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

Are you looking for a fun filled activity to do with your family on the weekend of Sept. 11 & 12? If so, then come to one of the longest running Craft Shows in the region at the Madison County Historical Society in Oneida.
There will be free face painting by Sue Flint of Oneida on Saturday from 1- 3pm. Sue is a former second grade teacher who taught at North Broad Street Elementary for 34 years. Sue is very active in the community lending her hand to many of the Oneida High School musicals as their Art Director. Sue painted a mural for the historical society in the DeBarber Tobacconist and Confectionary exhibit located inside the carriage barn.
The kid-friendly event continues with craft activities for children on Sunday from 1-3 pm. Elaine Clark from the Oneida Library will be making sun catchers and sand art with every child who stops by her booth.
In its 46th year the weekend event continues the tradition of having over 100-juried crafters on site. Whether you browse, buy, or a little of both, there is truly something for everyone. The range of crafters offering their wares is as wide as ever with potters, furniture makers, clock makers, watercolorists, knitters, quilters, jewelers, folk artists, blacksmiths, soap makers, candle makers, and so much more!  Many of our craft vendors will be demonstrating, so stop and chat with them about their skilled artistry.

For those looking for shopping break treat, check out our food vendors: Promotion Plus Roasted Nuts of Saratoga Springs who will be serving hot roasted nuts; David Kowalczik’s Kettle Corn of Whitesboro will be popping corn all weekend long; Blue Barbecue of Chittenango will be serving great barbecue; R & V Concessions of Rome will be serving a variety of grill items; Tim McLaughlin of Oneida Castle will be serving sandwiches and baked beans; Pastry Pantry of Endwell will be making pastries; and of course there will be ice cream from Buck and Ruthie’s Ice Cream of Fulton!
The Olde Tyme Fiddlers will be entertaining the crowd with their fiddle music on Saturday from 1-3 pm. The Olde Tyme Fiddlers are part of a group of fiddlers called the New York State Old Tyme Fiddler’s Association of Osceola, New York. Their purpose is to preserve, promote and perpetuate the art of old time fiddling and the dances pertaining to this art.
On Sunday, Ed Smith featuring Werner Kogest, both of Sherrill, will be performing from 1-3 pm. Ed is an original songwriter, singer, and guitar player who has 70 plus songs copyrighted in the Library of Congress.  Ed’s passion for music began when he was 12 years old writing music. He is self-taught and has played in several bands over the years honing his talent. Ed describes his music as upbeat folk rock. His songs are about family, friends, and nature- more specifically the Adirondacks and New England. Werner Kogest accompanies Ed with his talent of playing the stand up bass and vocals. Ed and Werner have been performing together for over 20 years. When Werner and Ed are not performing, Werner is at his Violin Shoppe where he is well known for his sales and repairs of string instruments, and Ed is a real estate agent in Utica. 
Come tour the Higinbotham’s family home and learn about Madison County’s history inside the society’s beautiful headquarters, Cottage Lawn, an 1849 Gothic Revival home.
So the place to be on Sept. 11 and 12 is at the Madison County Historical Society’s 46th Annual Craft Days located at 435 Main Street in Oneida. The event on Saturday, September 11th    runs from 10 am- 5 pm and on Sunday, September 12th from 10 am-4pm. Don’t forget to purchase raffle tickets to win some fantastic handmade craft items. A free park and ride service will be provided in a new location throughout the weekend from the Glenwood Plaza on Route 46 in Oneida to the historical society.  Admission is $4 for adults, children 12 and under are free. Purchase a weekend pass for $6 and join us both days!No animals are permitted on the grounds, and there is no smoking.  For more information, please contact the Madison County Historical Society at 315-363-4136, 315-361-9735, or visit us at www.mchs1900.org.