By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
These summer and fall events are favorites for a reason: they’re fun and family-friendly. Plan now to make them part of your summer and fall.
County Fair
Many county fairs have struggled in recent years with low attendance and fewer exhibitors and vendors. Although you may not be able to help your children raise a prize-winning calf to show (but you should if you can!), consider other ways to participate. Most county fairs have competitions for crafts, art, culinary arts and more. At least participate by attending. Bring along your children or grandchildren to explore the exhibits, watch animal shows and indulge in “fair food.”
New York State Fair
If you really want to see everything at the New York State Fair, you’ll need at least two days. It has grown that big. The addition of the Exposition Center several years ago has increased the Fair’s footprint, along with the expansion of the midway and improvements in several of the animal barns. Where else can you see a dairy calf birth live, watch a sea lion show, cheer on racing pigs, view a butter sculpture, tour an aquarium, go to the circus, pet exotic animals, twirl on carnival rides, watch top vocalists (free with admission!), see street performers and tour a museum all in one place?
Harborfest
Oswego’s 2024 Harborfest is slated for July 25-28. Begun in 1988 as a small, hometown event, Harborfest has grown into a major regional festival that attracts 75,000 guests annually. Attendees can peruse vendors of arts and crafts, hear live music and shop the farmers market. More than 30 performing acts are lined up, along with a midway and fireworks show. Donations and volunteers have kept the festival a free, family-friendly event.
Local Festivals
Nearly every community of any size hosts its own festival, such as Naples Grape Festival (www.naplesgrapefest.org), CNY Tomatofest (Auburn, www.cnytomatofest.org), Lyons Peppermint Days (www.lyonsny.com/peppermintdays), Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend (www.phelpsny.com/sauerkraut-weekend). Even if you’re not a huge fan of the theme, check it out anyway. These events typically include live music, festival food and plenty to do. Supporting local businesses helps make the community stronger.
Community Concerts
In a similar vein, many towns host free, open air concerts featuring area musicians. Attending these (and patronizing the supporting vendors) helps build a sense of community. Concerts in the park provide a low-key means of introducing children and grandchildren to different music genres. Plus, they may be able to meet the musicians afterwards and check out their instruments.
Farmers Markets
Unless you grow it yourself, you’ll not find fresher produce than at your local farmers market. Most communities host famers markets weekly, providing a means for farms to sell their goods directly. Why not go check out the vendors and pick up produce for the week? Some markets also include items like cheese, meat, honey, maple syrup and baked goods. Most farmers markets include ready-to-eat food, live entertainment and arts & crafts. These events also bring people together, making friends out of acquaintances. Make a habit out of stopping at the farmers market near you each week.
To locate a local farmer’s market, visit www.localfarmmarkets.org/NYfarmmarkets.php
Nature Walks/Talks
The New York State Parks website (www.parks.ny.gov) lists events occurring at state parks near you. Why not plan to attend a nature walk, volunteer to clean up a park, or join a birding tour? In addition to enjoying a state park for the day, you may discover a great place to hike, picnic, ride or swim. Many also offer lodging, boat slips, and permit leashed dogs. The state’s website provides guidance on park use, so check it before heading out.