A Letter From Our President & CEO Peter Arnold, in regard to our Fireworks Extravaganza

We deeply apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the equipment failure at last night’s Fireworks Extravaganza.

As explained by the representative from Young Explosives, the malfunction made it impossible to detonate the fireworks using their computerized system. The part that failed simply could not be repaired or replaced in time for the show and it was far too dangerous to fire the big shells manually.

This was especially disappointing since, as you are all too well aware, we rescheduled from Saturday because high winds exceeded the safety parameters for launching fireworks.

In order to rectify the situation, museum staff is currently working on a solution that will equitably compensate all ticket holders for their loss.  Letters will be going out September 9 to all guests who attended the event, outlining what options are avaliable to them.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding and please accept our most sincere apologies

Peter Arnold

President & CEO

Genesee Country Village & Museum

FAQ's 

Here are answers to some of the questions you may have regarding this event.

Frequently asked Questions:

1.     What happened with the fireworks show? Why was it cancelled?

Our unique fireworks program is synchronized with music and narration and therefore completely computerized. The firing mechanism used in conjunction with the computer system failed shortly before the show was to begin making it impossible to ignite the fireworks program. The equipment failure could not be repaired or replaced in time for the show.

Although the set pieces could be safely fired manually, the aerial and ground level fireworks were too dangerous to be fired individually by the fireworks personnel.

2.     Why didn’t Young Explosives have a backup?

It’s a good question and we don’t have the answer at this time – it will be one of the issues we discuss with them in the coming days.

3.     How will the Museum rectify the situation?

In order to rectify the situation, museum staff is currently working on a solution that will equitably compensate all ticket holders for their loss.  It will include a refund option as well as some other options.

4.     When will the decision be made?

We will reach a decision in this regard, and subsequently be in touch with everyone, by Wednesday (9/8/10). Please watch our web-site, but feel free to contact us as well.

5.     What if I bought my tickets the night of the show with a credit card? Will I be charged?

No, we will not process your credit card. 

6.     What if I bought my tickets at Wegmans?

Each person will be compensated regardless of how the ticket was purchased. If you purchased your tickets from Wegmans please call the Museum directly at (585) 538-6822.

7.     Will the Fireworks Extravaganza be rescheduled?

Due to the Museum’s schedule and the unpredictable weather conditions during this time of year, the show will not be rescheduled in 2010.

8.     Will the Fireworks Extravaganza be held next year?

The Museum plans to hold the Fireworks Extravaganza again in 2011.

Important Date Change For Fireworks Extravaganza/Beatlemagic Show

Please Note, the date of  our Fireworks Extravaganza/ Beatlemagic Show has been changed from Saturday September 4 to Monday September 6 because of weather and saftey considerations. All previously purchased tickets will be honored.


Because of the forecasted rain, cold, wind and saftey considerations, our Fireworks Extravaganza/Beatlemagic Show has been changed from Saturday September 4th to Monday September 6th. This will insure that we are able to put the show on as well as provide the most comfortable, safest and enjoyable experience for our guest!

All of the things we have scheduled for this special event, including Beatlemagic, food and drink vendors and 19th century crafts and games will take place on Monday the 6th as well!

You will be able to make reservations for this event through Sunday Septermber 5th . Tickets will be avaliable at the door on Monday, however, reservations are still encouraged for this event as it is one of our biggest and most popular events.

Tickets are also avaliable online until Monday morning.

And We Have a Winner!

Congratulations Sandra Stahlman our winner for this month's Fireworks giveaway!   Sandra will receive 2 complimentary tickets and a parking pass to our Fireworks Extravaganza and Beatle Magic concert this Saturday, September 4th! 

Sandra we will contact you by email but you can also contact us at blog@gcv.org

Didn't win tickets and still want to attend? You can purchase tickets online, at the box office, or at Wegmans. 

Fireworks Extravaganza Giveaway

For the  rest of August we are hosting an end of the Summer Giveaway!  We are giving away 2 Free Tickets (and a parking pass)  to our Fireworks Extravaganza, September 4, 2010!

If  you haven't been to our fireworks before then  you've never seen fireworks like this. Only one of two of  it's kind in the entire country the show features brilliant ground displays as well as aerial fireworks, all set to dramatic music and inspiring narration.


This year’s annual theme “Let’s Play Ball! American Sports History,” which will showcase the history of nine of America’s sports.

Set pieces are large pictures displayed by fireworks. The aerial fireworks and set pieces are all controlled and fired electronically by Young Explosives using state-of-the-art computer technology. This gives the spectator the utmost quality fireworks show as opposed to shows that are manually fired. This is a visual experience not to be missed!

Prior to the start of the show, there will be music, face painting, 19th-century games and crafts, plus festival food and drink stations with hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, fried dough, cotton candy, popcorn and Abbott’s ice cream available for purchase. 

This year, for the first time ever in this area, Beatle Magic, a fantastic Beatles tribute band will play at 5:30 p.m. before the fireworks. Boasting the high visibility of strong vocals, music and a commitment to the accurate reproduction of the Beatles, this is the band to see if you want to know what it might have been like had the Beatles toured today!

You can enter between August 17-31 2010 at 9am EDT. The winner will be announced August 31st.

There are THREE ways you can enter. You can do 1 or all 3. Doing all 3 will get you three entries! Open to adults over 18.

*Enter a comment on this post.

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Send us a question about the museum for our monthly Q & A Column-Please use the email link of the right of the blog.

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*Become a follower of this blog.

We will pick a name at random and notify the winner by email and on the blog!

Good Luck!!!