Syracuse Heritage Days activities are set

Syracuse City will kick off this year's summertime community celebrations by hosting its annual Syracuse Heritage Days Monday through June 23.

"We hope all the residents come out to enjoy some hometown excitement," said Syracuse City Mayor Fred Pannuci in a phone call. "It's one of those events that binds a community together and gives you a sense of community." Pre-celebration events begin with the Miss Syracuse Pageant on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. at Davis High School. One of the first duties for the newly crowned Miss Syracuse and her attendants will be to ride in the Syracuse parade later in the week.

Official activities begin Monday with Syracuse Idol at 7 p.m. at Founder's Park. Residents will get a chance to vote for their favorite contestant competing this year. The three finalists will be announced at the next night's activities.

Tuesday night is the Senior Day Softball game. The game starts at 6:30 following the singing of the National Anthem by the Idol contestants and the announcement of the three finalists in the competition. They will compete June 23. Traditional ballpark hot dogs, ice cream and soda will be available at old-fashioned prices.

Wednesday is Children's Day. This year's Western-theme children's parade line-up starts at 6:30 p.m. behind the city buildings. Children are encouraged to come in costumes. Following the parade there will be various games and activities geared especially for the younger generation.

Movie night is Thursday at 7. A large outdoor screen, behind the city offices at Centennial Park, will be showing a movie geared for all ages. Popcorn, candy, cotton candy, hot dogs and more will be available to munch on during the show

The activities return to Founder's Park June 22 from 5-9 p.m. Residents can watch Syracuse police officers play in a football game. Various dance groups and bands will be performing on stage during the evening. A special kiddieland will be offering rides and inflatables for younger children, and over 50 retail, exhibit and game booths will add to the carnival atmosphere.

The annual Syracuse parade will start June 23 at 9 a.m. The route runs along 2000 West starting at the roundabout at 2700 South and ending at Utah Onion at 850 South. Long-time resident Alice Dahl will be serving as this year's grand marshal. The parade has a reputation for candy-throwing politicians, water-squirting fire trucks and clip-clopping horses. Following the parade, booths and rides will be open for business until 9 p.m. Residents will vote for their favorite contestant in the final round of Syracuse Idol. The winner will be announced shortly before a fireworks display, which will begin at dusk at Jensen Park, by the new ponds.

In conjunction with Heritage Days, residents are invited to explore the city's history at the Syracuse museum during its normal hours. Information about the founding families and famous personalities such as Jim Bridger and the Syracuse Sea Monster are available as part of the exhibits.

"I'll be thrilled if we do as good as last year," said Pannuci. "We've had great participation with our numbers growing each year."

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