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2010 marks the 25th Anniversary of the founding of the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum.  The museum, located on the Old Erie Canal, is where 90' long cargo boats were built and repaired during the late 19th and 20th centuries.
The all-volunteer museum will incorporate this momentous occasion into the 19th annual Canal Fest to be held on Sunday, June 20th.  Activities and entertainment are being planned around the celebration.
Throughout the six hour day, activities will be offered to children and adults alike.  Being planned are demonstrations on canal boat building, blacksmithing, many children's games, a magic show, wagon rides and a teen play performance.  A chicken barbeque will be served throughout the day.
Time has been set aside for a special ceremony paying tribute to those who had the foresight and fortitude to undertake the excavation, preservation and restoration of this unique historic site.
The museum is located at 7010 Lakeport Road in Chittenango. Visit our website: www.chittenangolandingcanalboatmuseum.com or call (315) 687-3801 for more information.

 
 
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A story in today's Post Standard says that closing the state parks will have little impact on the state's budget deficit.  Due to lost tax revenue we still think it will have the opposite effect.

Syracuse, NY -- State officials on Friday recommended closing dozens of state parks to fill New York’s budget gap, a move that would affect hundreds of thousands of Central New Yorkers and produce minimal savings.
The $6.3 million saved through proposed park closures would amount to a fraction of 1 percent of the state’s $8.2 billion budget gap.
On the same day state officials said they need to close the parks to make the state solvent, they gave millions of dollars in grants to private companies — more than enough money to save every park.
Gov. David Paterson and parks Commissioner Carol Ash announced Friday they want to close or reduce services at 64 state parks and 15 historic sites statewide. Central New York risks losing six parks, two beaches and two historic sites if the Legislature approves the plan. More than 300,000 people a year use the targeted parks in Central New York alone.
See a complete list of proposed park closures.
“In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes and social services, no area of state spending — including parks and historic sites — could be exempt from reductions,” Paterson said.
 
 
The list of state parks slated for closure under the 2010 state budget proposed by Governor David A. Patterson is out this afternoon and two parks in Madison County are on the chopping block.  The Governor, has chosen to shutter Chittenango Falls State Park and Helen McNitt State Park along Cazenovia Lake.  Of course there is a long way to go before the state parks are officially closed, and the legislature has to approve the closings, but as of today you better get your last pictures of the falls before they are closed forever. 
You can rest assured that we here at Madison County Tourism will be pulling out all of the stops to try and stop the shut down of this regional icon, but with the state budget for 2010 it is a crap shoot as to how successful we will be.  Do you want to help?  Contact your state representative, and tell them a personal story about your time at a state park and how important the parks are to our quality of life and economic future in Upstate New York.
 
 
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The 2010 New York State Budget as submitted by Governor David A. Patterson deals a near fatal blow to the NYS Parks System.  Already beset by rising costs and a budget that has been cut by more than 30% over the past 3 years, the parks are facing an additional $29 million in cuts for 2010.  This level of cuts would be unsustainable and parks will have to close along with state historic sites.  In Madison County that means parks such as Chittenango Falls State Park and Lorenzo State Historic Site in Cazenovia could both be shuttered forever, or at least until the state gets its financial house back in order.
Besides providing jobs and years of enjoyment and memories for visitors, these parks have a financial impact on our communities.  People from all over Central New York visit Chittenango Falls to hike its gorge, and use its facilities.  Those visitors spend money in our shops, at our gas stations and in our restaurants.  Many a person has taken the autumn drive down route 13 to see the falls and then continued on for a nice lunch or dinner in Cazenovia or Chittenango.  We will keep you updated in this space about the potential closings, and if you are concerned please contact your legislator with a personal story about what NYS parks mean to you.  Here is a story from today's Post Standard with more information on the potential cuts.
 
