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December History Bit: Meet the Webster Museum (Part 6)

9 Dec

What do a pig ringer, a bull leader, a hog scraper, a hitching weight and a goose collar all have in common? Well, if you were a Webster farmer back in the 1800s, these items were all helpful tools of your trade. And while you’re not likely to find any of these gadgets on a farm these days, you can see them all at the Webster Museum.

Our “Meet the Webster Museum” tour makes our last stop in this month’s History Bit, ending on the right-hand side of the building as you enter the museum, where these farming implements are part of an eclectic collection of 19th-century tools and labor-saving appliances that offer a glimpse into life in early Webster.

Our tour began last January, and so far, we’ve strolled down the Village of Webster’s Main Street, revisiting Witmer’s Variety Store and the Candy Kitchen; stopped into Mayor Hawley’s office and a recreated pharmacy; paused to remember Webster’s many service stations and dairies; and peeked into an early parlor, bedroom and kitchen. Here at our last stop, near the farming tools and other everyday necessities, visitors can also see presentations about two of Webster’s earliest and most profitable industries: apple drying and basket making.

All of these displays, however, really just scratch the surface of the impressive variety of exhibits at the Webster Museum that illuminate our town’s early history, as well as the extensive resources available for anyone interested in researching their family or home.

For example, these include:

  • three different kids of early washing machines on the “back porch,” including one that looks and operates a lot like a butter churn;
  • evidence that mammoths passed through here (and left a molar) and that Native Americans hunted and fished here;
  • an authentically recreated one-room schoolhouse, complete with double desks, a schoolmaster’s desk, a collection of early textbooks, and early teaching aids;
  • typewriters and rotary phones (yes, they’re historical artifacts now!);
  • an exhibit highlighting our local military veterans;
  • a toy room filled with dolls, trucks and trains;
  • the “barn” (the museum’s front porch) with farming tools, a display about the “Blue Line” trolley that once rolled through Webster, and Holly the Horse pulling a one-horse sleigh.

And tucked way in the back is a research library devoted to cataloging Webster’s history, with an extensive archive of books, photos, maps, documents, and more. Community members are welcome to use it to explore their own heritage.

The Webster Museum is a true community gem, devoted to preserving and celebrating our town’s rich history. If you’ve never visited, make it a new-year goal to stop in. And if you have been there before, come back to see what’s new; the seasonal exhibits are always changing. At the very least, take a spin through the Webster Museum website; it’s filled with terrific stories and insights into our town’s past.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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

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(posted 12/9/2025)

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The Turkey Trot is soon! Have you signed up yet?

22 Nov

The 54th annual Webster Turkey Trot is approaching fast, but there’s still time to register.

The Turkey Trot, organized by Fleet Feet, is an annual Thanksgiving Day race which features a 2.5-mile fun run and a 4.4-mile race along roads and grassy fields in Webster Park. The race began in 1972, started by Webster cross country coach and English teacher Jim May as a practice run for his cross country team. It has since become a very large (typically around 4,000 runners), long-standing tradition in the Webster community.

The 4.4-mile 2.5 mile routes both start at the corner of Holt and Lake roads. Even if you’re not running the race, watch for traffic restrictions beginning at 8:30 a.m., impacting Lake Rd., Whiting Rd. and Holt Rd. Registration is open through Wednesday Nov. 26 at 5:45 p.m., and all new registrants will receive a cool tote bag. Plus, all participants receive a finisher medal.

Parking for racers can be a challenge, especially when we’re talking about 4,000 runners, but there will be shuttle buses running from Willink Middle School and Thomas High School from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Lots more information about the race, including how to register, the race routes, when and where to pick up your packet, parking information, and more can be found at the Webster Turkey Trot website.

Fleet Feet will also be running a donation drive for Webster Hope during packet pick-up. This is a great opportunity to show your support for our community and thankfulness for all of the blessings we enjoy — enough food on the table, a warm place to live, good health. To thank you for your donation, you’ll receive a Mystery Buck valued at 10 to 50% off any full-priced item in store at Fleet Feet.

