Fireworks Returning to CorryFest After Fundraising Effort Reaches Goal

Fireworks will once again light up the sky during CorryFest this year after a successful community fundraising campaign ensured the popular attraction’s return for a second consecutive year.

The fireworks display had been absent from the festival for several years before returning in 2025 through a grassroots fundraising effort organized by members of the CorryFest Committee. Heading into 2026, organizers once again faced the challenge of raising enough money to fund the show.

Following a series of fundraising events, including a reverse raffle held at the Spring Creek Volunteer Fire Department in April and a sold-out chicken barbecue fundraiser on May 30 at Misty Meadows Greenhouse, organizers say the goal has been met.

In an interview with Channel 98.9 radio’s Nigel Metal following the barbecue, Misty Hovis, owner of Misty Meadows and a member of the CorryFest Committee, thanked the community for its support.

“It was absolutely phenomenal,” Hovis said. “We just want to give a huge thank you to the community. Thank you so much to our sponsors and also all the people that came out for the dinner.”

According to Hovis, the event sold out all 225 chicken dinners, with customers arriving before serving even began.

“We started at 11 a.m. and had people waiting before that,” she said. “It just shows how much the community truly loves Corry and how much they want to see CorryFest succeed.”

Brandon Brosche, owner of Spex Graphics and another CorryFest Committee member, confirmed that fundraising efforts successfully secured this year’s display.

“I can confidently say that we are going to have fireworks this year,” Brosche said. “A lot of that is thanks to today and our past fundraising events.”

Brosche noted that businesses throughout the community stepped forward to support the effort.

“Every business on our sponsor banner contributed to this cause,” he said. “We filled up that banner in just two weeks. It really turned into a community effort.”

The success of the campaign has organizers already looking ahead to 2027.

“We’re already working toward next year,” Brosche said. “We want to continue doing this year after year.”

CorryFest 2026 begins June 11 in and around City Park. The event will conclude with fireworks at dusk on Sunday June 14.

This year’s festival will feature live music throughout the weekend, including performances by Dan Baney Unplugged on June 11, Eleven Minutes Out on June 12, Knuckle Down on June 13 and Saved by Grace on June 14.

Other attractions include chainsaw carving demonstrations coordinated through Bear Hollow Carving, an Erie Reptile Expo, Magic Jamie performances, a footlong hot dog eating contest, pony rides, food vendors, craft vendors and the annual CorryFest Parade on June 13.

The Corry Area Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA of Corry continue to partner in presenting the event, which has become one of the region’s largest annual community celebrations.