Fantastic 4th of July celebration across the region!

As always, it was a fantastic 4th of July weekend across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, from "Military Appreciation Day" at The Glen to the opportunity to join Hornell Deputy Mayor John Buckley and members of the Hornell Fire Department to show off the city's new Ladder Truck during the Fourth of July parade (see photo above).

Thank you to Hornell's firefighters -- and their fellow firefighters throughout the region -- for their outstanding service to protect lives and property.  

Read more on this great new addition to the Department and the safety of the city HERE.

There are also two pieces of firefighter-related legislation which I co-sponsored this year, one which has been approved by both houses of the Legislature and which I urge Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign into law (read more HERE) and second measure which received Senate approval but no Assembly action, so we'll have to keep working for its enactment (read more HERE).

Here's some great footage of the fireworks show in Hornell, courtesty of AM 1480 WLEA: http://wlea.net/video-4th-of-july-hornell-fireworks/ -- as well as a PHOTO GALLERY.

HERE'S a nice photo gallery from the Eldridge Park celebration in Elmira.

And a great shot HERE from the fireworks hosted by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce at Clute Park.

Best wishes for a safe, memorable and enjoyable summer season to all of the residents and families of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions -- and stay updated on http://www.omara.nysenate.gov throughout the summer for updates on so many of the region's activities, attractions, events and festivals.