OLEAN — In 2023, with the area in need of a new entity to continue the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Bradner Stadium, the Olean Oilers, quite literally, stepped up to the plate.

That year, though there was no baseball due to Olean having an off day (it had committed to hosting after the New York Collegiate Baseball League schedule had already been released), the festivities still included live music and fireworks.

In 2024, the event again included a live band, fireworks and fun, but this time included a baseball game — the Oilers hosted new NYCBL addition Salamanca to commence the celebration.

Fireworks in Olean in 2024. (Olean Times Herald file)

Now in its third iteration under the current leadership, the local Fourth of July fete only continues to grow.

This year’s event will again open with an NYCBL baseball game, with the Oilers set to host Dansville on Friday at 1:30 p.m. It will also feature not just one, but two live bands, as Nerds Gone Wild will take the Seven Mountains Media stage at 4:30 p.m., followed by a set from Vinny and the Mudflaps at 7 p.m.

The annual fireworks display is tentatively scheduled for 9:45 p.m.

From start to finish, it will be free to enter Bradner Stadium for Friday’s festivities. Several food trucks will be set up and open. And there are still at least two ways for community members to support the fireworks fund.

The Oilers will be holding a boot drive on Thursday morning in Olean from 7-9:15 a.m. Olean players will be located on Constitution Avenue (near Believers Chapel), Front Street (by Park & Shop), East State Street (near Bradner Stadium), West State Street (alongside Third Base) and Wayne Street (near Focus PT).

Those interested in helping can also make a donation via Venmo to @oleanoilers. Be sure to use the word “Fireworks” in the description. To learn more about how to support this year’s Bradner Stadium Independence Day celebration, including business sponsorship opportunities, contact the Oilers at oleanoilers@gmail.com.

“We are beyond excited to host the Fourth of July celebration at Bradner Stadium again this year,” the Oilers recently posted on their Facebook page. “We hope to see everyone out on the Fourth!”

Meanwhile, several fireworks displays and Fourth of July-related events are planned in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties:

ANDOVER

• Friday: Independence Day Parade, 10 a.m.; activities and live music, Andover Fire Department; fireworks at 10 p.m.

CUBA

• Thursday: Ring of Fire at 9:30 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. (dam area and parking closed).

• Friday: Patriotic Boat Parade 1 p.m., gather at the dam at 12:45 p.m.

• Saturday: Kayak Dice Run, registration at the boat launch 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Jam by the Dam, Dock 311, 3 to 7 p.m. with The Knight Crew, sponsored by CLCOA.

• Sunday: Ice Cream Boats starting at 1 p.m.

ELLICOTTVILLE

• Thursday: Ellicottville Distillery, 5462 Robbins Road, Noah Lee & The Stetsons will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. followed by a fireworks display. There will also be a food truck onsite.

• Sunday: Ellicottville Summer Music Festival, Holiday Valley. The festival concludes with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performing music from the Harry Potter film series and patriotic tunes alongside a majestic choreographed fireworks show as the grand finale.

RANDOLPH

• Saturday, Weeden Park, downtown Randolph. Fireworks display presented by local business Peaches & Cream’s crew and sponsors. The fireworks will begin at dusk.

SALAMANCA

• Saturday: Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, Salamanca. Enjoy a free fireworks display from the casino viewable from the casino parking lot and nearby lots in Salamanca’s west end.

• Saturday: Apollo Canna Co., Parkway Drive, Salamanca. ZZ Loco plays a concert to captivate ZZ Top fans and music enthusiasts alike at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks at dusk, viewable in Salamanca’s east end.