Things to do, places to eat, shows to see, places to stay in Madison County, NY      

Can you believe it? The last weekend in June is nearing which means July is just around the corner. Wow, the summer really does go by fast! Lucky for you, there are summer events planned nearby to allow you to stop for a minute and really enjoy the summer season.

Cazenovia and Hamilton: One of my favorite things about summer is an abundance of fresh veggies and fruit grown locally. The tastes of this produce is incomparable to any other and we get a chance to support our local economy which is always a rewarding thing to do. Every Saturday throughout the Summer there are farmers markets taking place in Cazenovia and Hamilton. I have been to both and they are equally as fantastic...so fantastic in fact that you should make a day of it and check out both of them. There are also local artisans and crafters that use the farmers market to showcase their talents and sell their goods. Aside from the produce and art, there are other homemade products for sale such as jams and maple syrup. Its the time for planting gardens, so pick up a few plants while you're there. The Cazenovia Farmers Market is open from 9am-5pm. For more information visit the Cazenovia Chamber of Commerce website. The Farmers Market in Hamilton begins at 8am and ends at 1pm.

Canastota and Chittenango: Now we need something for the kids to do...To a child, what is better than being out in nature and having fun? NOTHING. Well at least thats what I remember from my childhood. Kids love to be outside, so here are a few ideas to get them moving outside while getting some...what I like to refer to as "fun education". First, The Great Swamp Conservancy Inc. will host, "Whats lives in a pond"? This event will take place in Canastota, on Saturday the 28th from 1-2pm and is free to all children and adults. Here is a great opportunity for children (and parents) to get their feet wet and explore nature with the aid of nets, bottles, and magnifying glasses. Pre-registration is required for this event. For more information please visit the GSC website or call, (315)-697-2950.

Next, we move up the road a ways to Chittenango Falls State Park for Children's Nature Journaling. On Saturday the 28th, children in grades 2-5 will get up close and personal look to the park’s natural environment through the outdoor art-based activities of nature journaling. Children will be encouraged to explore the outdoors using all their senses while recording their findings artistically and scientifically in personal nature journals. Art supplies will be provided. This event is part of a children's nature themed program series that will take place each Saturday at 2:30pm at Chittenango Falls State Park. For more information please call, (315)-655-9620.  

Cazenovia: Back to something for the adults...The same people that are bringing you the Children's Nature Journaling are presenting, Create Art in the Park, a series of adult art education programs to take place in Chittenango Falls State Park. These programs will be held every Sunday at 2:30pm starting with Sunday the 29th. You will learn basic nature sketching and watercolor techniques. The program will consist of guided introductory exercises and individual artistic exploration of the park. Art supplies will be provided. Come unleash your hidden artist and express yourself in a relaxing and soothing environment. For more information please call, (315)-655-9620.

So there you have it, something for the family, something for the kids and last...but not least, something for YOU. Whether you are an artist, you want to become an artist or you just want to support an artist...well then this weekends events are tailored toward you. 

Its been since September since you've heard it. That phrase that you as a parent just dread the sound of..."we're bored"! Yup, the kids must be out of school. What is a parent to do? Well it just so happens that you have come to the right place to alieviate this "boredom" situation.

This weekend there are a lot of events taking place in Madison County, events that are fun for the whole family. No matter where you live in the county, there is sure to be an event close to you that will barely move the needle on your gas gauge. There...now do I have your attention?

Hamilton - The Chenango Summer MusicFest: this year there is a french theme, Fete de la Musique which celebrates the summer solstice (June 21st). Bring the family out to enjoy elements of French culture by way of music, food and activities. There will be local artists as well as artists from around the globe. Event goers will have opportunities to meet featured artists and can attend music classes. There are so many activities taking place!  If you are interested in the MusicFest, check out the website for a complete list of artisits, events and details or call (315)-228-7645 or (315)-228-7642 for more information

Hamilton - Porter Studios Fine Art Photography and Fiber Arts Opening Reception: this event goes hand in hand with the Chenango MusicFest. On Saturday from 11am-3pm there will be an opening celebration at Porter Studios. Rob and Jane Porter are local artists with great talents. Rob is an avid photographer and Jane is a textile artist. All are welcome to this free event located at 15 Broad Street (right near the village green).

