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Historic Red House sawmill new park destination

By Deb Everts

RED HOUSE — The historic Red House sawmill is a new destination at Allegany State Park. Located off ASP Route 1, the restored mill allows visitors to learn how lumber was processed long ago at the park.

After nine long years of restoration by the Friends of Allegany State Park (FOASP), contractors and park carpenters, the sawmill officially opened May 11 to the public.

Back in its heyday, the sawmill was important to the park. The mill began operations in 1947, replacing the previous park mill once located on Stoddard Creek. According to park

staff, the Red House sawmill is one of very few steam-powered sawmills that are still relatively intact. It included a cement-lined log pond heated by a steam engine that allowed logs to be cleaned before processing during the cold winter months. In past years, the mill was originally operated on a limited basis to help fill some of the in-house needs for lumber to repair and maintain the many buildings and structures in the Allegany Region, especially with Allegany State Park being the largest state park in New York.

The mill was shuttered in 1997 and sat untouched until 2016 when FOASP volunteers cleaned up the

After nine years of renovations, the historic Red House sawmill, located off ASP Route 1, officially opened to the public Saturday with a grand opening and ribbon cutting. The mill will be open Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon throughout the season. No admission will be charged, but donations will be gratefully accepted and will go directly toward further renovations and maintenance of the mill.

debris around the outside of the mill, discovering all kinds of relics under the loading dock.

As the mill was being restored, FOASP president Paul Crawford did years of research interviewing past mill employees and gathering other information, including photo submissions, that was used for the kiosks that are now onsite.

In cooperation with park management, the Friends group began renovations of the sawmill, in 2019,

with the first task gutting the old mill. Years of excrement from porcupines, raccoons, bats and other vermin inhabiting the building was professionally removed and the mill was secured to keep it safe from future porcupine infestation.

“Once inside, we discovered the wildlife had chewed up floorboards, wall boards and had even climbed the

continued on page 6

Photos by Deb Everts

Veteran mill workers, Joe Bierfelt (left) and Dave Remington were available to discuss the days when the sawmill was active.

 Red House sawmill

walls to chew other areas. Every room had extensive damage and probably over two-thirds of the boards had to be replaced,” Crawford said in a previous interview. “Park employees began making interior and structural repairs including replacement of structural beams on the mill’s loading dock, new outlets inside and new lighting,”

Thanks to three Park and Trails Partnership (PTNY) grants, generous donations and raffles held by the Friends group, the mill has been saved for public enjoyment and education. The matching grants have helped provide funds for the restoration of the sawmill. The renovations include but are not limited to, professional removal of wildlife excrement and sanitation of the building, custom-milled lumber to replace the gutted interior lumber with historical accuracy, 12 interpretive kiosks and metal roof replacement.

According to Crawford, the three PTNY grants came to approximately $43,000. The matches by the Friends raised with “Save the Red House Sawmill” raffles and donations came to approximately $6,450. In all, the Friends raised an additional $27,950 for the mill through annual mill raffles and private donations. In 2023, the Friends raised $4,000 from their annual calendar proceeds.

Mill tours will take place every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon throughout the season, including Columbus Day weekend. Visitors will be guided by members of the Friends group and Allegany State Park Historical Society on alternating weekends. A self-guided tour is available through interpretive kiosks and two TV monitors. No admission will be charged, but donations will be gratefully accepted and will go directly toward further renovations and maintenance of the mill.

Photo by Joe Eberle

Park officials attending the ceremony included Mark Thomas, former western district director for New York State Parks; Park Manager Christopher Tripoli; Bryan Sicignano, Red House park manager; and Tim O’Keefe, Quaker park manager. Shown after cutting the ribbon are Park Manager Christopher Tripoli (left) and Paul Crawford, president of the Friends group.

Friends of Allegany — stewards of the park

By Deb Everts

A group of dedicated volunteers called the Friends of Allegany State Park (FOASP) are on a mission to promote, preserve and maintain the park, its historic character and natural beauty.

These Friends accomplish their mission by recruiting friends and volunteers and developing corporate and community partners. They strive to network with the talent, knowledge and enthusiasm needed to keep the park relevant and vital.

The FOASP is devoted to the preservation and upkeep of the park for many generations to come. They do many projects within the park including renovations; painting cabins and bridges; assembling, painting and repairing picnic tables and benches; clearing brush from the trail heads; and general litter pickup to make the park a better place for all.

“Our major projects have been the renovation of five, once-condemned, cabins on McIntosh Trail and the nineyear journey to restore and reopen the Red House sawmill as a museum piece in the park,” Paul Crawford, founding member and current president of FOASP, said in a recent interview.

According to Crawford, the group has raised funds for FOASP projects by grant writing, proceeds from the annual park calendar and contest, membership fees, Facebook donations, a one-time Amazon Smile Account, private donations and passive contributions made bi-monthly from the Benevity Fund and a nonprofit organization employee-match.

FOASP raises funds to fill the gap of budget shortfalls and helps the park, the largest state park in New York State, to get the much-needed maintenance that even a fully-staffed park would need help tackling, Crawford explained.

“We pledge between $2,000 and $2,500 annually, to both the Red

Trail that fall. The Friends of Allegany became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2014.

“Our group currently has 109 members,” he said. “Last year, William Coté of Parks and Trails New York (PTNY) stated we were the largest all-volunteer, non-profit organization in the PTNY system of about 80 groups.”

Crawford said the Friends group is a wonderful opportunity to show the next generations to care for, maintain and respect the park. He said it’s also a great parental opportunity to teach children to give back to their community by example.

He concluded with a borrowed and “reshaped” quote, as he called it, from the late President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your park can do for you — ask what you can do for your park.”

To learn more about the Friends of Allegany, to become a member or make a donation, visit friendsofallegany.com or Facebook.

House and Quaker sides of the park for use in budget shortfalls/emergencies,” he said.

Including tours, the Friends will be hosting 18 volunteer events in the park this year. They host events including “First Day Hike” and “I Love My Park Day,” serving a luncheon, snacks and beverages free of charge to park patrons. They also support the park-run “National Public Lands Day.”

From mid-May through Columbus Day weekend, the Friends and ASP Historical Society alternate to run tours at the Summit Fire Tower, Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Red House sawmill.

