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

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.

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.