Cazenovia - Art in the Sky Kite Festival at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park: talk about fun for the whole family, especially the little ones. Bring a kite, build a kite or just come to enjoy the show! There will be kite demonstrations, kite candy drops, face painting and kite battles (even a kite hospital for the wounded kites). There will be refreshments available for sale. The festival will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm and there is no cost to attend this event. For more information, visit the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park website or call (315)-655-3196

 Earlville - The Earlville Opera House presents Cheryl Wheeler: Call up the babysitter, here is something for the adults for a little time away...Saturday night singer/songwriter Cheryl Wheeler will play at the Opera House. Never heard of Cheryl? Well neither had I but as I did a little bit of research about her for you...well I'm sold on her. I just may attend the show myself. ok ok...enough about me and my plans...back to Cheryl. There is more to Cheryl's shows than just music. She adds an entertaining comedic element for her audience. She has worked with many famous musicians and incorporates her experiences into her performance, sharing stories with her audience. Cheryl can best be described like this, "She looks like your mother-in-law, tells stories like a comedienne and sings like an angel". Tickets range from $13-$23 and the show begins at 8pm. To find out more about Cheryl's Show, visit the Earlville Opera House website or call (315)-691-3550.

Throughout the County - Bass Season Opens: You may begin fishing for bass on Saturday. The DEC website contains all of the specific regulations pertaining to Madison County. You can also find the best places to fish for bass. Fishing can be fun for the whole family. So take your family on a fishing excursion and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So there you have it, a great lineup of events taking place this weekend. Check our blog frequently to find out more of whats going on in the area each weekend. Have a great weekend!

A great weekend of weather for the 16th annual Civil War Weekend in Peterboro.  This video was posted to You Tube over the weekend and it gives a great synopsis of the whole weekend including a nice video of the skirmish.  Thanks to You Tube user Valey0421 for posting it.

We are already half way through the month of June and while the start of catch and keep Bass season on the lakes and rivers of Madison County is still a week away you can catch and release fish with your dad and have just as much fun.  Fishing is just one of the great things you can do with dad this weekend.  Here are a few of the best bets for a fun time:
1. Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Muesum Canal Fest:  This annual father's day event features a chicken BBQ, canal exhibits, activities for the kids and so much more.  Here is a complete list of their event this Sunday.
2. 16th Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend:  This annual event celebrates the abolitionist history of the hamlet of Peterboro and is a great educational event on the Civil War and life in general during the mid 1800's.  Peterboro is home to the Abolitionist Hall of Fame and was the home of famed abolitionist Gerrit Smith.  Activities are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday.
3. Farmer's Markets in Cazenovia and Hamilton will be open.  Head on out and purchase some nice steaks from a local farmer and take them home to grill up for father's day.  The farmer's markets are on Saturday.
4. The 7th annual DeRuyter Auto and Engine Show and Flea Market.  This show will be held at the fairgrounds on Mechanic Street, rain or shine, 9am - 5pm.
5. Limestone Creek Hunt Trail Ride: Starts 10am-noon at Crosswinds Farm, Peth Road, Cazenovia---riders grouped according to ability/speed they wish to go. $20 per rider. All breeds/tack welcome, approved helmets for riders, coggins/rabies for horses.
Find out more about great events this weekend and make a day of it with dinner at one of the county's outstanding restaurants.  Happy Father's Day everyone.

The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will be celebrating Canal Fest on Father's Day, June 15th.  This year's theme is "Hats Off to the Irish and Scottish Canallers."  The fest starts at noon and runs until 5pm. Admission is $4.00 with 12 and under free.  If you are a member of the museum you also get in free.  This year's program includes:
Strolling Bagpiper
Accordianist from 12:30 to 3:30
Irish Dancers at 3:30
A Magician at 1:30 and 2:30
"Climb the Drydock Walls" Inflatable
Pony Rides
A Boat Building Demonstration
An Irish/Scottish Scavenger Hunt for Children
Ice Cream and Home made Pies
A Tubful of Treasures Raffle
and the Famous Father's Day Chicken BBQ for $7

You will find the Museum at 7010 Lakeport Rd in Chittenango.  For more information click the link above or call them at 315-687-3801.