Hope’s November wish list includes (these are the most critical needs, but all non-perishable foods are welcome):

  • Baking items- flour, sugar, cake and brownie mixes
  • Cooking oil
  • Canned peas
  • Canned pineapple
  • Canned beets
  • Canned potatoes
  • Pasta sauce
  • Pasta, whole wheat is NOT popular

Hygiene Products

  • Dish soap
  • Laundry soap
  • Any toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream, lotion, etc.

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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 11/22/2025)

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Your inside look at what’s happening on Webster’s trails

6 Nov

I got my digital newsletter from the Friends of Webster Trails the other day. It’s my quarterly reminder about all of the amazing things this group is doing for our community, and an opportunity to share some of those things with you all.

You can read the whole newsletter for yourself here on the Friends of Webster Trails website, but here are some of the highlights:

Improvements to the Hojack Trail

If you’re a regular trail user, you’ve probably already seen all of the recent improvements made to the Hojack Trail. Thanks to a large grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund, over the summer months, the Friends worked hard through the summer, resurfacing the entire stretch between Holt and Drumm roads. The new surface solves a lot of recurring drainage problems, and is also suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

In the weeks since the resurfacing was completed, new bollards have been installed to prevent motorized vehicles from driving on the trail. Still to come: benches, kiosks, informational panels, new wayfinding signage and new plantings.

New Herman Rd. Trail

Back in August, the Friends officially introduced another brand new trail system, the Herman Road Forever Wild Forest, located on Herman Rd. east of Pellett Rd. The mature forest features two miles of easy and intermediate trails, which connect with the pink and orange trails at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. (Click here to read the blog I wrote after the ribbon-cutting.)

Trail counter program

The Friends’ trail counter program has continued apace this year. The goal of the project is to try to get a handle on how many people are actually using the trails and which trails are most popular. Knowing which trails are more heavily used, and which might then need the most care, will help the Friends target their limited maintenance funds to where they’re most needed.

The trail counting gadget is being deployed methodically across all 28 miles of trails which stretch throughout our town. The numbers they’ve seen so far are surprising. Click here to read more.

Eagle Scouts have been working hard

Here’s a quick rundown on some of the projects completed this year by our Webster Eagle Scout candidates:

  • Whiting Road Nature Preserve: Two old boardwalks were removed, new boardwalks were installed, and a new bench was added.
  • Hojack Trail at Lake Road: A new kiosk was built at the Lake Rd. trailhead, replacing one removed during the reconstruction of the trail at Lake Road.
  • Vosburg Hollow Nature Trail: The bridge over Shipbuilders Creek was replaced. It was a huge project, which you’ll read more about in another blog soon.
  • Bird Sanctuary Trail: Two benches were replaced, and a table added.
  • State Road Nature Preserve: Three new benches and a table were installed, along with three new boardwalks along the creek, and a new kiosk at the parking lot trailhead.
  • Four Mile Creek Preserve: This trail system saw some major maintenance. One puncheon section was rebuilt, another section was added, a bench was repaired, and a table was installed.

Kiosks sport new look

Speaking of kiosks, you might have noticed how the trailhead kiosks are all getting a fresh, more professional look. They’ve been newly stained and they’ll all soon include updated rules, regulations, maps and history panels.

ReTree effort

The Friends’ ReTree effort has been busy this year.

The Webster ReTree Project was begun in 2022 to address the loss of forests to insects and disease, by raising and planting a variety of native trees. Its two objectives are to improve the ecological resiliency of forested habitat and to increase public knowledge of the threats to local forest ecology. This year’s accomplishments include:

  • Potting more than 300 seedlings for the ReTree nursery
  • Planting 30 large pollinator-friendly plants along the Hojack Trail between Klem and Hard roads.  
  • Repotted seedlings as they outgrew their pots, kept the nursery weeded and watered during the very dry summer.

