Madison County is blessed to have a large number of great parks.  Everyone knows about Chittenango Falls State Park, but I recently had the chance to explore Oxbow Falls County Park.  Now  had been there for a ball game and a couple of picnics over the years, but I had never really explored the park.  I took my camera with me and decided to see what the trails were like.  I was very impressed.  The park offers a wonderful panoramic view of the northern part of the county, including Oneida Lake.  The trails are very well maintained and the take you past three waterfalls, which unfortunately were dry in mid-July.  I intend to make my way back there this fall as I'm sure when the leaves start changing color it will give an outstanding opportunity to take stunning pictures.  Enjoy some of the photos I took below and find some time to explore this park for yourself.

 
 

I was listening to the radio this morning and I heard a dj say he knows that summer is coming to an end when he hears ads running for the NYS Fair. I know that summer is coming to an end when I write a best bets blog for the first weekend in August. Whew...its cliche I know but summer has flown by in the blink of an eye. There are still some great events tailored to you and your family, taking place this weekend.

First, if you haven't got a chance to visit one of the farmers' markets in the area...what are you waiting for? Now is the prime season to enjoy locally grown produce. My favorite is the corn...in my opinion the corn grown around here in the summer just doesn't compare to any other. It makes any meal really taste like summer. Just a reminder, local farmers' markets are held on Saturdays in Cazenovia and in Hamilton on the village greens. Both offer local food and goods for your purchasing pleasure.

Don't forget that the Franklins are in town for one last weekend.  These awesome cars, many built in Syracuse, are fun to watch, admire and the owners are a blast to talk to.  You will find them all over the village of Cazenovia Friday and Saturday.

Take advantage of the great summer weather and plan an outdoor family activity such as hiking or having a picnic in one of the great parks that Madison County has to offer. Check out our family fun section under the things to do link on our website for some family friendly ideas for you and yours. Looking for something adventurous? Look under the sports link on our website. There you will find a list of trails to hike, great spots to fish and a list of the counties beautiful golf courses. Enjoy the end of summer being active and being outside.

Soon the leaves will be changing...don't get me wrong, fall is my favorite time of year...and your opportunity for outdoor activities will be fewer and fewer. So take advantage of your surroundings, you'll be glad you did.

Check out our events calendar for events taking place this weekend and every weekend on our website.  

 
 

This August the Madison County Agricultural Economic Development program and Cornell Cooperative Extension will have its first annual Buy Local week to support local farmers and make citizens aware of the opportunities to purchase food locally.  Through the sponsorships of
Madison County Tourism, I Love NY, P&C Foods and Pride of NY, we will be coordinating several events throughout the week in support of the various aspects of Madison County Agriculture.  Beginning on Monday, August 11 there will be articles in newspapers and several displays at P&C Supermarkets emphasizing the importance of buying local food and supporting local farmers.  Then, on Saturday, August 16, there will be a county-wide celebration of farms.  12 locations throughout the County will be having an open house to welcome consumers to the farm to sample the specific products that each farm produces.  Each participating consumer will have a “passport” with listings of participating farms that they will present to the farmers to receive a stamp.  When consumers visit at least three or more farms they will receive their choice of a T-shirt or cap. They will also be entered to win one of two Grand Prizes of dinner at either Circa in Cazenovia or the Colgate Inn in Hamilton. You can stop by any P&C location in Madison County to pick up your passport. For more information, please contact Becca, Katy or Lucas at 315.697.9817.

 
 

The FREE Center site in Fenner has come together nicely this summer.  Take a picnic and go and visit one of the best wonders of Central New York.

 
 

It's official, its almost August. The weather so far this summer has for the most part been pretty desirable. I hope you've gotten a chance to attend some of the great events that have taken place in the area thus far. The last weekend in July is looking like its jam packed with family friendly events for you and yours. Here are a few that may interest you:

Munnsville - The Madison County Gravity Fest/The Stockbridge Valley Community Fair/ The Stockbridge Valley Balloon Rally: Whew...did you get all that in? One town, One Weekend and Three exciting events! The Stockbridge Valley Community Fair, located on the Stockbridge Valley Central School Athletic Fields offers fun for the entire family. Three Great days of fun start at 7pm on Friday with a parade in Munnsville followed by the opening of the community fair w/music by the Canastota Community Band. After the band at 9pm there will be Fireworks! The community fair will be featuring Craft show and Flea market, antique Tractors and Steam Engines, Live Music and Entertainment, Amusement Park Rides and concessions by Stock's Family Amusements, Games for the Kids and Much more. Special Events this year include Tractor Pulls on Sunday, Gladiola & Flower show, Fireman's Chicken BBQ Sunday Noon til, and Hot Air Balloon Rally Liftoff (weather permitting). A weekend of fun sponsored by the Stockbridge Valley Ruritan. There will also be a shuttle service to Gravity Fest V on East Hill Road in Munnsville. Not sure what the Gravity Fest is all about...well it can be summed up like this, Speed without Horsepower! Athletes will compete at speeds of over 70mph. It’s Exciting! It’s Extreme! Its Street Luge, Downhill Skateboarding and Gravity Bikes! Free admission, rain or shine. For more information on the events taking place in Munnsville, call (315)-495-6215 or visit, Madison County Gravity Fest or The Balloon Rally website.

 Earlville - The Earlville Opera House Presents: Chris Smither - Acoustic Blues. According to the Associated Press, "Smither is an American original, a product of the musical melting pot, and one of the absolute best singer/songwriters in the world". I researched Smither quite a bit and he has been in the business for many years. His reviews enticed me to learn more about him. I listened to a few of his songs and I'll admit it...I'm the newest Chris Smither fan! His music will speak to a variety of music fans no matter what your taste is. Take the opportunity to see this famed artist as he makes a stop in our area. If you'd like to hear for yourself, visit his myspace page . The show begins at 8pm on Friday the 25th at the EOH. Ticket prices range from $15-$25 and you can get them online up until 5pm the day of the show. For more information visit the EOH website.

Cazenovia - Think Globally, Shop Locally Friday: The shops of Cazenovia are at it again. This Friday, all of the galleries and many of the shops in Caz will be open till 8pm. Each will welcome patrons with refreshments for browsing and taking in the night. Become a part of a new Cazenovia tradition. Open to the Public. As always Children Welcome. Come enjoy this unique shopping experience so close by.

 
 

August 7-10th, The NCTA will hold its annual conference right here in Madison County and Cazenovia. The North Country Trail begins in New York and stretches all the way to North Dakota! This year marks the 40th Anniversary of The National Trails System. The conference will bring trail enthusiasts from all over the Country. Activities and events will include, hiking, canoe trips, biking, workshops, and an in depth look at the history of the area. For some, this will be a return trip to the area, as the conference was held in Cazenovia back in 2001. The event goers were so impressed with the area that they were ecstatic to hear it is being held here again. Those attending the event will stay, eat and attend workshops right at Cazenovia College. Event goers are given the option to stay at local establishments as well. This is a great event for our area to host. We're glad you chose Cazenovia to hold this very exciting conference. 

 
 

Last week my in-laws were in town from Southern California which included my wife's step dad who is pictured to the left.  We will call him Barry to protect the innocent.  He is a avid trout fisherman in places we can only dream about back east, places like the High Sierras where the trout are trout and the men are scared, well not really.  Anyhow I digress.  My father, let's call him George, suggested asking TJ Dobbs of Oneida Charters to take us out on Oneida Lake. Barry had never fished for bass before and if we could catch two or three a piece it would be a successful day.  I made the plans this past winter when I was at an outdoor show that TJ was at and we were all set to go.  I called TJ on Monday to confirm and he said the fishing was terrible, but we would give it a go.  We launched out of the state boat launch on the south side of the lake and headed west.  We set up in about 3-5 feet of water, and I cast my line, ready for a lousy day of fishing and then BAM it was on!  My very first cast, and very nice small mouth.  We let him go and started to enjoy the best day of bass fishing the three of us had ever had, we even got into some walleye, yellow and white perch and a stray freshwater drum.  All told, that day we must have caught and released over 30 fish including over 20 small mouths.  Many thanks to TJ for another awesome charter.  I highly recommend him and if you are coming to the area on vacation, or you already live here, give him a call at 315-264-6624 and you will have a great time. 

 
 

I may be sounding a bit repetetive...but I still cannot believe that its the middle of July already. I was looking through our summer event calendar this morning and I realized that we have had great success with our events so far this year. If you haven't got chance to make it out to any of them, I have a couple for you that you just shouldn't miss this weekend.