A Friends group that would help preserve and maintain the park was a much-needed organization. Crawford said FOASP was formed in late summer 2012, and they had their first event painting cabin floors on Diehl

File photo

Through three matching grants awarded from the Environmental Protection Fund’s Park and Trail Partnership Grants program, the Friends of Allegany State Park have been able to complete renovations on the historic Red House sawmill. Shown are Friends in 2019.

File photo

Many of the Friends of Allegany State Park board members are pictured after assembling 37 picnic benches in 2014. The group was recently awarded a $1,734 grant from Parks and Trails New York.

Kinzua Bridge rehabilitation project to begin this year

By Marcie Schellhammer

Kinzua Bridge State Park Skywalk will be closing for rehabilitation later this year — after the fall foliage season.

The park, visitor center, and the visitor center’s exhibits and retail offerings, will remain open.

And the Kinzua Bridge Foundation’s annual Fall Fest is scheduled for Sept. 21 and 22, two months before the closure is set to begin.

State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced in April that maintenance is required to ensure the longevity of the popular skywalk.

“The work was planned after a structural safety inspection determined that, while the skywalk remains safe, it needs some maintenance to ensure its longevity,” officials announced.

The multi-year project, beginning at the end of 2024, will replace and add new steel to some areas of the supports that have been impacted due to exposure to the elements. The skywalk and Kinzua Creek Trail will be closed to pedestrian traffic during the project so the decking and railroad ties can be removed.

Tentative plans are to start the project Nov. 19. However, there will be temporary closures in September and October for equipment mobilization and measurements for ordering materials.

“The skywalk will be open for approximately two months each fall during the project period to allow for fall foliage viewing,” officials said.

That understanding of the importance of the foliage season is appreciated

“The Skywalk attracts tens of

thousands of visitors a year to the Pennsylvania Wilds,” said Ta Enos, CEO of the nonprofit PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship. “DCNR understands how much communities and small businesses rely on the park’s foot traffic, and we really appreciate them trying to schedule this important maintenance around the fall leaf peeping season so the Skywalk can be open each year during that busy time that so many rural small businesses count on.”

The PA Wilds Center said it has applied for funding from DCNR to help with public awareness messaging around the closures and reopenings, and storytelling and interpretation related to the maintenance that is happening.

Work will begin in early 2025 and conclude in fall 2027, but will be stopped during winter weather. The multi-year project will add new steel to some areas of the skywalk where

the steel supports have been impacted due to exposure to the elements. The Skywalk and Kinzua Creek Trail will be closed to pedestrian traffic during the project so the decking and railroad ties can be removed. As preparations begin for repairs the Skywalk is safe to access and will be open to visitors during the 2024 fall foliage season.

In addition to maintaining the structural integrity of the Skywalk,

some improvements will also be made to enhance the visitor experience, DCNR said. This includes installing new plexiglass at the end of the Skywalk, as the old glass section had become foggy and difficult for visitors to peer into the valley below their feet. The renovations will also replace the handrails along the Skywalk, and workers will blast, clean and paint all of the steel portions of the Skywalk.

An aerial view of the Kinzua Sky Walk cuts through the Allegheny National Forest on a fall day last year.

Amish communities enhance the country flavor of So. Tier

There are about 3,000 Amish residents in Cattaraugus County, most residing in the western part of the county in the towns of Conewango and Leon.

The county’s Amish Trail was designed to help guide visitors in the Amish community, while at the same time highlighting Amish businesses and other area small businesses.

Many visitors come to Cattaraugus County expressly to drive through Amish country to buy quilts, furniture and food items.

Horse-drawn Amish buggies on the road and farm machinery working the fields, long closelines loaded with clothes drying in the breeze and children walking to or from a nearby one-room schoolhouse are everyday sights along the Amish Trail.

The Amish Trail’s main focus are the towns of Conewango and Leon, along both sides of Routes 62 and 241, but extends into Dayton, New Albion and Napoli. Another branch of the Amish Trail includes sections of the towns of Otto, East Otto and Mansfield, north and south of County Road 13.

The Cattaraugus County Office of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism lists dozens of Amish businesses and dozens of local small businesses along the Amish Trail.

Salamanca, Gowanda and Randolph also have local businesses listed on the Amish Trail.

Remember to drive slow on the roads in Amish country. Give the horse-drawn buggies, wagons and farming implements a wide berth so as not to spook the horses. Slow down and enjoy a relaxing drive.

Be particularly careful driving at night when the buggies are often hard to see. Most have a reflective triangle

in the rear of the vehicle and some have a glass lens with a candle for greater visibility.

Don’t forget there are no Sunday sales by the Amish.

As summer progresses, expect to see more roadside stands with fresh vegetables as well as baked goods.

Amish Trail brochures are available from the county Office of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism or online at www.AmishTrail.com. Use the map to create your own trip through Amish Country. The online map at www.AmishTrail. com/Map can filter Amish business by products.

ALLEGANY COUNTY

There are more than 1,500 Amish living in Allegany County, with most making their homes in the towns of Angelica, Belfast and Friendship.

About one quarter of the Amish population lives in the towns of Wellsville, Willing and Whitesville.

The Amish in this area are the

Old Order, a very conservative and traditional community living without electricity, phones, or cars and driving horse and buggies for transportation. They make their living using old-fashioned farming practices and techniques and using horse-drawn equipment to plow and plant their fields and harvest their crops, which does not include the use of chemicals and pesticides.

They make handcrafted items to sell along with baked goods, jams and jellies, canned vegetables and flowers and plants.

The Amish, although friendly and willing to work, keep mostly to themselves and have little contact with their non-Amish neighbors. They are contributing residents to the local economy and like their “English” neighbors they pay property taxes, school taxes, and they pay for hunting and fishing licenses.

Since the 1990s, the Amish began to establish themselves in Allegany County, particularly in the Belfast

area. The village even provides hitching posts for Amish in the area.

Within the last decade, Amish settlements have also grown in the southern part of Allegany County.

One project completed in early 2020 was a map created by the Town of Willing with the help of the Allegany County Planning and Development Office, of the Amish businesses located in the southern part of the county. The map includes approximately 50 businesses located in Wellsville, Whitesville and Hallsport and along the state highways.

Willing Town Clerk Deborah Buchholz helped to create the black and white map that is available from her office and at the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce office.

The businesses listed on the map include five sawmills, numerous furniture and cabinetry stores, baked goods, produce, greenhouses, fruit markets, dry goods, baskets, footwear, rugs, maple syrup and horse training.

File photo

Wooden sheds and poly furniture are for sale at this Amish-owned business along the Amish Trail in Cattaraugus County.

