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Get ready to get muddy

16 Sep

It’s back: the muddiest, sloppiest, slippery-est, most fun way EVER to spend a Saturday morning.

It’s the Webster Recreation Center’s fourth annual Mud Run, scheduled for Saturday Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Mud Run is a a non-competitive, un-timed, one-mile run/walk along the Recreation Center’s obstacle course/fitness trail which loops around the back of the facility. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there will be some challenging obstacles. (There are ways to get around the mud and obstacles, but what fun is there in THAT?)

What’s really neat about this event is that kids and their adults can do it together. As you can imagine, the kids just love to see their parents (and grandparents, come on!) get down and muddy. It’s only $5 per person, and the organizers promise that there’ll be swag, fun and food. I can personally attest that it is tons of fun, and I hope to make it again this year. (That’s me in the photo, taken by my friend Patty.)

Click here for more details and registration information. You can sign up for any 15-minute wave between 10 a.m. and noon. You can also register when you get there.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, off of Phillips Rd.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/16/2024)

Webster Rotary seeks new members

11 Sep

You’ve definitely seen them in the news; Webster Rotary members helping out at food drives and community events, handing out scholarships and huge donation checks to local agencies. It’s an organization dedicated to making our world better, any way they can.

They already do a lot for our community, but they’d like to do more. Which is why the Webster Rotary is holding a membership drive; they know that with more members, the more good things they can accomplish.

The Rotary’s motto has always been “Service Above Self,” but they also strive to become an organization which can be considered a “Third Place.”

Past president Robyn Whittaker explained, “With everything going on in the world, people have their workplace, their home, but they also need that third place to be able to make connections and feel valuable in their community. Webster Rotary is just that place.”

So if you’re looking for a Third Place, and would like to learn more about the Webster Rotary Club, you’re invited to attend an information night on Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 PM. It’s a chance to find out more about the Rotary’s many community projects, chat with members, and have a bite to eat.

For more details and to RSVP, call or text Robyn at 585-424-0859, or email her at hairchic_y@yahoo.com.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/11/2024)

Webster Hope’s huge annual garage sale is ready to roll!

10 Sep

I stopped by Holy Trinity Church on Tuesday morning to check out preparations for Webster Hope’s annual garage sale, and was pretty impressed by what I found.

There were a few volunteers still finalizing the displays and pricing items, but most of the tasks had already been completed, thanks to more than three dozen volunteers working over the last few days to make sure everything is ready to go for Wednesday night. (And that’s not even including all the volunteers who have been gathering and pricing items since January, and the Thomas Titans football team who moved hundreds of boxes into the gymnasium from storage.)

Webster Hope director Margery Morgan says that this year’s sale is better than ever, with “soooooo many new items,” and a lot of items priced at just $1. They’ve got three rooms filled with just about everything you’d want to find, including …

… holiday (especially lots of Halloween), kids and adult books, toys, puzzles and games, housewares, lamps, clocks, stationery and office, party supplies, home electronics, pet items, baking and cooking ware, utensils, small appliances (each one plugged in and tested), handbags, home decor, floral, wall pictures and picture frames, religious items, garden, crafts, linens, tools, rugs, furniture, dishes, jewelry, sports equipment, luggage, baskets, baby items and lots more, all at great prices.

Basically, this is a don’t-miss sale.

It takes place at Holy Trinity Church, 1450 Ridge Rd., Webster, Wednesday Sept. 11 through Saturday Sept. 14. Hours are:

  • Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m.: Preview night; for a small admission fee, be the first to shop.
  • Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon; everything is half price

All proceeds will benefit Webster Hope, which serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need.

Here’s a preview of some of the thousands of items available:

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/10/2024)

OFC Creations’ The Boy From Oz features a young Webster actor

9 Sep

Webster theater fans who plan to attend OFC Creations’ upcoming production of The Boy From Oz (Sept. 12 to 29) might very well recognize one of the young actors: Cameron Korzinski, an 11-year old who hails form the west side of Webster.

