Madison County’s Agricultural Economic Development Program is hosting the Fresh! Gala this coming Sunday, July 18th from 3-6pm at Endless Trails Farm in Hubbardsville. Endless Trails Farm and Guesthouse, owned and operated by Dave and Pam Williams is located at 8856 Larkin Road in Hubbardsville. The farm raises grass fed beef, which is marketed under the Sunnybrook Farm label. The Fresh! Gala at this unique venue promises a great time for everyone with its beautiful setting in the outdoor covered pavilion, featuring: a local foods dinner prepared by Serendipity Catering with seared Meadows Farm Kobe beef, Meadowood Farm lamb kabobs with sheep’s milk yogurt tzatziki, and Drover Hill smoked ham with Split Rail Farm apple chutney; beer made by the Empire Brewing Company with hops grown in Madison County at Foothill Hops Farm; live music by Larry Hoyt and the Good Acoustics; and, a silent auction. Funds raised will be used to support the mission of the Agricultural Economic Development Program. Ticket prices are $35 per person or $65 per couple and are available at ten Price Chopper stores: 142 Genesee Street in Oneida; Madison Marketplace on Route 12B north of Hamilton; 1917 Genesee Street and the North Utica Shopping Center in Utica; 1790 Black River Blvd. in Rome; 4535 Commercial Drive in New Hartford; 2525 Erie Blvd and 4713 Onondaga Blvd. in Syracuse; 3863 State Route 31 in Liverpool; and, 5701 East Circle Drive in Cicero. Tickets are also available online at www.MadisonCountyAgriculture.com and must be purchased prior to the event. For more information, including a map and directions, visit www.MadisonCountyAgriculture.com.
Sponsors of Buy Local Week include Price Chopper, Cazenovia Equipment, National Grid, Madison County’s Agricultural Economic Development Program, Empire Brewery, Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension of Madison County, Central New York Bounty, Madison County Tourism, Shapna Tea and Coffee, and Serendipity Caterers.
Boy it was hot in Brookfield this afternoon, but the 171st Madison County Fair opened and it looks bigger and better than ever. The crowd was welcomed by town supervisor John Salka and Assemblyman Bill Magee. This year a new and improved midway, along with the return of the beer tent are expected to help boost attendance at the event. The fair costs $2 to get in and runs through Sunday. See the full schedule of events here.
It is an olde tyme country fair and it opens in Brookfield today. After the success of last year's fair, this year's event promises to be even bigger and better than past versions. New rides, lots of exhibits and fun family events are on the schedule all weekend long. Today's activities get underway at noon with the ribbon cutting. The midway opens at 4pm but live entertainment will be featured all afternoon long. Tonight is the 2nd Fair 5K run. We will be updating on twitter this weekend and will be posting some photos later today.
UPDATE: The Horned Dorset Inn is reopening for 2012. Click here to learn more.
We don't normally play favorites and do our own reviews on this website, but last night I had the chance to visit a landmark Madison County Restaurant and want to share our experience with you, so here it is, and who knows maybe this will become a regular addition to our site.
Last night my wife and I had the opportunity to eat dinner at the legendary Horned Dorset Inn in Leonardsville, NY.For those of you who are unfamiliar with Leonardsville, it sits in the Unadilla River Valley along NY Route 8.It is about 20 miles south of Utica and 90 minutes south east of Syracuse.The Horned Dorset has been hosting diners celebrating the best of life since the late 1970’s and is a place that should be at the top of your list when it comes to your list of places to go in New York State.
It was a celebration of 7 years of marriage for Lorrell and I and we decided we wanted to do something a little different, and since I had never had the chance to made it down to the Horned Dorset to see for myself what all the fuss was about, it was a perfect opportunity.I had spoken to the owner Kingsley Wratten many times about programs going on at Madison County Tourism, but we never seemed to be able to connect to meet in person so I could learn about the inn and restaurant.Boy I am glad we finally got together.
The Inn has four rooms, and while we did not stay the night, I found myself thinking about the next time I want to “get out of town” and making the mental notes that this place would be fun to stay at.With two queen rooms downstairs in this Victorian home, and two suites upstairs, the inn has very nice accommodations for people traveling to Colgate University, Hamilton College, Cooperstown or points in between.Kingsley told us that he has plans to renovate several other homes in the vicinity and to be able to rent more rooms in the Leonardsville area.
The restaurant is right next door to the inn and has been a labor of love for well over 33 years for Kingsley and his wife Roberta.When they found the property it was caving in, and like many historical buildings in Upstate NY it was real close to being a memory.First they replaced the roof, and then with a table saw and a lot of ingenuity they piece-by-piece put the place back together.The amazing thing about both the Inn and the restaurant is that many pieces inside come from historic mansions all over New York State that were facing the wrecking ball, sometimes immanently.Kingsley told us of the grand doors inside the dining rooms that were minutes from being destroyed when he convinced the demolition crew to go to lunch a little early so he and his wife could remove them and take them home.There is a lot of sweat equity in this place.