20th Annual Cook Forest Encampment preserves history of French & Indian War

of the 18th century to forest battles fought by reenactors. There are also blacksmithing, cooking, and cannon firing demonstrations. Demonstrators are dressed in authentic period garb as are the soldiers and Native Americans who participate in the woodland skirmishes.

ench & Indian War was fought over control of the Allegheny River that was the only sure route through Western Pennsylvania’s vast wilderness. The Iroquois, who lived here, needed the waterway to trap beaver and trade for muskets, powder and metal knives om the Europeans.

The French needed the Allegheny for trapping, too, and as a link to their southern territories in Louisiana. In 1749, Captain Pierre Celeron’s expedition from Lake Erie down Conewango Creek to the Allegheny, claimed the region for the King of France when he buried lead plates at strategic locations along his route. Then, in 1753, ench began building a string of forts down the river to strengthen their hold on the region.

These forts upset the Iroquois because they broke provisions of the 1701 Treaty of Montreal signed with the French. The English were also angry because they considered the Allegheny River Valley part of their territories.

As a result, in October 1753, Major George Washington was sent by Virginia Gov. Dinwiddie on a spy mission to Fort Le Boeuf (currently Waterford) to demand that the French leave. Instead of returning to Canada, they moved farther south in the

Reenactor, Annelise Hug, transports water from a nearby spring using a yoke and two wooden buckets.

The whole Noel family loves to camp out at Cook Forest. The girls teach other children 18th century games during the event.

Larry Fox of Derrick City portrays an English ranger during one of the four forest battles held by Cook Forest during their French & Indian War Encampment weekend.

Cook Forest

spring of 1754 and built Fort Duquesne at the Forks of the Ohio (present day Pittsburgh).

The French response prompted Dinwiddie to raise an army of Virginia militia that he sent to attack Fort Duquesne. Open hostilities began at Jumonville Glen south of Pittsburgh when Washington’s soldiers fired on a French scouting party and took the survivors prisoner. Those were the first shots of the French & Indian War that soon escalated into a bloody seven-year conflict.

The living histories held at Cook Forest bring alive the 1750s from the perspective of both civilians and soldiers. There’s also a Native American camp that folks can visit. Reenactors are happy to explain the day-to-day life of the time and such skills as tinsmithing, leather working, and cloth weaving. The Charleville and Brown Bess flintlock muskets, used respectively by the French and British military, are on display, as well.

Greg Rearick, an Indian reenactor known as Snappin’ Turtle, returns to Cook Forest yearly to share his knowledge of history with the public. He finds this even more rewarding than participating in the mock battles that are always a big hit with visitors. “One year,” said Rearick with a grin, “a guy told me his ancestor, Martin Silvios, was captured by Native Americans. I was able to inform him that my greattimes-7 grandfather married Martin’s daughter, Barbara.”

Dale Luthringer works for Cook Forest and helps organize the annual encampment. He also falls in with the French troops during the mock battles.

Drummer John Harris and piper Jim Harland lead the British forces into battle. The racket they make alerts the enemy of their presence way before they arrive, giving the French and Indians time to prepare an ambush. European battle tactics did not work in the Pennsylvania wilderness.

Areas Of Operation:

Willow Bay • Buckaloons • Dew Drop • Hearts Content

Kiasutha • Loleta • Minister Creek • Red Bridge

Tracy Ridge • Morrison • Pine Grove • Handsome Lake Hopewell • Hooks Brook • Elijah Run • Webbs Ferry Roper Hollow • Fansworth Cabin

Allegheny Site Management is a local business that operates recreation areas within the Allegheny National Forest under a special use permit provided by the U.S. Forest Service. We operate 20 recreation areas ranging from tent and RV camping to cabin and boat rentals. Our facilities vary from primitive camping to cabin and boat rentals. Our facilities vary from primitive campgrounds to developed campgrounds to accommodate all recreation preferences. Some areas take reservations while others are a first-come, first-serve basis.

SALAMANCA AREA

Trails run from Olean to country across region

By Bob Clark

There’s hundreds of miles of trails to hike and bike across the region — whether in town or out in the backcountry.

The 6.2-mile loop of the Allegheny River Valley Trail runs between the town of Allegany and the city of Olean along the river, as well as loops through the city and St. Bonaventure University. The 10-foot wide asphalt trail is accessible for people of all ages, including babies in strollers, children on tricycles, youngsters on inline skates, adults on bicyclers and senior citizens traveling on foot or in wheelchairs.

The trail meanders through a forested route for almost three miles along the Allegheny River. This is unique because it connects the communities of Olean and Allegany,

allowing users to travel 6 miles round trip without crossing a street. The other option is to complete the loop and pass through a residential area and then along Constitution Avenue, which is Olean’s industrial and retail hub. A unique feature of the trail is that, although almost 50% of it is on abandoned rail routes, it is a loop. Most rail trails are in a line requiring return to a trailhead along the same route.

The state awarded $1.4 million in May 2022 to extend the trail and allow better access for school students. The new stretch of path will follow Wayne Street from North 12th Street to the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad tracks near Van Campen Avenue, connecting to the Olean City School District route adjacent to the railroad tracks to Whitney Avenue — which was paved this spring —

where it can tie in with the river trail through the Jamestown Community College campus.

A rapid flashing beacon system is also to be installed near North 10th Street to improve pedestrian crossing safety to improve safety at the YMCA of the Twin Tiers facility.

The Genesee Valley Greenway follows the old Genesee Valley Canal and later the Rochester Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Running from Rochester to Hinsdale, the state office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation took over the system in 2010 as a state park. Overall, the Greenway passes through five counties and 16 townships.

Long-term plans include various upgrades, as well as extending the trail to Olean — the southern terminus of the Genesee Valley Canal in the 1860s and 1870s. For more information on the greenway, visit parks. ny.gov/parks/geneseevalleygreenway.

The Finger Lakes Trail was created in 1962 in an effort to connect the hiking trails of Allegany State Park with those of the Catskills, attempting to bring the experiences of long-distance hiking of the Appalachian Trail and other similar trails to the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.

A federal law in 1968 created the North Country National Scenic Trail,

and the Finger Lakes Trail was later added to the system. The NCT runs almost 4,800 miles from North Dakota to Vermont, including more than 270 miles in New York.

