The Madison County Courier featured this great review of the Lorenzo Driving Competition held in Mid July at Lorenzo State Historic Site.

By Linda J. Haley

(Cazenovia, NY) I have family in Cazenovia providing me the opportunity to drive past Lorenzo during the annual Driving Competition. Yes it’s gorgeous and the horses and carriages are amazing, and no, that’s OK, I’ll pass.

I’ve never entertained the idea of attending. Why? Because everything about it reeked of exclusivity, privilege and wealth, obviously something I would hardly feel welcome at, let alone enjoy.

I WAS WRONG.

My friends in Fenner asked if I was attending. I gave them The Look telling them the above. They gave me The Look, insisting it wasn’t at all like that, and to get my butt down there to see for myself. They said it’s an excellent opportunity to learn about driving and competition, plus see different styles of carriages and horses. They also mentioned there would be food and vendors, food and mini-horses to pet… and food.

I am easily swayed by food, er, horses, so I went.

THEY WERE RIGHT.

I had a blast! I only planned on going for a few hours on Saturday and ended up staying later than planned and went all day Sunday too! Go figure! Now I feel the need to educate everyone out there like me to get their butts down there for the next year’s competition.

First, I have to say I am SO not competitive. Unless it’s for the last pair of shoes or bra available in my size, I could care less about competition or winning. That’s why I’ve never been a big fan of horse shows where people are brutal in the quest to win. I’ve not attended hundreds, but the few I have were enough for me to say it’s not my thing.

I appreciate the huge amount of work invested by people who show. The training, hauling, handling, massive time and financial investment they dedicate to their passion. I respect the devotion to their animals and sport, just not the “vibe” I feel among the competitors.

Brrrr!

So I wrongly assumed all competitions would feel like that. Lorenzo looks like it would be like that, but EVERYONE I came in contact with was friendly, helpful, down-to-earth and ridiculously happy to share their hints and secrets to competitive driving.

WOW.

 
 
If it’s the end of July, it must be  time to prepare for Antique week in Madison and Bouckville. Many people attend the weekend show the 21st and 22nd, but few realize that the show really begins on Sunday the 15th. This is one of the biggest antique shows in the Northeast and it has quite the reputation of being one of the best among antique dealers and collectors.

During the week, dealers line Route 20. These dealers set up shop in between the local antique shops so it becomes a continuous flow of antiques. There is no admission cost to browse during the week which makes it a great time to check out what antiquing is all about. Attending the show during the week offers antique collectors a chance to discover exactly what they’re looking for in a relaxing, slower paced shopping environment. There will be food vendors placed along Rt. 20 to take care of the hungry antique shopper. 

There are many places to park throughout the village, some parking lots closer to the main area charge a small fee but there are a couple places that have free parking. The Madison County Visitors Center, located on Rt. 20, offers free parking for up to 200 cars and 20 onsite antique deals to get you started. So get there early and stay all day. 

Take advantage of attending the early show during the week, beat the weekend crowds and come experience the largest outdoor antique show in New York State.

For more information on the August Madison-Bouckville Antique Show, visit www.bouckvilleantiqueshows.com/ or call (315)-824-2462.

 
 
The culmination of Madison County’s Buy Local Week 2010 is the third annual Open Farm Day on Saturday, July 24, from 10 am to 4 pm at 37 farms and 3 farmers markets throughout the county.  Buy Local Week's feature event is an opportunity to experience first-hand the work that goes into the food we eat and the local products we consume.
 
Hosted by Madison County's Agricultural Economic Development Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, Open Farm Day showcases the broad variety of “local” available to Central New Yorkers – organic and hydroponic produce; elk, sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas; chickens and eggs; perennial and annual greenhouse vegetables and ornamental plants; grains milled into flour and cereal; cider and honey; Angus and Kobe beef; milk, yogurt, cheese, and butter.
 
An Open Farm Day “Passport” can be downloaded from http://madisoncountyagriculture.com/buylocalweek/2010passport.pdf and provides everything you need to visit the farms of your choice, including a full description of each farm, as well as address, phone number, and owners’ names.   Once en route, “Open Farm Day” stop signs will identify participating farms, which are divided into four regions:  Region 1 – Sullivan, Lenox, Canastota, Wampsville, Oneida, Chittenango, and Lincoln; Region 2 – Fenner, Cazenovia, Nelson, DeRuyter, and Georgetown; Region 3 – Stockbridge, Smithfield, Munnsville, Eaton, and Madison; and Region 4 – Lebanon, Hamilton, Brookfield, and Earlville.
 
Participating farms will offer tours and rides, free samples, farm stands and stores, and supervised interaction with and observation of a variety of animals. Collect a stamp from at least three farms to qualify for a special Buy Local prize at the last farm visited. Visitors to farms in all four regions will be eligible for the Grand Prize – a weekend stay at Endless Trails Farm Bed and Breakfast in Hubbardsville.
 
Local sponsors of Buy Local Week include Price Chopper, Cazenovia Equipment, National Grid, Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension of Madison County, Central New York Bounty, Madison County Tourism, Shapna Tea and Coffee, Off the Path Media, and Serendipity Catering.
 
