Fireworks and Light Show Announced for 3rd Annual GlassFest

February 13th, 2012

Corning's Gaffer District and Chemung Canal Trust Company are pleased to announce the 3rd annual GlassFest, to be held in America's "Crystal City," May 24-27, 2012.

With two years in the books, GlassFest continues to receive rave reviews from glass artists, enthusiasts and collectors - many of whom traveled from locations throughout the Northeast U.S. to join in the celebration of glass and the Fire Arts in downtown Corning last May. Last year's four-day festival hosted a variety of glass-themed events, including the first GlassFest Flame-Off presented by World Glass - a truly amazing spectacle of live outdoor glassmaking. Families also enjoyed activities such as Light Up The Night (Friday and Saturday night) and the FireArts Show on Historic Market Street.

Plans for 2012 include the return of many favorite event features, and plans for several new additions are already underway. More information to come on the Light Up the Night entertainment line-up for Friday night which will feature music by Virgil Cain and a celebration of the 100th birthday of Little Joe Tower.

In response to feedback from GlassFest attendees , officials at Corning's Gaffer District are excited to announce that this year's Saturday, May 26th evening schedule will include a special light show and fireworks with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, May 27th.

With a fireworks display that is expected to rival the annual July 4th show, families are encouraged to enjoy the event in Riverfront Centennial Park. In addition to the fireworks, the Saturday Light Up The Night will showcase neon and illuminated art made by artists from across the country, a synchronized light show on the Riverfront Park fountain, free glow-stick giveaways for kids and live music (to be announced).

The fireworks display is sponsored by Corning Enterprises which continues to support the downtown celebration with investment in this year's event. Chris Sharkey, Director of Community Affairs for Corning Enterprises, notes, "We are thrilled to sponsor the fireworks that will add even more to GlassFest and the Light Up The Night experience. We welcome all families to spend the weekend downtown and celebrate the Crystal City's rich glass heritage."

GlassFest 2012 kicks off with the traditional glass ribbon cutting at the Corning Museum of Glass on Thursday, May 24th, 2011 at 5:00pm. The event will take place in conjunction with one of the museum's 2300˚ events. For the most updated itinerary and artist participation information, please visit www.glassfest.org, follow us on Twitter using @gafferdistrict or become a fan on Facebook!