Stewardship of the trail falls to the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and hundreds of volunteers across the state. Information on the trail, events, and up-to-date maps of the train can be found at https://fingerlakestrail. org/

The WAG trail, which runs nine miles along the Genesee River in the towns of Wellsville and Willing. Managed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the trail runs the western end of the former Wellsville-Addison-Galeton Railroad. The trail offers hiking, biking, fishing access, horseback riding and wildlife watching opportunities, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter. Five parking areas are provided for hikers. For more information, visit https://dec.ny.gov/places/wag-trail.

Photo by Bob Clark

A woodsy woodchuck watches a bicyclist travel along the Allegheny River Valley Trail in Olean’s West End.

ATV trails abound in area counties

By Marcie Schellhammer

Riders of all-terrain vehicles in Pennsylvania have hundreds of miles of choices in the region.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is opening the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail on May 24, and will operate until Sept. 29. The 650-mile riding area includes parts of Potter, Clinton, Lycoming and Tioga counties.

Permits are for sale for the use of designated Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and state forest connector roads. The cost of the permits — $40 for Pennsylvania-registered ATVs and $60 for non-Pennsylvania-registered ATVs — serves to offset implementation and management of the program.

ATV riders will have the unique opportunity for long-distance travel by permit on 163 miles of designated state forest trails and roads, 450 miles of designated local (township) roads, and 40 miles of designated PennDOT-administered roads.

Riders are encouraged to travel the preferred route, but are free to ride any trail or road in the area that is designated open to this use.

Responsibility falls on riders to plan their route and use only designated trails and roads, while avoiding those that are not open to ATV use.

In Elk County, the Trail of Dreams

is an Elk County Riders ATV initiative to connect the communities in Elk County through municipal roads and private land trails.

the Marienville Trails in Spring Creek and Highland Township, continue through to the Ridgway area, onto Fox Township then Jay Township and complete in Benezette Township. Another connection would be made to St. Marys as well north to the John sonburg/Wilcox area. Eventually the club hopes to continue due east to Camer

the Majestic Allegheny Mountains in Northcentral PA,” the website noted. find lost riders, or riders needing assistance. Depending on the recent

our ATV trails guide you through

Summer park concerts set to begin soon

By Bob Clark

OLEAN — The city’s summer concert series is ready to rock in just a few weeks, featuring concerts at two city parks.

While the bulk of the City of Olean Youth Bureau and Recreation Department concerts will be held at Lincoln Park, a pair of Saturday concerts will also be held at Oak Hill Park. Alex Cole Unplugged will feature acoustic country music on June 15, and Not Norman will play classic rock on July 13. Almost all concerts are set for 6 to 8 p.m., and all are free and open to the public. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their own seating.

The concert series has proven to be very popular thanks to the variety of acts, the central location and the free admission price. An estimated 5,000 people attended the 20 concerts held at the park in 2023.

The full concert schedule includes:

May 23 — Stick Tights (Folk/Rock)

May 30 — Pendleton Station (Classic Rock)

June 6 — Trigger Happy (Country Rock Blues)

June 12 — Dave Dorson (Acoustic Classic Rock)

June 15 — Alex Cole Unplugged

(acoustic country) at Oak Hill Park

June 20 — Not Norman (Classic Rock)

June 27 — Old Dawgs/New Tricks (Old Time Bluegrass)

July 4 — Generations (‘50s/’60s Oldies)

July 11 — The Cruisers (Classic Rock)

July 13 — Not Norman at Oak Hill Park

July 18 — Larry Lewicki Band (Polkas/Oldies)

July 21 — Freddy and the Jets from 2-4 p.m.

at Lincoln Park.

July 25 — Fair-To-Fiddlin (Bluegrass Americana)

Aug. 1 — Generations (50’S/60’S Oldies)

Aug. 8 — Joe Gilroy (Classic Rock)

Aug. 15 — Stick Tights

Aug. 22 — LTM Trio (Jazz)

Aug. 29 — Freedom Hills (Classic Rock)

Sept. 5 — Roger Pettengil (‘70s Singer/Songwriter)

Sept. 12 — Allegany Alumni & Friends Band (Variety)

Sept. 19 — Red Gray (Outlaw Country)

PALMER OPERA HOUSE IN CUBA

The Palmer Opera House in Cuba will host its annual Music on the Lawn series on Mondays from June 24 through Aug. 26.

Concerts are planned for 6-7:30 p.m. on the lawn at Cuba-Rushford Elementary School, with a rain location of the Palmer Opera House, 12 W. Main St. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or blankets for the free concert. Concessions will be available including hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, popcorn, chips, candy, water and soda. Restrooms will be available, and 50/50 raffles will be held.

For more information, call (585) 209-5512.

Performances include:

June 24 — Not Norman (Classic Rock Band)

July 1 — Old Dawgs New Tricks

(Bluegrass & Old Time Sting Music)

July 8 — Generations (50’s, 60’s 6 70’s)

July 15 — Panloco Steel Drum Band

(Vocals, Steel Drums & more)

July 22 — Six Pence Duo (Celtic, British Folk 6

Earthy Americana)

July 29 — Brian Ash S Pete Gilroy

(Area’s Favorite Acoustic Duo)

Aug. 3 — Broadway Review

Aug. 5 — NY Standard Time (American  Songbook, Some Samba, etc)

Aug. 12 — The Chumps (Acoustic Cover Duo  with Voices That Will Amaze)

Aug. 19 — The Chillbilly’s & Friends (Favorites,  Classic Rock, Rock, Blues)

Aug. 26 — Allegany Alumni Band & Friends

(Concert Band, Patriotic, Marches)

SEVERAL COMMUNITIES are planning summer concert series, but have not released schedules before this publication went to press.

Ellicottville The Gazebo series, presented by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Niagara Label Company, is a favorite evening for locals and visitors alike. Lawn chairs, picnic baskets, coolers and even the family pet is welcome. Concerts are from 7-9 p.m. Thursdays from July 5 to Aug. 1.

Little Valley — The monthly Music in the Park series will host live music at each event along with a food truck, games, and prizes for all ages from 6-8 p.m. at Bicentennial Park. For more information on this event please visit https://www.facebook.com/LVHappenings.

Portville Portville’s Pioneer Park will host the 19th annual Music in the Park series into September. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning in June.

Wellsville Music on the Lawn returns to the lawn at the David A. Howe Public Library this summer. West Valley West Valley Volunteer Hose Company is presenting “Music by the Pond” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through the summer. Admission is free, and hotdogs, soda, water and ice cream available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring beverages and lawn chairs or blankets. Concerts will be moved indoors in the event of rain. For more information on this event please visit www.facebook.com/wvvhc.