The Boy From Oz is a tribute to the life of Oscar-winning Australian entertainer Peter Allen, from his early years in the Outback to his rise to fame in the 1980s. He’s best known for hits including “I Honestly Love You,” “Best That You Can Do,” “Not The Boy Next Door,” “Everything Old Is New Again,” and “I Go to Rio.” He gained fame despite struggling through divorce, failure, and the AIDS epidemic.

The show stars Blake McIver Ewing as Peter Allen and Marcia Mitzman Gavin as Judy Garland. Ewing is well known for playing Waldo in The Little Rascals and Derek in ABC’s Full House; and Gaven starred in the original Broadway cast of The Who’s Tommy.

Young Webster resident Cam Korzinski has a big role in the production, playing the part of young Peter Allen. And he’s definitely no stranger to the stage; The Boy From Oz is Cam’s 21st OFC production since he joined the studio in 2021, and his fourth professional show, which have also included Oliver, The Jolly Holiday Brunch at the Old Farm Café, and most recently, Billy Elliot, where he played the part of Billy’s best friend Michael. So he’s basically grown up doing OFC shows, kids programs and camps.

Backing up Cameron as understudy is another young man who’s no stranger to the OFC stage. Jack Hartman, also 11 years old, comes from Rochester. He and Cameron have been pretty much attached at the hip at OFC Creations for the last 11 years. They met in late 2021 when both were working on Aladdin, and have been best-theater-buds ever since. The Boy From Oz will be the seventh production they’ve appeared in together, including Billy Elliot.

This time around, Cam and Jack are working alongside some pretty famous (and Tony Award-winning) stars, which clearly is a reality of theater life which they long ago learned to take in stride. When I sat down to talk with them, they both presented themselves with poise and confidence. They’re both just entering 6th grade this year, but are already thinking about their futures in theater — while still enjoying their time with OFC.

“I would like to go to college for theater and acting,” Cam said. “But I’m just letting life take me.”

Jack is a bit more laser-focused.

“I’ve been thinking (about this) for a long time,” he said. “I always wanted to go to college for this definitely … do a bunch of shows, try out for Broadway young.” He’s even planning to get an agent within a few years.

So keep an eye on these young actors, everyone, because you may very well see their names in lights someday. But in the meantime, make sure to get your tickets for The Boy From Oz to see them in action.

The Boy From Oz will take the stage for 17 shows from Sept. 12 through 29 at the OFC Creations Theatre Center, 3450 Winton Place, Rochester.

The show is the first of OFC’s 2024-2025 Broadway In Brighton Series. The series continues in October with West Side Story, and future productions include The Prince of Egypt, Gypsy, Anything Goes and Jersey Boys. (Heads-up: Jersey Boys will feature Schroeder grad Adam Marino in an unbelievable performance as Frankie Valli.)

Individual tickets are on sale now for all of the shows, and season packages are also available. Click here for more information.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/6/2024)

Village of Webster 9/11 ceremony details

6 Sep

One of the most solemn anniversaries in our nation’s history comes around again next week, a terrible day which changed our nation forever, and which has become known simply as “9/11.”

The Village of Webster’s Sept. 11th Memorial Ceremony has been scheduled for Wednesday Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. at the gazebo in Veterans Memorial Park on North Ave.

The Village always does a very nice job commemorating this event, in a ceremony that usually lasts around 45 or 50 minutes. It includes first responders and local and regional political representatives who offer some comments. The Chorus of the Genesee is usually on hand to perform patriotic tunes.

Members of the Webster Fire Department are planning to congregate at the station on South Ave. at around 5:30 and march as a group to the ceremony. You won’t want to miss that.

Click here to see the blog I wrote about last year’s 9/11 ceremony.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/6/2024)

What’s happening at the library

5 Sep

This month’s edition of WHAT COOL THINGS HAS THE WEBSTER PUBLIC LIBRARY COOKED UP? runs the gamut from a picture frame swap to tie dying, egg carton mushrooms to beer.

