Senator Ryan Awards $30,000 to Oswego’s Harborfest
July 9, 2026
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ISSUE:
- Harborfest
- Oswego County
- District 50
State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) today awarded $30,000 to Oswego Harbor Festivals Inc., the non-profit responsible for producing Oswego’s annual waterfront festival since 1988. This money was awarded through the Legislative Initiative Funding (LIF) program and will be used to fund Harborfest’s general operations.
“Harborfest provides residents of Oswego, the surrounding region, and visitors with an opportunity to come together and celebrate the culture of Central New York,” said Senator Ryan. “ For nearly four decades, this festival has showcased everything that makes Oswego special while generating significant economic activity for local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and attractions. I'm proud to secure this funding to help ensure Harborfest continues to thrive for years to come, bringing families together and highlighting the best of our waterfront community.”
“The Harborfest Officers and Board of Directors are thrilled to accept this generous award granted to us by Senator Ryan and the LIF program,” said Harborfest Board President Chuck Handley. “This will benefit the entire Festival while keeping it a free festival so everyone that attends will enjoy the music entertainment and of course the World Class Fireworks put on by the Grucci Family. All of us in the community are very lucky to have Senator Ryan’s backing. He has shown that he works for the betterment of our community in all aspects of life. The economic impact this Festival has surely is felt not only in Oswego but the entire Central New York community. We can't thank him enough and this award will continue the Harborfest tradition for years to come.”
The LIF program allows State Legislators to award funding to not-for-profit companies, municipalities, and other organizations found eligible by the State Legislature. The funding provided by Senator Ryan was announced at Breitbeck Park.