Photo by Bob Clark

Not Norman performs on Thursday during the city of Olean’s Lincoln Park 2023 summer music series.

Events set for summer months

By Marcie Schellhammer

With summer right around the corner, a number of events and activities around the region will be available for folks to join in the summer fun.

BRADFORD

May 25 — City of Bradford Townwide garage sales

June 1 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sock Hop Cruise Car Show by Street Dreams Car Club, at Togi’s Restaurant and Sub Shop

June 4 — 5 to 8 p.m., Summer Nights in the Square by Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center, Veterans Square; food and artisan vendors, children’s activities

June 18 — 7 p.m., Perry D’Andrea, Perry Sings Sinatra, BCPAC, Bromeley Family Theater at Pitt–Bradford

July 2 — 5 to 8 p.m., Summer Nights in the Square, Veterans Square in Bradford, BCPAC, food and artisan vendors, children’s activities

July 11 — 7 p.m., Who’s Bad – The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, BCPAC, Bromeley Family Theater, Pitt–Bradford

July 12 — Noon, Good Vibes Yoga to help promote mental health, by Rays of Hope. At the Gazebo in Veterans Square, by Pitt–Bradford, music, yoga, dance, informational tables on mental health resources. Pre–registration will be required.

July 20 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Zippo Made in Bradford, Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store

July 25 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago, Bromeley Family Theater, 300 Campus Drive, Bradford. Brings the magic of a live Chicago performance to life and exceptionally recreates their enormous songbook of contemporary hits.

July 27 — 9 a.m. registration begins Kids and Cancer 27th Annual Motorcycle Benefit Run, Zippo parking lot on Congress Street followed by 90 mile run. After–event in 400 block of East Main Street.

Aug. 8–10 — Festa Italiana, Festival Way, Bradford.

Food, live music and fun.

Aug. 8 — 7 to 8:30 p.m., Bruce in the USA, Bromeley Family Theater, Pitt–Bradford, A note–perfect and visually accurate recreation of a Bruce Springsteen & The E St. Band show, Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center.

Era file photo

A Case Cutlery employee works to sharpen the “favorite” knife of a resident during the 2023 Made in Bradford event on the grounds of the Zippo, Case Museum and Flagship Store. This year’s event will be held July 20.

Aug. 22–25 — Crooktop 2024 Old Time Music Festival, Crook Farm, Bradford

SMETHPORT

June 21–23 — Taste of Fair, McKean County Fairgrounds, more to be announced

Aug. 11–17 — McKean County Fair, fairgrounds, Smethport

KANE

May 25–26 — 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Flickerfest, Flickerwood Wine Cellars and Cocktail Lounge, 309 Flickerwood Rd, Kane, wine and music festival

June 22–23 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Art in the Wilds, Evergreen Park, Kane, juried fine arts show, food and drink vendors

July 13 — 2 to 11 p.m., SquatchFest, Family Drive In Theatre, 6627 US–6, Kane, Gates open at 2 p.m. Live music starts at 3 with four great bands that play all day. Barbecue, fun entertainment for the kids, mechanical bull, ax throwing, Straub beer truck, vendors, fireworks

Aug. 3 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Screw Cancer Fundraiser, Flickerwood Wine Cellars and Cocktail Lounge, fundraiser for Warren Cancer Center. Live music starts at noon

Aug. 22–25 — 1st Sunflower Festival, Wilds Sonshine Factory Inc., 3480 Route 6 West, Kane. Live music, food trucks, vendors, car show

MOUNT JEWETT

July 27–28 — Kinzua Half Marathon & 5K, Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mount Jewett

Aug. 9–11 — Mount Jewett Swedish Festival, Mount Jewett. Traditional music, dance, ethnic foods, and craft vendors.

OLEAN, N.Y.

June 13 — 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., 55th Annual Olean Chamber Clambake, Lincoln Park, Olean Rain or Shine, come out for raw, steamed, chowder, and casino clams! If clams aren’t your thing there will be plenty of other tasty additional picnic foods including beef on weck, hotdogs & hamburgers, sausages and kabobs.

SALAMANCA, N.Y.

May 31–June 2 — Allegany Nature Pilgrimage, Allegany State Park, 2373 ASP, US–1, Salamanca.

July 23 — 2 to 4 p.m., Take Me Home: Musical Tribute to John Denver, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, Salamanca. A tribute experience that will take you back to the 1970s when John Denver’s music was playing over the radio airways.

ELLICOTTVILLE, N.Y.

July 5–7 — Summer music festival, Ellicottville July 26–28 — Jazz & Blues Weekend, Ellicottville Aug. 10–11 — Taste of Ellicottville, Ellicottville, Every foodies’ favorite event’

CUBA, N.Y.

June 14–16 — Cuba Dairy Days, Cuba. Car show, craft and vendor show, royalty contest, chicken barbecue, parade, live music

Andover, Belfast to celebrates bicentennials this summer

By Kathryn Ross

Established in 1824 Andover is celebrating it bicentennial this summer, combining the celebration with the annual Fourth of July activities.

The town of Andover was established in 1824 from part of the town of Independence and was increased in 1855 when part of Wellsville was added to it.

When it comes to famous people who were born there, Thomas Allen, the secretary of state for Wisconsin is probably not as well-known as Boston Red Sox outfielder Patsy Dougherty, who was the first to hit two home runs in a single World Series game — he was also a native son.

But baseball is not yet on the docket for the bicentennial celebration scheduled to take place July 4-7. Details were still being finalized. So far the event is scheduled to include a variety of family friendly activities including a carnival with kid’s rides, and musical entertainment such as the Off the Wagon band, taking place in the evening. Pickleball and Cornhole tournaments are being planned as well as an ice cream social and movie night, car show, community yard sales and walking tours highlighting historical sites.

With the Allegany County Museum located in town, it is only logical that there will be talks on the history of the town. An ecumenical service is also in the plans.

The Fourth of July Committee, which has been lending its support, is planning its tradition Fourth of July parade and fireworks display adding to the celebration.

Belfast will celebrate its bicentennial Aug. 9-11 with nightly entertainment a parade, kids’ activities and

more. The area of the town was first settled by members of the Iroquois Nation and it wasn’t until 1809, when David Sanford built a sawmill and a grist mill on the Genesee River, that white settlers began coming into the area.