There was lots more in the newsletter about trail improvements made this year, including a new side trail at the Michael A. Johnson Preserve, and an extended Blue Trail and new viewing area at the State Rd. Preserve. Click here to go to the newsletter and read more about all of these great enhancements.

And don’t forget about the Hot Cocoa Hike this Saturday Nov. 8. This year’s evening hike is at Finn Park at 7 p.m., just days after the full Beaver Moon, so the conditions should be excellent! Register online so they know how much cocoa to make, and bring your own cup and flashlight.

Click here to read more about it and to register.

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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 11/6/2025)

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Great things are happening at Miracle Field

31 Oct

You’ve heard me sing the praises of Rochester Challenger Miracle Field many times here in this blog. This incredible facility provides adults and children with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

Miracle Field is nationally respected, and since its completion in 2017, has served as a model for other communities across the country to rally support and build their own fields. Located in Ridge Park adjacent to the Webster Town Hall on Ridge Rd., it’s an amazing example of what dedicated volunteer and community support can accomplish, and is a huge point of pride for our town.

The centerpiece of the facility is a cushioned, fully wheelchair-accessible baseball field with bases and a pitching mound painted onto the surface so that there are no raised obstacles, and extra-large dugouts designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other apparatus. There’s also a concession stand, restrooms and a pavilion with picnic tables.

If you’ve never stopped by to see Miracle Field, you really should. And right now, you’ll see that this incredible facility is getting even better, with the addition of a new pavilion, designed to provide athletes and their families a warm, safe, and welcoming space to gather before and after games.

The new space, which is being built on the south side of the existing concession stand, will be a spacious 32′ x 34′. It’ll be enclosed by garage doors which will block the stiff westerly winds and can be opened or closed depending on the weather. That’ll be especially appreciated during winter events, and the extra space will mean Miracle Field administrators will no longer have to rent expensive tents.

Construction began weeks ago and is proceeding apace, but the project has experienced some unexpected rising costs. So a GoFundMe page has been established to help raise the necessary funds.

Click here to donate and know that every dollar will go to supporting some very special athletes.

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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 10/31/2025)

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The numbers don’t lie: we really LOVE our trails

16 Oct

Not long ago, I got a behind-the-scenes look at an important initiative being undertaken by the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT). They call it their “Trail Counter Study,” and it’s an effort to determine how much our trails are being used.

I’ve been a huge supporter of the all-volunteer Friends of Webster Trails for years, and I frequently hike the trails they work so hard to build and maintain. So I’ve always known that the trails are very popular.

But I had no idea just how popular.

Two years ago, the Friends purchased a trail counter — a heavy-duty, military-looking gadget which uses an infrared beam to record the number of people who cross its path. Its operation is pretty simple; basically, the counter is attached to a tree on one side of a path, it shoots its beam across to a reflector on the opposite side of the path. When someone interrupts the beam, he or she is counted.

Richard adjusts the counter

It’s a daunting project. Thanks to the Friends’ efforts, our town now boasts an amazing 28 miles of trails, stretching from Lake Rd. to the north to State Rd. south of the village. And eventually, they want to compile stats on every individual trail in the system.

FWT volunteers John Boettcher and Richard Murray are leading the project. The day I got my behind-the-scenes peek at the operation was a beautiful early-autumn day, ideal for a hike. John and Richard led me perhaps a half mile to the Green Trail at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve to where the counter had been installed days earlier. I watched as they worked together, adjusting the counter on the tree, and carefully calibrating the infrared beam so it would reflect accurately across the trail and back.

They’ve become a well-coordinated team. Before Richard came on board as a volunteer about 18 months ago, John often found himself trying to juggle both responsibilities, doing a kind of back-and-forth dance as he tried to precisely aim the beam. By himself, it took “forever,” John said. “I’d aim and go over and move it and go back.” But working together, he and John finished the job in less than a half hour.

