Where does the time actually go?  It is very hard to believe it is July already and that means it is time for picnics, reunions, craft shows, cruise ins and more.  There are several great events taking place in Madison County this weekend that the whole family can enjoy.  Here is a look at the top events for the weekend as America celebrates its 233 birthday!
1. This weekend the buying and selling in Cazenovia will be going strong with two long time events.  The first is the annual CAVAC arts and crafts festival on the lawn at the Lorenzo State Historic Site.  This annual festival attracts crafters from around the northeast.  Parking and admission are free.  The hours are from 10-5 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday.
2. The local Cazenovia merchants will be having specials and deals all weekend too.  It's the annual Cazenovia Historic Business District Sidewalk Sales.  Buy high quality products from local merchants.  The sales are Thursday, Friday and Sunday, with many merchants enjoying a holiday on Saturday.
3. Artists from around the Hamilton area will be hosting a show on Saturday at Porter Studios.  It's the CNY ESTY Show and it runs all day on Saturday.
4. FIREWORKS!!!--Of course the 4th is never complete without fireworks and there are many options to choose from in Madison County this weekend.  Cazenovia will be having its annual fireworks display around 9pm on the 4th.  The best spot to view the show is from the park in the village next to the lake.  Hamilton hosts its fireworks display as part of a larger all day celebration themed "It's Patriotic to be Green".  There will be the usual Farmer's Market, a parade at 10:30 am, and at nightfall fireworks will fill the skies above the village.  Its a wonderful summer event.

 
 
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Don't forget Dad this weekend as father's day weekend is upon us.  We have a ton of great events this weekend highlighted by a pair of events celebrating transportation history.  Here are your best bets for father's day weekend in Madison County:
1. Canal Fest 2009--The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum hosts its annual Canal Fest this Sunday.  The event runs from noon until 5. 
Canal Fest offers fun for the whole family. This year's theme is a Tribute to Canallers: Yesterday and Today. Tribute includes a photo gallery and text of canal workers, families, and famous canal travelers followed by canallers of today.
On-going events include costumed boat builders at work, blacksmithing demonstrations, wagon rides, strolling fiddler, magic shows (1:30, 2:30), kids games, scavenger hunt, inflatible climbing wall with slide, sheep display, spinning demonstration, bocce ball, original play written and performed by teen volunteers "Orphan Hoggee Finds a Home" (1:00, 3:00)
Available food includes the annual Chicken Barbeque (dinners for $8, take-outs available), homemade pies, and ice cream. We'll also be drawing the winners for our raffle, a Tubful of Treasures.
2. The Hamilton Business Association hosts "Wings over Hamilton" also on Father's Day.  This fly-in breakfast runs from 7:30-2 and features an all you can eat pancake breakfast, and lots of aircraft from all over the region flying in.  There will also be a car show and lots of fun for the entire family.
3. The Central New York Dairy Goat Show will be held at Heritage Farms on Saturday and Sunday.  The members of the CNYDGS have decided to support Heritage Farm in its goal in becoming a goat dairy by holding its show at this unique farm in hopes of showing others within the Caprine community the truly special spirit of this farm. The club will be hosting an American Dairy Goat Association Sanctioned two ring goat show with a Nubian Specialty. The farm will also be offering “The Spring Goat Fling” to the public with hopes of educating their community about the greatness of goats. Friday night there will be a Showmanship Clinic for anyone interested, followed by a bon fire. Camping is allowed at the farm (no electrical hookups!) On Saturday during the show, families will be able to walk a goat through a straw maze and take a goat powered cart ride as well as learn about goats and products that can be made from them. A Build it with Dad workshop will consist of a precut kit that can be purchased and put together onsite.  Heritage Farm, Inc is located at 3599 State Route 46, Bouckville, NY.
4. Eurocar 2009 -- The grounds of the Lorenzo State Historic Site in Cazenovia will be a great place to spend Father’s Day weekend this year. The MG Car Club has teamed up with the Jaguar Association of Central New York to present an unprecedented weekend of entertainment and activities for all car enthusiasts. Saturday June 20th starts with the Jaguar Association of Central New York’s “Slalom” Time Trial Competition. There will be 2 time trails for the slalom - one from 9:00 - 12:00, the other from 12:30 - 3:00.
Sunday, June 21st The MG Car Club of Central NY will sponsor Eurocar 2009 on the lawn at Lorenzo. The show runs from 9am-3pm, and is open to all cars and motorcycles of European make. There will be vendors, food, trophies and door prizes and car judging. Goody bags and plaques to 1st 150 entrants. A major portion of our proceeds will go to a local charity, which will be in attendance. Walking trails and a historic house are available for touring.
5. Bass season opens -- Madison County is full of lakes full of Bass.  What better way to spend the weekend then by taking dad fishing!
Happy Father's Day and visit here for a complete calendar of events in Madison County.
 
