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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Click to Enlarge Full Event Schedule
Back by popular demand! Slater Brothers Entertainment’s Hamilton International Film Festival, founded by brothers Wade, Grant and Todd Slater, whose father, Terry Slater, was the head hockey coach at Colgate University for 15 years, is returning with an impressive all star line up of films, music, charity themed events and parties set to take place August 5 – 8, 2010.
Through the Film Festival, the Slater brothers aim to bring a piece of Hollywood back to the area they proudly grew up in and provide a platform to recognize local area talent and advance the careers of aspiring filmmakers. Supported by the town of Hamilton, NY and Colgate University, this year’s festival will have some of the biggest filmmakers and entertainment companies in attendance. The first film will be screened at 7pm on Thursday night at the Hamilton theater and events will continue throughout the weekend capped off with a film makers festival closing night party and live performance that includes the Mark McKay Band happening at The Palace Theater in downtown Hamilton.  
Todd Slater’s announcement of the line up and scheduled filmmakers set to appear came with great excitement, “My brothers and I started this festival and awareness weekend to give back to the area we grew up in. We couldn’t think of a better way to promote the festival and the arts of Central and Up State New York than by hosting this annual event. This year we have been able to secure not only great films and film makers who will all be in attendance and accessible to the people who attend the weekend events, but we are also lucky enough to have great sponsors who have made bringing in musical acts like the Mark McKay Band and others possible. Our company is aimed at putting on special events with a charitable focus. We thought, why not include music and a great closing night party along with a line up of great films to make for a fun weekend for everyone. “
 
 
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The plans for the annual Hamilton International Film Festival are coming together.  This year's festival is August 5-8 and will feature a nice lineup of films, directors and more in downtown Hamilton.  A full schedule of events for the weekend can be found below the post.

The following note came from Todd Slater who is working to pull this all together this year:

" This is a major event promoting the arts and film makers in Madison County. We are bringing back several high profile directors, actors, ESPN, HBO and a great band to perform Saturday August 7th. We have a BIG sponsored party planned that Saturday night with a very popular band that is coming into Hamilton NY from NYC. This is open to the public for everyone who attends the film Saturday night. We are also giving the proceeds to Madison County based charities and everyone in Madison County should know we are doing this. The Food cupboard and the local high school are going to get a check from us. Please help us make this a great event. As you can see from the flyer, some big Hollywood names have agreed to get involved with our weekend this year."

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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.
 
 
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The 2nd weekend of June is always a heavy weight weekend when it comes to events.  Two big event headline the card this weekend and the under card is stuffed as well.  Ok, enough boxing puns for this post.  There is a full schedule of events going on this weekend, and here are some best best for family fun.
1. Saturday and Sunday features the 21st annual Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in Canastota.  Boxing’s greatest names are on hand for a weekend of tributes to the sport & its champions. Museum tours by celebrities, ringside lectures, celebrity boxing, golf tournament Banquet, parade at 1pm on Sunday followed by the induction ceremony.
2. It is a busy weekend in Peterboro as it is the annual Civil War Weekend.  There are activities at the Gerrit Smith National Historic Landmark, the National Abolition Hall of Fame and on the village green.  Step back in time with encampments, skirmishes, period music and demonstrations, children's games, and an authentic General Store. This is a fund raiser for the preservation of Peterboro's historic buildings. Saturday, 10 am ~ 5 pm, Sunday, 10 am ~ 4 pm, Adults $7, Children 6-12 $3, Under 6 yrs free
3. The Skyway Festival takes to Hooks Wiltse field in the village of Hamilton bringing a large variety music to the village.  After the bands are finished playing several will be jamming at local night spots in the village.
4. Farmer's markets can be found in Hamilton, Cazenovia, Oneida and Canastota this weekend on Saturday, buy fresh, buy local.
5. The 15th annual Nate Race/Titletown Run in Canastota begins early Saturday morning.  It is one of the many thrilling events during the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend. Race starts at 8:30am. Start line is near the Canastota Recreation park, on North Main St., Canastota, NY. The course is flat and fast, come ready to run! For complete information and race entry form call 315-697-35-17 or email doug_r_holdrdige@adp.com
 
 
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Event season is in full  swing across Madison County and this weekend there are a ton of things for you and your family to do.  You will find farmer's markets in Cazenovia and Hamilton, and this Saturday the new summer flea and farmer's market in Oneida opens for the season.  You will find it in front of Oneida Commons in the parking lot behind the Kallet Theater.  Of course why not see what all the fuss is about at the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum.  They won an award from the National Parks System this week, so it only figures you need to get down there this weekend to congratulate them.  We will have more great ideas for your weekend after the jump.....
 
 
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Los Angeles -- Back by popular demand! Slater Brothers Entertainment’s Hamilton Film Festival, founded by brothers Wade, Grant and Todd Slater, whose father, Terry Slater, was the head hockey coach at Colgate University for 15 years, is returning for its second year, and is set to take place August 5 – 8, 2010. The Festival is now accepting film submission.

Through the Film Festival, the Slater brothers aim to bring a piece of Hollywood back to the area they proudly grew up in and provide a platform to recognize local area talent and advance the careers aspiring filmmakers. Supported by Hamilton and Colgate University, this year’s festival will kick off with a VIP reception at Colgate for film festival organizers, film directors and producers, and other special VIP invited guests on August 6that 7pm. The first film will be screened at 8:30pm on Friday night following the opening reception. Events will continue throughout the weekend and include a festival closing night event to take place at The Palace Saturday night, as well as a closing night party to happen in downtown Hamilton.

New this year is a special competition and screening for the best central and upstate New York short film selected for the festival. The addition of the ‘Upstate New York Filmmakers Screening’ is to encourage local filmmakers to get involved with the festival and community.
 
 
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It is commencement weekend here in Madison County, and that means all three of our institutions of higher learning are sending young minds off into the real world.  It also means a large number of people visiting our fine communities.  Let's welcome them with open arms and thank them for spending tens of thousands of dollars here over the last four or five years.  Beyond the graduations this weekend, there are several great events taking place.  Here is a sample of what you and your family can do this weekend.
1. Farmers Markets -- Both the markets in Cazenovia and Hamilton are in full swing for the season.  This weekend's weather will be perfect for working in the garden, so head on our to the markets and pick up some plants for vegetables, landscaping and more.  The Chittenango Garden Club will also be holding its spring plant sale too in Stickel's Park at the intersection of routes 5 & 13.
2. The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum is open for the season on weekends this month.  Head on over with the family and learn about how Chittenango was the center of the boat building universe along the Erie Canal.  It is the 25th anniversary of this great museum this year, and it is a gem in our own back yard.
3. The Madison County Historical Society will host its first ever donation auction.  They have a ton of great items that have been donated and they are yours for the bidding.  Head on over to the Historical Society on Sunday for bidding at 1pm.
4. OneSong will perform live on Sunday at historic Madison Hall in Morrisville.  Ron & Nancy OneSong specialize in traditional American Music including country, bluegrass, western and gospel. They have performed at Ryman Auditorium and internationally in Canada, France and England and opened for many country music legends like Tammy Cash, John Anderson and Mickey Gilley. The show begins at 2 PM Sunday afternoon... Madison Hall, Route 20 in Morrisville, NY. $15 admission.
For more great events in Madison County this weekend head on over to the events calendar and find out more.
 
 
Homegrown Hamilton business SWANK will be celebrating 4-years this weekend while showing off its new 1600 square foot location in the heart of downtown Hamilton at the five corners.  They will be open extended hours this weekend too for commencement activities.  Stop in this weekend and check them out.
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