What’s your passion?Is it cooking, baking, gardening, collecting, drawing, painting, sewing, knitting…etcMadison County Fair is offering you the chance to win prizes and recognition for your outstanding creations.Our Premium Booklet is now available online at www.madisoncounty-fair.com click on Welcome to Our Fair.The departments and classes are listed in pdf files that maybe downloaded and printed, along with the entry form.Entry forms should be submitted by July 1st (mail to: Entry Clerk, Madison County Fair, P.O. Box 114, Brookfield, NY13314).If you are unable to access the internet listings you may leave a message at 315-899-5867, forms will be sent to you via US Mail.Please specify which departments you are interested in along with your mailing address. Be sure to exhibit at least three items to claim a free exhibitor pass, entitling you to free gate admission everyday of Fair.
Warm up for the Boiler Maker at the 2nd Annual 5K Run/Walk on July 8th at 6pm at the Madison County Fair in Brookfield.Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female finishers overall, along with ribbons for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place finishers in each age group.All runners who register by July 1st will receive a t-shirt (the entry fee is $15 on or before July 1st, after $20).Anyone interested in competing can download an entry form at www.madisoncounty-fair.com, phone Craig 315-824-2839 or email southof20@wheelweb.com. The Madison County Fair 5K Run/Walk is part of the 2010 Route 20 Road Challenge Run/Walk Series (http://www.nyroute20.com/RoadChallenge2010).
Madison County’s Agricultural Economic Development Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County are pleased to announce that this year’s Fresh! Gala will be held at Endless Trails Farm in Hubbardsville, owned and operated by Pam and Dave Williams. The Fresh! Gala will take place on Sunday, July 18th starting at 3pm.The Gala, part of Madison County’s Buy Local Week, is a fundraising event that celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of Madison County agriculture. The Fresh! Gala at Endless Trails Farm will include live music from Larry Hoyt and the Good Acoustics, local food prepared by Serendipity Catering, a silent auction, and beer from the Empire Brewery made with Foothill Hops Farm hops and locally-grown products from Critz farm. The Williams’ purchased Endless Trails Farm in 2003.Prior to that time they owned a cow/calf operation in Deansboro.Endless Trails is a diversified farm and agri-tourism operation,. Endless Trails Guesthouse boasts a six-bedroom Bed & Breakfast catering to all sorts of individuals, but especially to those visitors interested in riding their horses along the Brookfield Trail system, which runs along the property. A variety of events are held at the Guesthouse each year ranging from small intimate dinners to large weddings.Along with managing the B&B, Endless Trails Farm runs an Angus, Hereford-cross cow-calf operation. They maintain 340 acres of certified organic fields and provide custom grazing for other farmers.Their meat is sold under the Sunnybrook Farm label owned by Dan and Melissa Williams. Endless Trails also provides horse drawn wagon and sleigh rides over the pastures and through the woods of this beautiful, organic farm To learn more about the Fresh! Gala and the other Buy Local Week events, and to purchase tickets to the Fresh! Gala, please visit our website: www.madisoncountyagriculture.com or call: 315-684-3001 x 125 Buy Local Week is brought to you by: Madison County’s Agricultural Economic Development Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, CNYBounty.com, Madison County Tourism, Price Chopper Grocery Stores, Cazenovia Equipment, Serendipity Catering, Off the Path Media, and Empire Brewery
We hear it all the time, "Fall is my favorite season in Madison County." It usually refers to how pretty it is around here with the leaves changing and the skies a crystal blue hue, but it also could be because there are awesome events going on all the time too. This weekend is no different with events that range from the loud roar of tractor engines, to the smooth tones of Jazz. Here are your best bets for a weekend of fun in Madison County: 1. Jazz in Caz -- This fall favorite is one of the most anticipated Jazz events in Central New York. With national and local Jazz acts on stages around the village of Cazenovia, this festival has something for all tastes. You can find a full schedule of events right here. 2. Wheel Days -- Hosted at the county fairgrounds in Brookfield, this testosterone filled event features tractor pulls, a demolition derby, antique engine shows and more. If it is on wheels they are celebrating it in Brookfield this weekend. 3. Community Day at the Rippleton School House -- The Friends of Lorenzo and event chairwoman Elizabeth Koennecke invite families and children of all ages to join 1880’s schoolmarm Mattie Buckland as she opens her classroom during “Community Day” from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 27th at the Rippleton Schoolhouse. Attendees will have the chance to become “students” for an afternoon in a restored one-room schoolhouse and also enjoy live music, square dancing, old-fashioned games, Victorian crafts, pumpkin decorating, wagon rides and cider and donuts during this annual free event. 4. Fall Harvest Celebration at Critz Farms -- It is the 2nd weekend of their celebration of all things autumn. Pick your own apples or pumpkins, buy some cider or cheddar cheese and enjoy the tastes of Central New York fall. 5. It's National Alpaca day on Sunday and BMR Acres is celebrating. BMR Acres, 2542 Pine Ridge Road, will be participating in the The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association "National Alpaca Farm Day in the USA" and will be open to the public on September 27th. Local fiber artists such as spinners, felters, etc will be demonstrating their craft. BMR Acres Country Farm Store will also be open offering alpaca products for sale as well as local products such as honey, jams & jellies, maple syrup, soaps, lotions and more. And of course a line of ‘Melissa and Doug’ toys. Food and beverages will be available. See link- http://www.nyalpacas.com/Calendar/. 6. A bonus event. Colgate is home this weekend for great college football action. The Raiders are 3-0 on the season and seem to be headed for great things. Kickoff against the Fordham Rams is set for 6pm at Andy Kerr Stadium. Tailgate with your friends at the Colgate Inn before the game kicks off. There truly is something for everyone this weekend. Please check out the full calendar of events and have a great fall weekend.