Complete information on Open Farm Day 2010 can be found online at http://madisoncountyagriculture.com/buylocalweek.  A printable map of farm locations is available at http://madisoncountyagriculture.com/buylocalweek/2010map.pdf.  For more information on Madison County’s Agricultural Economic Development Program, visit www.madisoncountyagriculture.com.

 
 
Summer is in full swing and so are all the fun events that make Central New York such a great place to live and visit.  Here are a few events that you don't want to miss this weekend:
1. Fresh Gala-- The FRESH! Gala will be held on Sunday and it is a fund-raising event that celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of Madison County agriculture. The Fresh! Gala will be held at Endless Trails Farm in Hubbardsville with local food prepared by Serendipity Catering, live music, a silent auction, and beer from the Empire Brewery made with Foothill Hops Farm hops. You can still get tickets for the event at Price Chopper and a few will be available at the door.
2. Cazenovia Counterpoint--A festival of contemporary music, art & writing featuring regional artists, CNY natives & guests, presented by the Society of New Music. This 30th year of the festival features The Arts & the Natural World 'ear to the ground & eyes toward heaven'
3. Lorenzo Driving Competition --Join us for the 32nd annual driving competition. Horse and carriage driving competition featuring tests of skill, timing, and style. Exhibits, sales, refreshments, demonstrations. The show runs 8am until 5pm both days and admission is free.
4. Farmer's Markets-- The bounty from Central New York's fields is on full display at farmer's markets in Oneida, Cazenovia, Canastota, and Hamilton this weekend.  Find a ton of fresh produce and support your local farmers.
5. Family Day of Croquet -- Abolitionist Gerrit Smith liked to play a game or two of croquet daily during the summer. In honor of Smith’s summer recreation on a court near his house, the Grounds Squad of the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark has planned a Family Day of Croquet on Sunday, July 18 from 2 – 6 p.m. on the grounds of Smith’s 19th Century home. The event will be attended by local croquet enthusiasts and a group dressed in croquet outfits. Croquet can be played by amateurs of all ages, and is enjoying a national resurgence. The public is urged to join in reviving this tradition. Croquet attire of the 19th or 21st Century is encouraged but not required.
Now you have no excuses when someone tells you there is nothing to do this weekend.  Don't forget our event page for a full listing of things happening in and around CNY this weekend.
 
 
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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.

 
 
The kickoff for the Madison County Buy Local Week 2010 happens on SUNDAY, July 18, from 3-6 pm at Endless Trails Farm and Guesthouse in Hubbardsville, just 10 minutes east of Hamilton. The event, hosted by Madison County's Agricultural Economic Development Program, is called the Fresh! Gala, a fundraiser that celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of Madison County agriculture.  Local sponsors of Buy Local Week include Price Chopper, Cazenovia Equipment, National Grid, Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension of Madison County, Central New York Bounty, Madison County Tourism, Shapna Tea and Coffee, and Serendipity Caterers.
 
The mission of the AED Program is to maintain, develop, and promote a viable agricultural economy that benefits Madison County.  AED’s priorities are to market Madison County’s agricultural products and services by creating market opportunities and encouraging value-added enterprises, as well as maintaining an agricultural land base to support a viable agricultural economy by assisting existing farmers and attracting and supporting new farmers.  
 
The Endless Trails Farm and Guesthouse, owned and operated by Dave and Pam Williams and Dan and Melissa Williams is located at 8856 Larkin Road in Hubbardsville.  The farm raises grass fed beef under the name Sunnybrook Farm, which can be ordered by calling 315-841-8384, and is part of 340 acres of land adjacent to the Brookfield Trail System. The trail system consists of 130 miles of groomed trails maintained by the New York State Department of Conservation. The trails are open to horse enthusiasts, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers.  Horse owners who want to get away for a few days or a few weeks can stable their horses on the premises in the 12 horse stalls available for guest use.
 
The guesthouse features six upstairs bedrooms, four with private baths and a suite that includes a shared bath. Guests have full use of the kitchen, living areas, enclosed porch, patio, and covered deck. The guesthouse is available to rent by the week, by the weekend, or by the day. The whole house can be rented for a group, or individual rooms can be rented.
 
The Fresh! Gala at this unique venue promises a great time for everyone with its beautiful setting in the outdoor covered pavilion, local food prepared by Stephanie Holzbaur’s Serendipity Catering, beer made 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 http://buylocalweek2010.eventbrite.com/ and must be purchased prior to the event. No tickets will be sold at the door.  For more information, including a map and directions, visit www.madisoncountyagriculture.com.
 
 
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Photo Submitted by: Chris Schierer
A note from the Cazenovia Chamber of Commerce today tells us there is no shortage of activities in and around the village this weekend.