The community was established in 1824 as Orrinsburgh from part of the Caneadea, but Irish settlers changed the name to Belfast a year later when many new settlers came from Northern Ireland. Many of the Irish worked in mills and Belfast became a mill town. In 1831 the state legislature added more of Caneadea to the town. The construction of the Genesee Barge Canal brought more Irish.

The completion of the canal in

1853 stimulated the town’s growth and three railroads moved into the area, increasing freight traffic. Tensions grew when Protestants from the eastern part of the state began moving

into the town, although most of the encounters were minor.

In 1889 the town gained fame when international boxing star John L. Sullivan arrived to train with the internationally known wrestler, trainer and health aficionado William Muldoon for the last bare knuckle boxing championship. The visit was legendary and still talked about and kept alive by the establishment of the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame in the early 21st century.

The bicentennial event will feature the John L. Sullivan story and include the museum in its festivities.

Due to take place from Aug. 9-11, the bicentennial celebration will feature activities for all ages starting with a talent show. There will be live musical performances, a dance party, a parade, fireworks, food, music, kids’ rides and many family friendly events.

On the 9th a parade is scheduled along with fireworks, a car show and chicken barbecue.

On the 10th there will be vendors, a Civil War reenactment, an alumni banquet, music and dancing.

On the 11th an ecumenical service is planned in the park.

File photo

The Belfast Bicentennial Committee is making plans for a celebration Aug. 9-11.

‘Good for PA’ site offers ‘Park Finder’ app

STATE COLLEGE —

When Philadelphia residents Joel and Rachel Fishbein first got married, they took their yellow lab, Montana, everywhere with them, including on vacation. Back in 1993, that wasn’t so easy, as there was no handy guide to pet-friendly campsites. Not surprisingly, now there’s an app for that.

The Park Finder, created by the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, can search Pennsylvania’s 6,503 local and state parks by amenity and location in seconds. One of the amenities you can search by: pet-friendly campsites.

“We still spend a ton of time outdoors and travel with our dogs, and sometimes, our grown children,” said Joel Fishbein. “We love pickleball, outdoor yoga, biking, horseback riding, hiking, bird watching and kayaking. The Park Finder makes it easy to find what we’re in the mood for.”

With April showers finally behind us, it’s prime time to discover what each of the Commonwealth’s 6,379 local and 124 state parks offers.

“The Park Finder is a unique tool that enables anyone to plan a fantastic day anywhere in Pennsylvania, built on their custom choices of where to go and what to explore,” explained PRPS CEO Tim Herd.

The Park Finder app can be found on the https://www.goodforpa.com/

website, where PRPS highlights all of the good to be found and enjoyed outside in Pennsylvania’s local parks.

“Not only can you ‘find your good’ by name, county, municipality, or proximity to wherever you are, you can also filter among 72 amenities. Looking for a day on the courts, green or the water, it’s got that. If viewing nature from the back of a horse is more your thing, it’s got that, too.

As well as amenity choices such as dog friendly, scenic views, big trees, camping, hiking, rock climbing, playground, bike rentals, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and natural wild areas, just to name a few. Those looking for an overnight road trip this spring will get help finding backpacking, tent camping, dog-friendly campsites and yurts. Whether pursuing a favorite activity or engaging in a new quest,

the Park Finder will help you find it in one of our 6,503 parks.”

Good For PA is an undertaking of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources to show the world all the benefits available in PA’s local parks and recreation. Pennsylvania is home to 6,379 local parks and more than 12,000 miles of local trails.

Rock City Park open for another season as top destination Ongoing project emphasizes safety at Zoar Valley gorge

Rock City Park, featuring gigantic rock formations along hiking trails, is open for the season — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week through Oct. 31.

Rock City, located at 505 Route 16 South between Olean and Derrick City in McKean County, is touted as “one of the Great Natural Wonders of the United States.” Owned and operated by Dale and Cindy Smith, its hiking trails wind through one of the largest natural displays of quartz conglomerate in the world and the site attracts thousands of visitors — locals, from throughout the United States, even from overseas — each year.

Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, a museum, a souvenir and rock shop, virtual video tour, fluorescent rock room and refreshments and snacks. Merchandise offered includes Bigfoot memorabilia and clothing such as hoodies and souvenirs. Rock City Park also features facilities that can host weddings and other events such as family reunions and picnic gatherings.

For more information, contact the park at (866) 404-ROCK or visit online at www.rockcitypark.com.

From a historical perspective, from the late 1800s to the early part of the 20th century, Rock City was a tourist

destination that brought visitors via rail from larger cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo.

The site was an important feature of the Western New York and Pennsylvania Traction Line, which transported visitors up the mountain from Olean and Bradford.

A booklet published by the WNY and Pa. Traction Line contained a map of Rock City, showing a lecture hall, a recreation and refreshment hall, a penny arcade, tennis courts, a shooting gallery and box ball alley, a mineral spring, a band stand, a merrygo-round and an ice house. The Bon Air Hotel hosted visitors and there were dances and other functions.

However, after the trolley line closed, the attendant Rock City attractions fell into decline and closed. Nevertheless, Rock City remained listed as a chief attraction of Olean on road maps of New York state and thousands of tourists still visited it, even without facilities. Not only did the rocks remain as interesting as ever, the view of the surrounding hills — about 2,400 feet above sea level — was a sight many wanted to see.

The Smiths bought the site in 2001 and presided over the development of the attraction that it is today.

Work continues on a new trail to replace the existing Lookout Point Trail high above Valentine Flats in the Zoar Valley Unique Area.

The Valentine Flats parking area and trail are closed during construction — the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation indicated earlier in May that the only safe gorge and creek access currently is from the Forty Road parking lot in the town of Persia. There is no safe gorge or creek access from any location in Erie County or from any location in the town of Otto in Cattaraugus County.

Updated information about trail and parking closures will be posted on DEC’s website.

Phase I of the project is replacing the existing trail from the end of Valentine Flats Road and the parking area with a 6-foot wide crushed stone trail. Four viewing areas are slated for construction at scenic locations along the trail and will include a 15-foot safety setback.

Phase I trail work is expected to be completed by this summer.

Phase II project work will include reconstruction of the Valentine Flats Trail to improve emergency access

from the parking area to the creek and enable access for emergency vehicles.

In addition, benches will be built along the trail, improvements will be made to the parking lot and a new kiosk and gate will be installed.