The 38th annual edition of Wheel Days is scheduled to roll on to the Madison County Fairgrounds, Sept 25th-27th.Everyone can join in on the fun; either as a wheel watcher or a wheel turner. Friday evening the wheels start spinning with the 4 wheel drive truck pull.Saturday Garden Tractor wheels roll down the track, followed by an evening of squealing wheels with the ever popular Smash’em Crash’em Demolition Derby and Rollover Contest.The wheel excitement continues Sunday with the stock and modified tractor competition in front of the grandstand, while “Just Cruise-In” welcomes the polished wheels on all Classic, Custom, Antique, and Muscle vehicles to the fairgrounds. The weekend long event will include live music, gas engine show, antique tractor show, flea markets, crafts, BBQ, and plenty of wheel turning action. FREE Gates & Parking Grandstand Admission $4-$5 Anyone interested in vending or participating should contact: Vendors:Hazel 899-3322 Tractor & Truck Pullers: Frank 899-8930 Garden Tractor: Bob 899-2048 Demolition Derby:John 899-5836 (jking6@twcny.rr.com) Just Cruise-In Car Show:Annette 861-2056 (tanet8@yahoo.com) For a complete schedule of events visit us online at www.madisoncounty-fair.com
Would you like to win $100, $500? It’s easy. Come to the 170th Madison County Fair in July and follow the clues to find one of the four “170th Madison County Fair medallions” that will be hidden on the Madison County Fair Grounds in Brookfield.
The 170th Madison County Fair runs from Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12 in Brookfield, N.Y.Several weeks before the fair, clues will appear in local papers, on WMCR Radio, and will also be put on the County Historian’s web site at htpp://www.madisoncountyhistorian.org. Fair goers will also receive a program when they enter the fairgrounds that will contain clues to the location of the medallions.
Each medallion will be inscribed with the appropriate date and the words “170th Madison County Fair.” The medallion for Thursday, July 9th, Friday, July 10 and Sunday, July 12 are worth $100 each. The medallion for Saturday, July 11 is worth $500. All medallions will remain on site during the FAIR until they are found.
County Historian Mary Messere noted that “this year’s fair has taken a page form the past, offering exhibits and entertainment that are more in line with days of old when people traveled by horse and wagon to enjoy a fun filled day with their friends and neighbors. There is a feeling of excitement in the air as fair organizers have come together each week to report on the progress that is being made and to put plans together for this historic anniversary.The Madison County Fair is one of the oldest county fairs in the country!”
The fair will kick off with the Opening Day Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Fireman’s Pushball and a 5k run to benefit the Community Action mentoring program.
Friday, July 10th is Senior Citizen Day which promises to be an exciting one with the Madison County Ag Show in the Main Events Tent with a “Focus on Fiber Fair”, a farmer’s market, a small engine antique show, a youth horse show and at the Grandstand a “pony pull” also on tap at the fairgrounds.
Youth and History Day will be celebrated on Saturday, July 11 and the $500 medallion will be placed.The Main Events Tent will be taken over by the youth groups of Madison County with hands on and interactive exhibits and shows on stage.Saturday is also history Day and at 1 pm Fred Morsell portraying Frederick Douglass, orator and abolitionist, will be delivering the speech delivered by Dougass and unveiling a NYS Historic Marker.
In 1856, Frederick Douglass spoke at the Madison County Fair and drew a crowd of 12,000. “My goal for the 170th anniversary of the Madison County Fair is to match the 1856 attendance record!” said Messere. “With your help I know we can do it!”
“The schedule for Saturday, July 11 offers something for everyone including the Focus on Fiber Fair, Small Antique Engine show, a Postal Cancellation, a Chicken Bar Barbecue, Demolition Derby and Fireworks!” There will be entertainment every day – withbands. Kids Bucks Show, Two by Two Zoo, Pickles the clown and more. So help Madison County make history! Mark your calendar for July 9 – 12 and “Come to the Fair!”
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