Lots happening….
Sidewalk Sale - Thursday, Friday and Saturday  July 1, 2 and 3   9am—6:30pm
All types of merchandise outdoors throughout Cazenovia's Historic Business District on Albany & Lincklaen Streets

CAVAC Arts & Craft Show – Saturday and Sunday – July 3 & 4  10am – 5pm
More than 100 artisans are featured on the historic grounds at Lorenzo. For more information, please contact the CAVAC business office at (315) 655-9798.
Farmer's Market – Saturday, July 3rd and every Saturday in Memorial Park on Albany Street
***don’t forget to pick up your lobster if you ordered one***
Sunday -July 4th
Foot Races and Dan Sutton Memorial Race     http://www.caz4thrun.org/
Conducted By:   The Syracuse Chargers Track Club & The Cazenovia HS Cross Country Team
 8:00 am  5k (3.1 mile) race,  8:15 am       1 mile fun run,  8:45 am        10 mile race around Cazenovia Lake

Parade– step off at 1pm Contact projectcafe.caz@gmail.com for information or if you are interested in participating

Concert in the Park  4pm – 9:30pm
Starting with “Route 66” at 4 PM, followed by the “Cross Creek Band” reunion and then the “FabCats”.
Food and beverages will be available in the park or bring a take out from one of our fine restaurants uptown

***Boy Scout Troop 18 will be there selling hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, coneys, veggie burgers, chips, soft drinks and water from 4pm – 8pm. Chamber members are encouraged to volunteer to assist them.
 please call or email Deb Amidon 655-9862 or bsa18mom@twcny.rr.com

Fireworks!!!  9:30pm or so…sponsored by the Lions Club immediately following the concert at Lakeland Park

See you all there!!!!


 
 
John A. Weeks, one of Central New York’s most widely known and admired naturalists, will speak at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 10th at the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark in Peterboro, NY. Weeks is widely recognized as a biologist, botanist, environmental educator, artist, author, and commentator -- and has been called “Central New York's own modern-day John Burroughs.”
Mr. Week’s remarks, entitled “Keep It Natural: A Naturalist’s Calling and His Call to Citizen-Scientists” will reflect Weeks’ decades as a professional scientist and dedicated educator. Sponsored by the Greene Smith Society, an informal auxiliary of the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark in Peterboro, NY, this presentation honors Greene Smith and celebrates the crucial role of the citizen-scientist throughout American history. Greene, son of the famous 19th-century abolitionist and philanthropist Gerrit Smith, was an avid sportsman and early conservationist who established a distinguished legacy of his own as a self-taught expert ornithologist and taxidermist.

 
 
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Blacksmithing Demonstraton at Canal Fest

It is Father's Day weekend, so make sure you remember to pamper dad as much as you did mom back in May.  Why is it that there are no all you can eat BBQ specials on Father's Day to complement the traditional Mother's Day Brunch.  I guess we will have to work on the local restaurants for that one.  Without further ado, here are your best bests for Father's Day weekend:
1. Canal Fest at the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum--A family fun event filled with activities to celebrate Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum's 25th Anniversary. Starts at 11 AM untll 5 PM at 7010 Lakeport Rd. in Chittenango. Kids games, wagon rides, clown, magician, alpacas, spinning demo, music by Canastota Community Band and chicken BBQ from noon til ? Admission $5, members $3, under 12 free.
2. Wings over Hamilton -- Father's Day "Fly-In" Pancake Breakfast from 8am-1pm on Sunday! Event location, Hamilton Municipal Airport (KVGC) Advance tickets are Adults $7, Child (6-10) $4, 5 and under free. Activities will include; Airplane/helicopterrides, hot air balloon walk, hot rod and motorcycle cruise-in, door prizes and raffle, fire and rescue display and the community band. Call 315-824-2300 or see a Hamilton Business alliance or Hamilton Rotary member for advanced sale tickets. Tikeyts at the door will be Adult $8 and Child (6-10) $5.
3. Euro Car 2010-- On Sunday the MG Car Club of Central NY presents Eurocar 2010 on the graceful lawns at Lorenzo State Historic Park on Route 20 in Cazenovia, 9am-3pm, open to all vehicles and motorcycles of European make. 250 entries are expected this year. Judging, food, trophies, vendors and door prizes. Pre-reg: $7, day of show-$14, Vendors-$14 minimum charge. Generous sponsorship allows us to have free spectator admission and great awards. A major portion of our proceeds will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. For details or registration form, see http://www.mgcarclub.com/cny or call Deb Larkin at 315-342-3234.
4. The Limestone Creek Hunt Club will host a Poker Run over a marked course of 7 miles. Teams of one to four riders. Six ribbons pinned for best hand and closest to the Optimum Time. Food available thanks to Buzzys Wiener wagon. Located at Sears Farm on Homes Road in Cazenovia. Contact for more information.
5. Go Fishing -- The season opener for Bass is on Saturday.  Take dad out and fish in one of the lakes, streams and ponds in Madison County!
 
 
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Second Annual Father’s Day “Fly-In” Pancake Breakfast is 8am- 1pm Sunday, June 20th @ Hamilton’s Municipal Airport on 12B. Tickets are available at the Colgate Inn (824-2300). ADVANCE sale tickets are adults $7, child (6-10) $4, and under 5 free ($1 more at the door). Featured entertainment includes hot air balloon walk, airplane & helicopter rides, hot rod & motorcycle cruise-in and live music!  Co-sponsored by HBA and Rotary.