 

Several farms, and B&B's are featured in the latest Tastes of New York State.

 
 
 
 

We were up bright and early Saturday morning to catch the launch of Airborne Adventure's balloon from Oz-Stravaganza.  It was a perfect morning and Pilot Dwight Cramer and crew took 5 people up up and away for a ride over Chittenango and northern Madison County.  Below is a slide show highlighting the launch.

 
 
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The big Oz-Stravaganza weekend is upon us and the village of Chittenango is buzzing with excitement as rides are being set up, vendors are arriving and visitors from near and far are preparing to celebrate all things Oz this weekend. The highlights of the weekend include the costume contest and parade on Saturday, the rides all weekend long and autograph sessions with the Munchkins too.  For the complete schedule of happenings click here.  IT should be a fun weekend and don't forget the parade starts at 2pm sharp on Saturday.
Oz-Stravaganza is not the only event happening in Madison County this weekend.  Here are some other highlight for your weekend:
1. Friday-Sunday -- The Madison and Bouckville Antique Dealers host their annual spring antique show.  Dozens of dealers will be selling their wares along US Route 20.  It is a great opportunity to find hidden treasures for your home.
2. The Earlville Opera House is hosting John Hammond, an Acoustic Blues Extraordinaire, on Saturday evening at 8pm.  Tickets are available for $22 for Adults, $20 for Opera House Members and $17 for students.
3. The Smithfield Community Center is the host for the Lincoln and the Civil War Concert on Saturday night as well.  The 77th N.Y. Regimental Balladeers present a special evening concert Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: Lincoln and the Music of the Civil War at the historic Smithfield Community Center at 8 p.m. A slide show accompanies the music which includes song, melodies and verse that streamed from the pens of some of America's most famous song writers of the 1860s. In honor of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the concert program will evoke the memory of the wartime president through performances of some of the songs Lincoln enjoyed and that he inspired.
While you are out and about this weekend don't forget to bring your camera and submit an entry to our photo contest.
 
 
 
 

The whole family had chance to visit the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park Kite Festival in Cazenovia this past weekend.  We had a wonderful time.  Please enjoy the slideshow below:

 
 
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Last weekend was picnics and parades, this weekend one of the most unique festivals you will ever experience highlights a full schedule of events.  It is time for the annual Art in the Sky Kite Festival at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia.  The hills of the Art Park will be filled with Art in the Sky on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This family friendly event is free with $5 parking donation. You are welcome to bring your own kite or create one at the Art Park’s kite workshop. There will be large kite demonstrations, kite battles, kite candy drops, face painting, beautiful ground displays and much more. The Cazenovia Rotary will sell hot dogs, drinks and other munchies. Kimberly’s Ice Cream will sell their treats. A raffle of merchandise from Central New York businesses will round out the activities of the weekend. Come and experience the Art Park’s exploration of kinetic art and its relationship to the area’s unmatched natural beauty, encompassing not only its stunning vistas, but the sky that surrounds them as well. This celebration of sky and wind art is unforgettable. Bring your camera and capture the day.  This is also an excellent opportunity to take unique photos and enter them in the photo contest for Madison County Tourism!  There are lots of great events from art exhibits to farmers markets all weekend long.  Check out the complete list here.
 
 

Janet Ambrose, Associate Professor of Textiles from Syracuse University, College of Art and Design, will be at the Madison County Fair on Friday and Saturday to lead us through the creation of her personal design work from the fiber animal to her final knitted and felted product.  Janet and her family raise Angora goats, Cashmere goats, and Alpacas on their farm in Jamesville, NY.   From their fiber she produces lace weight yarns and uses the computer and a computerized knitting machine to create her custom textile art.  

Janet’s presentations in the Focus on Fiber pavilion will begin with an introduction to the animals on the farm and to the spinning mill housed there, including its 2.5 ton industrial Stoll Knitting Machine.  Her recent work enables her to integrate her long-standing love of photography with more recently acquired skills in fiber animal husbandry and knitting machinery to create beautiful and functional textile art.  For a preview, see her new website at janbrose.com.