More to come about all that, but first I want to share this Long Range Plan Survey which the WPL folks hope that everyone will take a moment to fill out — and that includes anyone who doesn’t even use the library very much. The survey is only 17 questions long (it took me about 6 minutes) and will go a long way towards helping the WPL develop their plans for the next several years.

So what do you love about the library? What don’t you love? What do you think they could do better? The Webster Public Library folks really want to hear from you. Click here to access the survey (and they’d really love to have your response by Sept. 20).

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Now on to all of those cool things happening this month:

For adults

An Evening With John Kucko, Thursday Sept. 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: TV sports anchor John Kucko will entertain everyone with stories that feature the Rochester area. Registration is required. (This is full, but you can put your name on a waiting list.)

Adults-only hike at Four Mile Creek Saturday Sept. 14, 9 to 11 a.m.: The Webster Public Library and Friends of Webster Trails are partnering for an easy and beautiful hike through Four Mile Creek Preserve at the corner of Phillips and Lake roads. Registration is required because available spots are limited. Dress for the weather and bring bug spray and sunscreen.

Home Brewing with Upstate New York Homebrewers Association, Monday Sept. 30, 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Dave Wurster and Craig Mullen from the Upstate New York Homebrewers Association give a presentation on the brewing of beer. Registration is required.

For Teens and Tweens

Make in Monday: Egg Carton Mushrooms, Monday Sept. 9, 6 to 7 p.m.: For this month’s craft night, teens (grades 4 and up) and adults are invited to make egg carton mushrooms. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.

Teen Library Club, Wednesday Sept. 25, 6:30 to 8 p.m.: A group for teens grades 6 to 12 who enjoy books, games, crafts, food, sharing ideas, taking surveys, and just hanging out with friends. Registration is required.

For Kids and Families

Adventure Afternoon: Stem with the Three Little Pigs, Friday Sept. 6, 3 to 4 p.m.: Explore a topic with hand-on fun. This month, enjoy the story of the Three Little Pigs, and then design structures to see what will withstand the wind! Geared towards ages 5-12. No registration is required.

Tie Dye Fun! Tuesday Sept. 10, 5 to 7 p.m.: Bring a white t-shirt, pillowcase, socks etc… to tie dye! Don’t forget to wear clothes you don’t mind getting color splashed on. All ages are welcome. Registration is required, and please register each participant individually.

Family Fun Night: Star Wars, Monday Sept. 30, 6 to 7 p.m. Celebrate the start of Star Wars Reads Month (October) with Star Wars-themed crafts and activities. All ages welcome. No registration is required.

FOR EVERYONE

This month is Picture Frame Swap Month at the library! Bring all those frames that you can’t use anymore, and swap them out for ones that are just perfect for your needs. It’s happening all month.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/5/2024)

It’s festival weekend in Webster

4 Sep

There are THREE festivals coming up this weekend in Webster, and you won’t want to miss any of them.

The Webster Garlic Fest will be back at the Webster Recreation Center this Saturday and Sunday Sept. 7 and 8.

This is a great family festival. This year it will feature 140 vendors including crafters, food vendors, distilleries, wineries, food trucks, and of course lots and lots of garlic growers. They’ll fill the gymnasium and spill out onto the Rec Center grounds. Many of them provide tastings and samples. (Click here for a complete list of vendors.)

Even if you’re not a big fan of garlic, there’s still plenty to see and do. Like, you can cozy up to some baby goats and alpacas, and even a huge 70-year old tortoise. There are demos, Mr. Wally the Balloon Man will be on site, a comedian and entertainers.

The Webster Garlic Fest will be held Saturday Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. There’s plenty of parking in the Recreation Center lot, and even more across the street in the former Xerox parking lot, where a free shuttle will transport you back and forth.

Admission is only $5, and children under 12 are free. Click here to buy your tickets, or you can get them at the door.

The annual Barry’s Irish Festival will be coming to Webster for the first time this on Saturday Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Webster Fireman’s Field.

