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

Well we survived the rain on Monday and in the afternoon the sun actually came out and it became quite pleasant.  I saw a lot of neat items for sale and some outstanding prices.  The picture shows what in my five years of attending Bouckville might actually be the weirdest thing I've seen yet.  What the heck do you do with that!  If you want to buy it, you will find it across from Valley Propane along US Route 20.  Today's weather promises to be awesome and Quaker Acres opens so the crowd should grow.  Stop into the visitor's center and say hi.

The annual Madison Bouckville Antique week is under way today after a weekend of spotty weather and decent attendance, the antique fields are opening this morning to visitors and of course rain.  We will be live blogging from the Antique Shows all week long with deals and things to look for.  Don't forget to stop into the Madison County Visitor's Center on US 20 for all sorts of tourism information and of course exceptionally clean restrooms.  Say hi to Scott, Shannon and Jim and park for free.  See you there.

If you haven't had a chance to get out much this summer, don't worry...we've got you coverered this weekend. Many people in the area are familiar with the Madison-Bouckville Weekend Antique Show held every year. This year it is taking place the 15th-17th. What many of you don't know is that there is a smaller show that takes place in the week leading up to the weekend show. Vendors and Dealers will begin arriving to set up for the show this weekend. Feel free to drop by and browse their offerings. Whether you are an avid antique deal finder or you've been thinking about dabbling in the antique show circut, this show is perfect for you. This show is one of the largest outdoor antique shows in the Northeast and its right in our backyard so don't miss it! For more information on the shops and show fields, visit Madison-Bouckville Antiques.

Don't miss one of the last area hometown fairs of the summer. The 62nd DeRuyter Fireman's Fair will kick off on Thursday the 7th. Come enjoy this long running traditional hometown fair. Admission and parking are FREE! Activities and events include, amusment rides, carnival games, a pushball tournament, bingo, tromptown run, horse show, baking contests, antique car display, hot air balloons, chicken bbq, talent show, tractor pull and a fireworks display to cap off the weekend. For a complete schedule of events or more information, visit DeRuyter-On-Line or call (315)-852-9993.

One of the most innovative argi-tourism sites we have in Madison County is Golub's Our Farm outside of Cazenovia.  I recently received an email from Jimmy Golub with his plans for this fall.  They sound great:

 Jim,
I thought I should bring you up to what I've been doing and planning for this fall. I am excited about having a big year. We hope to have a very good crop. Here's what we're trying:
1: We have a smaller trebuchet, Morris, that can throw smaller objects.
2:The Stratocaster may draw a lot of attention. We sent the photo to Fender to get permission to use the name. They really liked it and gave us permission. They also will probably help me with displays.  I might provide some music with a friend (who uses a Strat and myself). Fender may want to use the image also. There has already been a lot of interest in this theme.
3: We've made many more personalized pumpkins than ever before. Besides names, we're focusing on other things that anyone can buy.  Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Papa, Happy Brithday, Get Well, smiley faces, I Love You, Obama for President , I'm Sorry, peace sign, the Boss, Go Yankees, Go S.U., Boo!, Happy Halloween. 
4: We may offer helicopter rides on a few big weekend days so you can see the guitar from the air
5:While the helicopter is there, Kevin Marr of Channel 5 is coming and we will drop pumpkins out of the helicopter while we have a crowd there
6: And my latest inspiration is..........................the Square Pumpkin
I built 2 wooden boxes and I'm having a guy build 10 more. You place the growing pumpkin into the box and hopefully, it will grow into the box........square.
Because there will  only be a few, if successful, maybe they could be raffled off to charity and we can get PR from that.

So we have a lot of stuff to promote
Keep in touch
JG

The Madison County Historical Society and Ye Olde Landmark Tavern in Bouckville have announced the menu for the annual Hop Fest Brew Dinner on September 12th.  It is an awesome selection of beers and food.  Tickets for the dinner and the whole hop fest can be ordered by contacting the  Madison County Historical Society.

Madison County Historical

Society Hop Fest Brew Dinner 

Crispy Shrimp Cakes

Summer succotash, Bacon cornbread, Red pepper sauce
Paired with Nine Man Golden Ale

Mixed Greens Salad

Crisp apples, Local cheddar, Rye croutons, Whole grain mustard vinaigrette
Paired with Pride of Milford Special Ale

Choice of:

Maple-brined Pork Tenderloin
Bacon wrapped, Warm apple chutney, Root vegetable gratin, Green beans
or
Broiled Trout Fillet
Pecan-herb Crust, Horseradish coleslaw, Root vegetable gratin, Green beans
Paired with Back Yard India Pale Ale

Pecan Brownie Torte
Vanilla Ice Cream
Paired with Benchwarmer Porter