The Museum is open all summer long from 1 to 4 on the weekends in June and everyday in July and August from 10am to 4pm.  Back to weekends in September and October.

Well, not really war, more of a skirmish or two.  It is time for the annual Civil War Weekend in Peterboro and a quick drive through the village this morning found people sweating away getting the village ready for the thousands who will descend upon it this weekend.  There is a full schedule of events planned for both days this weekend including skirmishes between the North and the South both afternoons.  It is the perfect event for the entire family and it is only 30 minutes from both Utica and Syracuse so it won't cost much at all to get there.  Hope to see you there!

A few raindrops couldn't dampen the spirits of the thousands of fans who lined up along Peterboro Street in Canastota on Sunday to watch over 50 boxing great make their way to the annual induction ceremony.  WTVH was there and had this great report.  The Post Standard had a couple of photo galleries at Syracuse.com, One from Friday and one from Sunday.  If you are already making plans for next year's event.  You might want to start thinking about hotel rooms now so you can find a room closer to the Hall of Fame. 

Wondering what to do this weekend? Well as it stands we are in for some great weather and you're in luck because there are some really great things to do with the whole family.

The 19th Annual Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will be held from Thursday June 5th to Sunday June 8th in Canastota. With over 20 events planned, there is sure to be something for everyone. Events include, Museum tours by celebrities, ringside lectures, celebrity boxing, a golf tournament, the parade of champions, induction ceremony and the annual hall of fame banquet at the OnCenter with dozens of champions and hall of famers. Whether you're a die hard boxing fan or just looking for some family fun this weekend, the 19th Annual Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is for you! Here is the full schedule of events.

Boxing not your thing? How about one of the other events taking place this weekend? How about history and antiques? Head over to Bouckville on Saturday and attend 2 events in one day. First, The Chenango Canal Association features "A Day on the Canal" in support of National Trail Day. Activities will begin at 2:00 pm at the Cottage Museum, with a bus tour of the historic canal, a rubber duck race down the canal and a treasure hunt for the kids. Families can tour the town in a horse and buggy and enjoy music and food on the deck. Call 315-893-7910 or email for more information.

While you're in Bouckville, check out the Madsion-Bouckville Spring Antiques Festival which runs from Friday to Sunday. This is one of the premier antique shows of the spring. Come find antique treasures from various dealers. Food will be available and there will be an ample amount of parking.  You can find more information right here.

Back to Canastota we go...its sure to be a happening place this weekend. The 5th Annual Canalway Trail Celebration takes place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday . Join the Canastota Canal Town Museum on the trail with a walk through of 10 interactive galleries of Canal Town history, culture and folklore. Admission $3.00, Children 12 and under free. On Sunday the Canal Museum will host a Strawberry Shortcake and Sundae Festival from 12-3pm...a perfect (and delicious) way to end to a great weekend!

Take some time this weekend to enjoy the weather and check out all of our fantastic events taking place in Madison County.

Well it is time once again for the annual Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend in Canastota.  Over 50 former and current boxing greats will be on hand Thursday through Sunday to honor this year's inductees including Larry Holmes.  There is a full lineup of events this year that can be found at the hall of fame's web page.  As usual a huge group of volunteers has been working around the clock to make sure the museum grounds are ready.  This time tomorrow the sausage sandwiches will be cooking, the boxers will be sparing verbally and physically and the crowd will be taking it all in.  Seriously it is one of the best opportunities to meet these professionals up close and personal.  Take your Sharpie and get ready to collect a lot of autographs.  Don't forget the parade on Sunday as the legends make their way to the induction ceremonies.  The grand marshals will start making their way towards the stage at 1pm so get their early and get a good spot.