This is a must-see festival for anyone who loves Irish food, drink and culture. It will feature live Irish music, Irish beer, dancers, bagpipers, and Celtic crafts. There’s plenty of non-Irish stuff too, including food trucks, kids’ crafts and games, raffles, lots of vendors, lawn games and more. It’s also going to be a great opportunity to reconnect with the Barry’s Old School Irish community, many of whom we haven’t seen in a year. Basically, it’s a great family event, hosted by a great family.

Bands will include the Connemara Social Club, Rusty Kettle, Lucky Enough, Everheart, Gavin Barry’s Rebel Banjo Circus, The Irish Lassies, Celtic Cross and 1916.  

Food trucks will include Netsins, Sammies n’ Sweets, The Melt Truck, Schutt’s, Rustic Taco and Webster Hots.

Admission is $19.98 ($17 plus $2.98 Eventbrite fee). Click here to get tickets (but I imagine they’ll also be available at the gate.)

Click here to visit the Facebook event page for more details and a discount code for tickets.

ALSO on Saturday, Sept. 7, the Red, Hot and Blue Band, led by our very own Village of Webster neighbor Doug Pucci, will headline the 3rd annual St. Jude Benefit Concert at Gazebo Park on North Ave., from noon to 6 p.m.

In addition to Red, Hot and Blue, Shades of Grey and local favorite Sarah De Vallière will perform. Food will be available from Pub 235 and Guida’s Pizza. There’s no charge, but donations will be accepted to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So bring your lawn chairs, coolers and blankets and enjoy a full afternoon of tunes for a good cause.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/4/2024)

Webster community mailbag

3 Sep

Lots of notices came across my email in the few weeks I was out of town, so I’ll do my best to catch up.

Concert to benefit St. Jude

This coming Saturday Sept. 7, the 3rd annual St. Jude Benefit Concert will take place at Gazebo Park on North Ave., from noon to 6 p.m.

Three bands will take the stage, including Red, Hot and Blue; Shades of Grey; and local favorite Sarah De Vallière. Food will be available from Pub 235 and Guida’s Pizza. There’s no charge, but donations will be accepted to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So bring your lawn chairs, coolers and blankets and enjoy a full afternoon of tunes for a good cause.

NY Hope Garage Sale

NY Hope’s huge annual garage sale returns next week, with three days of bargains.

You probably all know about this incredible event from years past, so let’s get right to this year’s details:

Here are the details:

  • Sale begins Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6 to 8 PM; Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road. For a small admission fee, be among the first to shop.
  • Thursday, Sept. 12 and Friday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!

All proceeds go to Webster NY Hope, which serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need.

It’s chicken barbecue time again!

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

For our 55+ friends

I got the latest edition of the Webster Recreation Center 55+ newsletter recently. It’s always packed with tons of information, but I pulled out these tidbits in particular:

This month’s Talks on Tuesday schedule features a new informative presentation each month. They run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., there’s no charge and all community members are invited (not just Rec members). Registration is requested. This month’s programs include:

Sept. 10: SOCIAL SECURITY 101. Troy Gribnau from Edward Jones will answer your questions about Social Security, including how it fits into your retirement plan, when you should start taking benefits, how to the taxes work, and more. Registration is requested. Search for activity# 346940-C.

Sept. 17: ASTRONOMY FOR SENIORS. NASA Ambassador Jim Porter will help you discover the rich hobby of astronomy, with just a small pair of binoculars. Activity# 346940-D.

Sept. 24: MEDICARE. Sara Mason from Mason Wealth Management will host a workshop to help you understand what all the pieces of Medicare mean — parts A, B, C, D and Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Learn when you can make changes and why you should review your plan annually. Activity# 346940-E

And this last program I pulled out because it’s becoming more and more important these days to be able to spot AI-generated fake news:

Tuesday Sept. 10, FAKE NEWS & HOW TO SPOT IT TECH WORKSHOP, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Join technology instructor Daniel Jones to learn how to spot what’s real, what’s true, and what’s not. Learn about:

  • disinformation: How it spreads and how to recognize it
  • personal responsibility
  • the rise of deepfakes
  • fact-checking resources
  • terms you should know

Please register for activity #346014-A.

Oh, one more thing from the Rec Center.

