by: Alexandra Deryn Posted: Jul 26, 2025 / 10:48 AM EDT Updated: Jul 26, 2025 / 10:48 AM EDT OSWEGO, N.Y. (WSYR) — July is one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year for the City of Oswego, especially during Harborfest. “July sees a huge increase in sales tax numbers,” Mayor Rob Corradino said. “The bed tax that the county collects is also up…all the hotels! The people stay in them. The restaurants…they’re packed. So, yes, we see a huge economic impact during Harborfest.” Food truck vendors travel from all around the region to see economic profit, as well. “I think, all of these people here wouldn’t be back if it wasn’t good the year before, and we are an exact example of that. If we have good weather, we’re going to have good sales, so tonight is going to be a fantastic night,” Chuck Andrews, the owner of Macarollin in Rochester, said. Jax Decker, an employee with Ben & Jerry’s in Watkins Glen, traveled up Seneca Lake to sell festival-goers a variety of ice cream treats. “Definitely one of the top brands for sales,” Decker said. “Usually it’s really sunny out and everybody is slamming.” Harborfest is not only profitable for small business owners. It is a prime time for marketing, too. “It’s that name recognition for folks who may not get to the winery locations,” Toni Ross, a 20-year employee with Ashley Lynn Winery, said. “We’re in Waterloo, we’re also in New Haven, here in Oswego County, and so if they’re not able to see those locations, they’ll see us here.” Mayor Corradino said one of his favorite parts about the annual is event is seeing familiar faces attend year after year. “It’s a great feeling to make sure that a lot of these smaller businesses can prosper during the summertime,” Corradino said.