With the annual Chamber of Commerce fireworks display just days away, the Rec/Park Board, which is partnering with the Albany – Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and several other sponsors, have reason to hope the event will be another huge success.

For the first time in its eight year run, the fireworks show will be held at Mountain View Park, thanks in part to the Clinton County School District. The school system is allowing the fireworks to be staged and set off from the middle school baseball fields, directly behind the park.

Several other events throughout the day is also being planned on Saturday, August 31–Labor Day weekend, that should see entertainment for people of all ages, including a car show, gospel singing and performances by the CCHS Band and JROTC, the latter to precede the fireworks show at 9 p.m.

The situation that brought the fireworks show to the park setting actually came about via the weather, when the annual July 4th event was rained out at its original fairgrounds location.

A few weeks ago, since the park board was in the planning stages for a car show in September as a fundraiser, the idea came to combine the events on Labor Day and have a full day and evening of activity for the public.

Also, all proceeds received from the car show, concession sales and donations will still be used, and set aside specifically, in a fund for park playground equipment.

Park board and chamber member Jay Garner suggested the idea at a recent meeting of the park board and the idea took off.

Garner also said recently there were a lot of people to thank in organizing the fireworks show and other activities and also wanted to extend his appreciation to the Albany Volunteer Fire Department which has agreed to use their ladder truck during the fireworks show, as well as all the sponsors responsible for making the event possible.

The following is a brief overview of events that will take place over an almost 12-hour period this coming Saturday, August 31 at the park:

* Car show at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with judging in five categories at 1 p.m.

* Gospel singing by various groups and individuals from around 5-8 p.m.

* Performances by the Clinton County High School Band and JROTC around 8:30 p.m.

* Fireworks show, 9 p.m.

There will also be concessions and food available throughout the day.