If you’ve got game, you might be interested to know that the Rec Center has groups that play Canasta, Rummikub, competitive Scrabble, Mahjong, Bridge and Bingo every week. Check the newsletter for details about these and lots other 55+ programs.

Want to read more about Webster’s history?

The Webster Museum is developing an outreach newsletter for friends, members and supporters with more general information about the museum and local history. If you’re interested in being added to the distribution list, send your email address to WebsterMuseum@gmail.com.

ALSO, the museum folks have a mystery that they need help solving. Does anyone know how or why the penny-farthing (the high-wheel bicycle) came to be the museum’s logo? They’ve done some digging through their archives but haven’t been able to come up with anything. Let them know if you have any clues!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/3/2024)

The Irish are coming to town!

29 Aug

Danny and Jessica Barry and their beloved Barry’s Old School Irish pub might not be gracing our village’s four-corners anymore, but they’re coming back into town next week in a big way.

The Barrys will be holding their 5th annual Barry’s Irish Festival on Saturday Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Webster Fireman’s Field, just down the road from their former pub.

This is great news for anyone who trucked all the way out to Hilton for the Barrys’ last four festivals, which they held on their farmhouse property. And it’s also good news for those who didn’t want to truck all the way out there, but who love Irish dancing and music, because this is a rip-roaring festival.

Barry’s Irish Festivals feature everything we love about Irish culture: live Irish music, Irish beer, dancers, bagpipers, and Celtic crafts. There’s plenty of non-Irish stuff too, including food trucks, kids’ crafts and games, raffles, lots of vendors, lawn games and more. It’s also going to be a great opportunity to reconnect with the Barry’s Old School Irish community, many of whom we haven’t seen in a year. Basically, it’s a great family event, hosted by a great family.

  • Bands will include the Connemara Social Club, Rusty Kettle, Lucky Enough, Everheart, Gavin Barry’s Rebel Banjo Circus, The Irish Lassies, Celtic Cross and 1916.  
  • Food trucks will include Netsins, Sammies n’ Sweets, The Melt Truck, Schutt’s, Rustic Taco,
    and Webster Hots

Admission is $19.98 ($17 plus $2.98 Eventbrite fee). Click here to get tickets (but I imagine they’ll also be available at the gate.)

Click here to visit the Facebook event page for more details.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 8/29/2024)

The 2024 Webster Garlic Fest is just weeks away

24 Aug

The Webster Garlic Fest is returning to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday and Sunday Sept. 7 to 8!

This is a great family festival for anyone who loves all things garlic, and it keeps getting bigger and better every year. Somehow, organizers have managed to squeeze 140 vendors into this year’s festival, including crafters, food vendors, distilleries, wineries, food trucks and of course lots and lots of garlic growers. There are so many vendors that they’ll fill the gymnasium and spill out onto the Rec Center grounds. Many of them provide tastings and samples. (Click here for a complete list of vendors.)

But even if you’re not a big fan of garlic, there’s still plenty to see and do. Like, you can cozy up to some baby goats and alpacas, and even a huge 70-year old tortoise — and they all love to take selfies. There will be demos, Mr. Wally the Balloon Man will be on site, plus a comedian and entertainers.

And here’s something new this year:

You probably know by now that part of the proceeds from this festival benefit Wreaths Across America, which is dedicated to placing a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. If you stop by the Wreaths Across America booth and sponsor a wreath for $17, and you’ll get a free 12 oz. bag of fair trade, freshly roasted coffee from Costa Rica, courtesy Mission Coffee.

The festival will also benefit Blue Star Mothers ROC NY 8 and their efforts to support local military families and send care packages to locally deployed service members; and Gold Star Mothers Rochester, who support veterans in our community.

The Webster Garlic Fest will be held Saturday Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. There’s plenty of parking in the Recreation Center lot, and even more across the street in the former Xerox parking lot, where a free shuttle will transport you back and forth.

Admission is only $5, and children Under 12 are free. Click here to buy your tickets, or you can get them at the door.

Click here for a gallery of photos from last year’s festival.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 8/24/2024)