 
December 29th is Clarence Swensen Day in Chittenango. Clarence was a Munchkin Soldier in the 1939 MGM movie, “The Wizard of Oz”, and a beloved visitor to Chittenango for almost twenty years. Swensen passed away in early 2009.  His birthday was chosen by the Village as the day in which to honor his memory in a Proclamation read at Oz-Stravaganza! 2009.  Proclamations were read by Mayor Goeler, Assemblyman McGee, and Senator Valesky to Swensen’s family during the event’s Grand Finale.
As a way for the people of Chittenango to honor and remember Swensen, the Oz-Stravaganza! Committee, in conjunction with The Sullivan Free Library, is having a reception and showing of “The Terror of Tiny Town”, Tuesday, December 29, 2009.
The world’s first (and only) all midget musical western, 1938’s “The Terror of Tiny Town” is a classic.  Swensen played several parts in the movie.  “In one scene, I’m chasing myself.”  Swensen once recalled. “I’m the stagecoach driver and the bad guy”.   
Other actors from “The Wizard of Oz” included in the movie are Fern Formica, aka Jeannette Fern, who attended Chittenango’s Oz parade for several years, and Karl Slover, Munchkin Trumpeter, who portrayed Sammy The Barber.
A free and open to the public reception in honor of Clarence begins at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29 in the Community Room of the Sullivan Free Library.  Refreshments will be served and memories of Clarence shared prior to the movie.  The movie will begin promptly at 6:00 pm and includes popcorn. The movie is especially enjoyable for families with children ages 10 and up.  For further information, call Colleen at 415-8546 or Barb at 430-0765.
 
 
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It is a busy, busy weekend in Madison County and the events are happening in every corner.  Fall is in full swing and the rainy, cold weather of this past week will be a thing of the past as temperatures are being forecast in the upper 60's for this weekend.  Here are your best bets for an October weekend:
1. Golub's Our Farm -- This Cazenovia family farm has been entertaining  kids and family for a number of years.  They open for the season with their "Giant" Corn Maze, "Boris" the pumpkin throwing catapult, a huge selection of pumpkins, petting zoo and more.  Check it out every weekend in October.
2.Fall Harvest Festival at Critz Farms -- Also in Cazenovia Critz is pressing cider this weekend at their Harvest Moon Cider Mill.  You can visit the Elephantastic Corn Maze (a salute to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse), pick your own apples, ride the cow train and so much more.  Do not miss out on a hot apple fritter while you are there.
3. Creepy Camp -- It's Baaack.  Again the folks at Camp High Esteem have put together one of the scariest attractions in Central New York.  You must check it out this year.  You can find Creepy Camp on Route 13, about 3 miles south of Chittenango.
4. Beatlemania Again! -- Recall the screaming girls?  It is that feeling all over again in Hamilton Saturday Night as the Palace Theater hosts Beatlemania Again presents the recreation of The Beatles phenomenon with an incredible simulation complete with fine tailored black velvet suits and the famous Beatles boots. The concert starts with “Meet The Beatles” featuring hits from 1963-1966 and climaxing with “Get Back,” the hits from 1968–1970. Experience the energy and excitement of the live performance with the original sounds of the albums using authentic instruments and amplifiers by The Beatles. Show starts at 8pm, tickets are $20.
5. Talons! Birds of Prey Experience at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park.  Lorrie and Talon Skye Schumacher present an exciting flying Birds of Prey show. Bring your cameras for a great photo opportunity! Meet the world's largest owl, falcons, hawks and play catch with a crow! Learn about raptors from all over the world and our role in preserving the delicate balance of the global ecosystem. Shows start at 11am and 1pm and last 45 min. Meet and greet the birds after the shows for photos and feeding! 11-3pm.
There are other great events all weekend long and you can find out about them right here. 
 
 

It seems like it has been a long time coming, but Blue BBQ has finally opened its dining room on Genesee St. in Chittenango.  The restaurant had been open for about 18 months with food in the bar area and an outstanding selection of liquor and beer.  Now with the addition of the dining room, chef and owner Bob Enick rolls out a new menu which looks fabulous.  There is standard BBQ fare, all of it smoked on site, and a great selection of steaks. Not that you needed a reason to go out this weekend, but if you did, use this grand opening as your reason and give it a try.

Blue BBQ Dinner Menu
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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.