Cazenovia - The 32st Annual Lorenzo Driving Competition: takes place on the scenic grounds of Lorenzo State Historical Site in Cazenovia. Approximately 100 horses and carriages will compete in a variety of classes/divisions. This event is great for all equestrian fans as well as families looking for something fun to do together. The art of the horse and carriage dates all the way back to the Middle Ages. Today, one can view a modern version of the horse and carriage in an exciting competition setting. The driving competition is sure to become a family favorite. The event runs from 8am-5pm each day and admission is free. For more information, visit www.lorenzodriving.com or call (610)-850-1183.

Hamilton - The Hamilton Music Mix: held on the village green, has become a much anticipated event around the area with over 3,000 event goers last year. The event, organized by the Partnership for Community Development, takes place on Saturday from 1pm-7:30pm. Events include live performances: world, jazz, blues, country, folk, bluegrass, zydeco, Celtic, and big band music, along with the Young Musicians’ Showcase and a youth talent show. To enhance the music there is the Hamilton Food Court, Farmer’s Market and the Kid’s Space tent featuring family entertainment and activities. Performers at the Music Mix this year include Osubi I. Craig & The Prophecy Music Project, Red Molly, The Bruce Beadle Band and Root Doctor. Admission to the Music Mix is Free. For more information, visit www.partnersatwork.org or call (315)-825-3537.

So there you have it, two family friendly events that are sure to entertain everyone. For a complete list of all of the events taking place in Madison County this summer check out our website Madison County Tourism.

 
 

Don't you wish winter flew by as fast as summer does around here? If you haven't been keeping track...we're well into JULY! It has been a beautiful summer so far. I hope you have been taking advantage of all of the great, local events that have taken place. There are many more events to come before the summer comes to an end. The second weekend in July is sure to have something that will catch your eye. Lets see...

Brookfield - The 169th Annual Madison County Fair: I can hear you now saying to yourself, "where the heck is Brookfield"? :) Well I'm glad you asked...Thanks to the wonder of technology, I have placed a map below for your convenience: (aren't I crafty?) The Madison County Fair is one of the longest running County Fairs in the Country.

Take a short ride through the beautiful countryside this weekend. This fair offers all the elements of a traditional agricultural fair: animals, agricultural exhibits, contests, pageants and shows. What would a fair be without carnival rides, games and my favorite..food...you'll have all of this and more. Have I mentioned the best part yet? General admission is just $2 (under age 5 free everyday/over age 60 free on July 10th). So bring all of your family members and begin a tradition. The organizers of the Madison County Fair have developed a slogan that I just love, "Family entertainment that won't break the bank or empty your tank". With the way that prices are soaring today, I think we are all searching for something that won't break the bank or empty our tanks. Additional activities taking place include, King's Smash'em Crash'em Demolition Derby & Rollover Contest ($5.00), a Truck Pull ($4.00) and a Tractor Pull ($4.00). The Madison County Fair will take place the 10th-13th. For specific times and a detailed event schedule visit the Madison County Fair website or call 315-899-5836.

Cazenovia - Summertime with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Concert at Lorenzo: Here is your opportunity to see the famed Syracuse Symphony Orchestra for FREE. I couldn't think of a more beautiful place to watch the orchestra outdoors than on the lawn at Lorenzo State Historical Site. The concert begins at 8pm on Friday evening. Bring the whole family for this culturally rich performance. For more information, visit The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra website or call 315-655-3200.

Earlville - The Earlville Opera House Presents Quiet Riot - Storytelling Duo Extraordinaire: Friday at 11am. This event is part of a FREE family series that the EOH will host all summer. Quiet Riot is the perfect show to bring the kids to. The show is performed by two hilarious brothers that use the underlying message of conflict resolution to entertain and educate children and parents. To learn more about the duo or to get tickets visit the EOH website or call 315-691-3550.

So there you have it, a weekend packed with family oriented events. To view all of the events that are happening this weekend visit our website Madison County Tourism. 

 
 

The 7th edition of the Madison County Gravity Fest takes place July 26th & July 27th in Munnsville.  The plans are coming together and the racers are booking their hotel rooms for three days of downhill fun.  Mark your calendar now so you don't miss out!