Phase II improvement work will begin following completion of Phase I. Construction activities should be completed and the area reopened to visitors in 2025.

The trail improvements project is designed to enhance safety at Zoar Valley, where cliffs soar 250-300 feet above Cattaraugus Creek and the valley floor. DEC has highlighted public safety as its top priority at the area, where people have fallen while hiking or sightseeing along the rim.

The state has hired additional forest rangers to enhance public safety, posted hundreds of signs warning the public to stay back 15 feet from the rim of the gorge, prohibited climbing on cliffs and restricted access to the South Branch above the Forty Area parking lot.

New kiosks include maps and frequent questions about the area as well as sign-in sheets for visitors.

Cattaraugus County Events

May 24, Heritage Day, Seneca-Iroquois National Museum and the Onöhsagwë:dé Cultural Center, 82 W. Hetzel St., Salamanca, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 24, 2024 Amish Relief Auction, farm of Menmo Yoder, 5738 Stoddard Road, Conewango Valley; 9:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

May 31-Jun 2, 66th Allegany Nature Pilgrimage, Camp Allegany, ASP Route 2, Salamanca; a weekend of more than 100 nature programs at Allegany State Park; ccombines fun with a variety of nature-oriented activities; AlleganyNaturePilgrimage.com

June 1, 2024 Ellicottville Wellness Fair, Nannen Arboretum, 28 Parkside Drive, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; (716) 945-3845 and Facebook.

June 7-8, BasilicaFEST, Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, 202 S. Union St., Olean; smaolean. org/basilicafest-2024.

June 7-9, S.T.A.R.S. Annual Model Warbirds Over Cuba, S.T.A.R.S. Flying Field, 5006 W. Shore Road; see model military aircraft flown by operators; registration open to all military aircraft of any size as well as civilian aircraft designed before 1960; stuart@rcgypsies.com.

June 15, Youth Fishing Derby at Forness Pond in Olean; from 10 a.m. to noon; registration 9:30 to 10 a.m.; age groups are under 10 and 10 and older. Participants over 16 will have to have a valid NYS fishing license.

June 15, Family Day at the Cattaraugus County Museum, 9824 Route 16, Machias; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; www.Cattco.org/Museum

June 15, Holiday Valley Mudslide, Holiday Valley Resort, Ellicottville; 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; with 3.5-mile and 5.4-mile courses; (716) 699-2345.

June 15, Randolph’s 50th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival, Main Street; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; (716) 358-9701 and Facebook.

June 15, So Many Roads Jamboree, Gargoyle Park, Olean; 2 to 10 p.m.; music all day with food trucks, beverages and vendors; (716) 8061541 and Facebook.

June 16, 8 to 4 p.m., Raccoon Rally, Allegany State Park- Summit Area, Art Roscoe Ski Area, Salamanca; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; cross country mountain bike race with novice, beginner, sport and expert classes; (716) 354-2181 and HeartRateUp.com/raccoonrally2024.html

June 23, Classic Car Show at Ellicottville Distillery, 5446 Robbins Road; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 3, Fireworks Display & Live Music, Ellicottville Distillery, 7 to 10:30 p.m.

July 4-6, Ellicottville Championship Rodeo, 6319 Sommerville Valley Road; 7 to 10 p.m. first two nights, opening at 2 p.m. July 6; (716) 6994839 and www.EllicottvilleRodeo.com

July 5-7, Summer Music Festival at Holiday Valley, Ellicottville; all day each day; from classic rock ‘n’ roll to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; (800) 349-9099 and www.ellicottvilleny. com

July 7, HoliMont Bike Park DH Race Series, Ellicottville; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; (716) 699-2320 and holimont.com

July 12-14, Village of Knives Celebration, Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, 501 Erie St., Little Valley; knife dealers, collectors and enthusiasts from around the world with tours of the histotic town, displays, educational presentations and thousands of rare knives to see, buy and trade; www.VillageOfKnives.com and (716) 219-9807.

July 19-20, Great Valley Band Jam, Great Valley Firemen’s Clubhouse, 6035 Depot St.; on Friday 6 p.m. to midnight and Saturday 1 p.m. to midnight; 10 bands over 10 days with food and beverages, vendors and activities; www. GreatValleyFireCo.com and (716) 945-1398.

July 20-21, Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Pow Wow, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino Event Center, Salamanca; noon to 8 p.m. both days; showcases Native American dances from across Indian Country while focusing on the Smoke Dance of the Iroquois and honoring Native American veterans; www.SenecaPowWow.org and (716) 532-8333.

July 20, Southern Tier Wounded Warrior Benefit Concert, Bradner Stadium in Olean; 4 to 10 p.m.; hosted by U.S. Army Col. Patrick Miller; live music on stage throughout the day featuring Tyler Farr, Ade Adu and other artists; find info on Facebook.

July 27, Tame the Tuna Regatta, Limestone Volunteer Fire Department, 5886 Church St., paddle 5.5 miles down the Tunungwant Creek; there will be a chicken barbecue and other food and beverages; lvfdevents.ticketleap.com and (716) 474-5428.

July 27, HillTap Festival @ Holiday Valley, featuring live music both atop the mountain and below; HolidayValley.com and (716) 699-2345.

July 27-Aug. 3, 181st Cattaraugus County Fair in Little Valley, featuring the Broken B Rodeo, country stars Tyler Hubbard and Cooper Alan, the demolition derby, WNY Pro Pulling Series, Monster Truck Rally, livestock shows and 4-H activities, craft and cooking displays and

entertainment; www.CattaraugusCoFair.com and (716) 938-9146.

Catt. County Fair

July 26-26, Jazz & Blues Weekend, Village of Ellicottville; wander through the village and choose from a variety of jazz and blues performance areas; www.EllicottvilleNY.com

Aug. 4, HoliMont Bike Park DH Race Series.

Aug. 9-11, Catt. County Sportsmen’s Rendezvous 2024, Catt. County Fairgrounds in Little Valley; celebrating more than 40 years, the Catt. County Trappers Association Sportsmen’s Show features conservation displays, archery, black powder, trapping, fishing, guns, taxidermy dealers, big buck club display and live seminars; (716) 763-3416 and Facebook.

Aug. 9-11, EVL Trail Fest at HoliMont, formerly WNYMBA weekend campout, riding on the trails of Holimont and McCarty Hill State Forest; holimont.com and (716) 699-2320.

