford a panoramic view of Lake Ontario.
Here’s what you should check if you’re visiting or revisiting the city:
The Fort
Four forts have stood watch over the mouth of the Oswego River, starting with one built by the British in 1755 and including the present Fort Ontario, constructed by Americans starting in 1839.
1 E. Fourth St.
Phone: 315-343-4711
Near the fort is The Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum — dedicated to keeping alive the stories of 982 refugees from World War II who were allowed into America as “guests” of the president. They were housed at Fort Ontario from August 1944 until February 1946.
22 Barbara Donahue Drive
Phone: 315-342-3003
May 1 to Columbus Day
Open 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thursday – Tuesday.
Musical Concerts
■ Sunset Concert Series at Breitbeck Park. Enjoy jazz, big band and more at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in June and July (except July 23); at 7 p.m. in August. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
■ Summer Concert Series at Veterans’ Stage June 26 – Aug. 21. Thursdays (except July 24) Constellation sponsors a concert from 6-9 p.m.
■ Oswego Market Street Square Concert Series June 27 – Aug. 22. Fridays (except July 25) Oswego County Tourism sponsors a concert 6-9 p.m.
Lighthouse Tours
The West Pierhead Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation. It stands at the end of a 2,000-foot-long breakwater, extending one-half mile out onto Lake Ontario.
The H. Lee White Maritime Museum offers tours to the lighthouse June 20 through September. For information: 315-342-0480 or http://hlwmm.org.
The museum located along Oswego River is home to one of the remaining tugs that participated in the landings at Normandy during World War II. It can be visited along with many other historical maritime items.
Racing
Oswego Speedway is home of International Classic Weekend for Supermodifieds, small block supers and 350 supermodifieds. Held on Labor Day weekend, it’s the crown jewel of the local racing season.
Races are held throughout the summer. For information: oswegospeedway.com
Super Dirt Week Oct. 6-11, “racing’s biggest party” takes place at Oswego Speedway. For information: superdirtweek.com
Festivals
■ Porchfest, Sept. 21. Stroll through the city’s westside neighborhoods and parks while listening to a variety of musical performances in an open air setting from noon to 6 p.m. For information: OswegoPorchfest.com
■ CNY Pumpkin Festival Oct. 4-5. Sponsored by Oswego YMCA. Held in Washington Square Park, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Includes amusements and activities for children and families, live music, food and beverages and craft vendors. For information: oswegoymca.org
■ Paddlefest July 19. Canoers and kayakers paddle through a portion of the historic Erie Canal. Participants launch in Minetto for a 5.5-mile trip or Fulton’s Indian Point, for a 13-mile trip. Both paths end at Wright’s Landing. For registration (required) and information: hlwmm.org
■ Oswego Harborfest July 24-27. From some of the best fireworks in the world to bands from different genres, Harborfest has it all. Most festivities take place in Breitbeck Park. East Park is the Jazz and Blues celebrations. The midway is on Lake Street. More festivities can be found at Veterans Memorial Park and the River Walk. The world famous Grucci Fireworks display is held Saturday night.
Other things you should not miss:
■ Oswego Farmers’ Market June 12 to Oct. 9
Presented by Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, on West First Street, it’s held Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. Visitors can find fresh produce, baked goods, arts and crafts and more.
■ Oswego Independence Day Celebration July 6
The parade begins at 1 p.m.
Downtown block party on West First Street following the parade with music, food, time capsule dedication and more.
Festivities conclude with fireworks over the river at 9:45 p.m.
■ Sunsets at Breitbeck Park
Breitbeck Park is one of the best places to just stand and look out over the expanse of Lake Ontario. The sunsets here are second to none in their beauty.