After a soggy Friday, city looks forward to tonight's fireworks spectacular

NO DAY FOR DINING OUT: An umbrella-sheltered couple navigates North Main Street during Friday's heavy rain from former tropical storm Elsa. (Rochester Voice photo)

ROCHESTER - After two days of on and off rain from Elsa, the former tropical storm is cutting a wide swath through Canada's Atlantic provinces today as she continues her weakening jog northeastward.

While the Greater Rochester area suffered through several hours of torrential downpours on Friday, the strong winds forecast to be up to 40-60 mph never materialized locally, with top gusts in the area rarely getting over 20 mph.

Rochester Police said today they were aware of no serious local flooding, vehicle crashes or downed trees associated with the storm.

With Elsa long gone, Rochester can look forward to brightening skies today with a comfortable high of 78 around 3 p.m. and mostly clear skies for tonight's fireworks show at the James W. Foley Community Center adjacent Spaulding High on Wakefield Street.

Tonight's activities begin around 7:30 p.m. with a performance by local band The Cameron Drive Project. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and whatever else they need to be comfortable for the show. A limited number of venders will also be on hand.

Organizers are urging folks to leave dogs and other pets at home. Pets are not allowed on school grounds. Personal fireworks, sparklers, and other novelties of any kind are also not allowed.

The fireworks will take place at the Community Center/Spaulding High School campus around 9:30 p.m. Parking will be available on-site, along Wakefield Street, and in downtown municipal lots. Organizers warn attendees to plan ahead for parking, as on-site parking spaces are limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The James W. Foley Memorial Community Center (formerly Rochester Community Center) is located at 150 Wakefield Street, behind Spaulding High School.