Aug. 10-11, Taste of Ellicottville, taste all the flavors of village establishments; www. EllicottvilleNY.com.

Aug. 17, StrOlean, featuring a host of events and is designed so event goers can wander North Union Street in Olean, with food, music, fine arts, classic cars and fun for all ages; OleanNY.com and (716) 372-4433.

Aug. 18, Griffis Sculpture Park’s Annual Summer Festival, music, creativity and nature as well as a vendor village, a kid’s crafts area, food stands and beer and wine service; GriffisSculpturePark.org and (716) 667-2808.

Aug. 31, Sunflowers & Sunsets at The Songin Farm, 4611 Gile Hollow Road, Hinsdale; find it on Facebook.

Sept. 13-15, Ellicottville’s Rock N’ Roll Weekend, more than 15 regional bands; Saturday there will be a live outdoor performance by Queen City, a tribute to Queen at 1 p.m. and on Sunday, Terry Buchwald’s Elvis Show, at 1:30 p.m.; on Sunday the annual car and truck show, featuring more than 250 vehicles, will take place on the village streets from noon  to 5 p.m.; www.EllicottvilleNY.com

Sept. 20-22, Route 16 Yard Sale; participating communities are Knapp Creek, town of Olean, city of Olean, Hinsdale, Maplehurst, Ischua, Franklinville, Machias, Delevan, and Yorkshire.

Sept. 21, Knapp Creek Volunteer Fire Department ATV Dice Run; chicken barbecue and other refreshments available for purchase at the firehall; KnappCreekFire.com and (716) 372-4523.

ALLEGANY COUNTY EVENTS

June 8, AOH Irish Road Bowling Classic hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Kilbane Road in Andover; benefits organization’s charities. Find it on Facebook.

June 14-15, Dairy Days Festival in Cuba, Main Street will be filled with vendors and there will be live music, family-friendly activities and a milk bar; street dance at 5 p.m. Friday and a parade at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

June 21-23, Estival Festival in Caneadea and hosted by Sugar Mountain; live music with over 20 bands scheduled to perform; camping, fireworks, hot air balloon rides, fire spinning and fire walking, sound garden and drumming workshops, parades, stilt walkers, jugglers; tickets available at estivalfestival.com

June 22, Rainbow Revolution Pride Fest in Wellsville’s Island Park; noon to 4 p.m.; sponsored by the Cattaraugus-Allegany Liberation Collective; with music, art, workshops, vendors and fun activities.

June 23-30, Pioneer Oil Days sponsored by the Lions Club in Bolivar; celebrates the rich history of the oil industry in the area alumni and graduation; features antique tractor pull on Sunday and daily events throughout the week including an ice cream social; euchre tournament, scavenger hunt, strawberry shortcake festival and the annual Oilman’s Wall of Fame induction ceremony with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. The parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday followed by a car show and chicken barbecue.

July 4, Fourth of July Parade in Andover; annual parade will get underway at 10 a.m. and is part of the town’s bi-centennial celebration.

July 5, Lavendar Festival in Angelica; held in conjunction with the weekly Farmers Market, takes place from 9 to 4 p.m. in Park Circle.

July 13, Balloon Rally Parade in Wellsville; starting at 11 a.m.

July 14-20, MostArts Festival in Alfred; features classical music performed by world-class musicians with the Young Pianist Competition, daily chamber series, evening concert series and the vibrant world of Alfred Art, on the campus of Alfred University; all evening concerts in Miller Theater require tickets available on the MostArts website; all other concerts, exhibitions and events are free.

July 15-20, Allegany County Fair in Angelica; highlights the agrarian nature of the county with displays of vegetables as well as crafts, farm animals including cows, sheep, pigs and horses, rabbits, and fowl. The fair also entertains with musical performances and features displays of maple sugaring, nature, artwork a blacksmith shop and steam engines. Midway features carnival games and rides for an additional cost.

July 19-21, Great Wellsville Hot Air Balloon Rally in Island Park, Wellsville; four launches are

scheduled throughout the weekend starting at 6 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. Sunday when between 35 and 40 hot air balloons will lift-off from Lagoon Field.

Hot Air Balloon Rally

July 20, Main Street Festival in Wellsville; coinciding with the Balloon Rally; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature a variety of vendors, entertainment and games.

July 28, Shakespeare in Angelica; at 3 p.m. in Park Circle the Shakespearean acting troupe from Perry, Shake On The Lake, will perform “Henry V” alfresco. The event is free to the public, but donations are appreciated.

July 31, Shake On The Lake in Wellsville; at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of the David A. Howe Library “Henry V” will be performed by the acting troupe; free to the public.

Aug. 3, Heritage Days in Angelica; celebrate the history and heritage of the Town Where History Lives; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; music, digital walking tours, a basket raffle, arts and crafts an antique market, and displays of antique machinery and classic cars; cornhole tournament is planned and the croquet tournament.

Aug. 9-11, Bicentennial in Belfast; town will celebrate its 200th birthday with three days and nights of events in the town park.

Aug. 30-Sept. 2, Labor Day Celebration in Rushford; vendors, concerts, carnival rides, book and school supplies giveaways, a car show and demolition derby and more throughout the four-day event.

Sept. 8, Park ‘N the Park in Wellsville; enjoy walking amid the metal and chrome of the ninth annual Park ‘N the Park Car Show in Island Park, sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians; more than 200 antique and classic cars will be on display and vying for prizes.

Sept. 21-22, Garlic Festival of Cuba; sponsored by the Cuba Chamber of Commerce at the historic Block Barn on the grounds of Empire Farms on South Street; event celebrates all things garlic from growing seminars and braiding, and workshops to a special garlic market and cooking demonstrations; music and other performances, crafts and events for children; Garlic King and Queen will walk the grounds.

Sept. 27-29, Civil War Reenactment in Angelica; hosted by the 136th Ironclad reenactors; features encampments,  visitors can stroll through to see how Civil War soldiers and their families lived, ate and celebrated; free to the public.

BasilicaFest

Veterans Pow Wow

KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK AND SKYWALK

“One of the Top 10 most Scenic Skywalks in the World”

ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST

Four seasons of outdoor fun. Hiking, biking, mountain biking trails, ATV trails, camping, cabins, and RV sites.

SMALL TOWN AMERICA

Zippo Case Museum

The home of the Zippo Lighter

Penn-Brad Oil Museum

“The world’s first billion dollar oil field”

Family owned restaurants

Handcrafted artisan treasures