The trail counting project was in large part prompted by COVID. On weekends during the shutdown, John said, so many people were using the trails that “you couldn’t park your cars in the lots. They were parking along the roads. So that prompted the question, ‘How much are the trails being used?'” Knowing which trails are more popular, and which might then need the most care, will help the Friends target their limited maintenance funds to where they’re most needed.

Accurate data is also important for when the Friends apply for grants. Typically, grantors want to know how and where the money will be used, and whether it’s actually necessary. Having hard data helps the Friends make their case.

Right now the Friends only have one counter (they’re rather expensive), which they’re methodically deploying on one trail after another, usually leaving it in place for about a week to get a full seven days worth of data. They’ve already installed it near the main access points of each of our trail systems, but are still working on getting it onto every individual trail within those systems. And there are a lot of them.

The data they’ve collected so far is pretty impressive. For example, in just one week, more than 1,000 people visited Gosnell Big Woods. That’s an estimated 50,000 people a year, and even if the counter is recording both the coming and going of a visitor at a main trail head, those counts are still huge. The Bird Sanctuary Trail and Gosnell Big Woods are also seeing very big numbers, almost reaching a thousand a week at certain locations.

The counter also provides hourly data which can be used to examine the most popular times of day for trail usage. But that’s a project for a later date.

Thanks to their trail counter, there’s a lot of data pouring in, but there’s a lot more to learn. Knowing how many people use the trails is a start, but the FWT would also like to determine WHO the users are — hikers, dog walkers, bikers? Unfortunately, the counter can’t help with that stat. What the Friends really need are observers to actually sit along the trails and tally the different categories of trail users. If you’re interested in helping with this, please contact John Boettcher at john2w3b@gmail.com.

Which leads me to my regular public service announcement. If you’re one of those thousands of people who use our trails and you’re STILL not a member, please consider becoming one. It only costs $15 (individual) or $20 (family) a year, and your donation will help them continue to do great things for our community.

But better yet, become a volunteer. Join their work parties. Sit on a trail some beautiful day this fall to count and chat with hikers. Email John for more information about that, or check out the Friends of Webster Trails website for more volunteer opportunities.

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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 10/10/2025)

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Good news from the Arboretum and the Hojack

10 Sep

I got some email updates recently about two beloved Webster attractions that are back in action after undergoing some much-needed repairs.

First, the newly reconstructed Robert and Carroll Manning Bridge at the Webster Arboretum was officially welcomed back Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It took several months to complete the work, and strong support from the Webster community helped make it happen. Back in July the Arboretum set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the estimated $12,000 needed to reconstruct it. That effort collected more than $6,000 alone, and the donations are still coming in. The folks at the Arboretum are incredibly grateful for that support.

Wendy Mendola from the Arboretum wrote,

Constructed in 2017, the Carol Manning bridge has become an essential part of the community landscape. In addition to its aesthetic value, the bridge holds significant symbolic importance to the arboretum, having been funded by community contributions and named to honor two long-term benefactors. For the volunteers who maintain the arboretum, the bridge is regarded as a key emblem of Webster, extending beyond its function as a physical structure.

The bridge holds considerable importance for both the Webster Arboretum and the surrounding community, serving as a notable location for photographs during weddings and other events. It is possible that images of the bridge are displayed in homes throughout the area.

Several local dignitaries attended Wednesday’s ceremony, including Arboretum Board president Carole Huther, Webster Chamber of Commerce President Barry Howard, Webster Town Board Deputy Supervisor Patty Cataldi and New York State Senator Samra Brouk.

I also got notice from the Friends of Webster Trails that the work they’ve been doing on the Hojack Trail is finally done.

The Friends wrote,

Temporary orange barriers at road crossings are in place, and the trail is open to walkers, runners, hikers, and bikers. The new surface is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, as well. As always, no motorized vehicles. Up next, FWT will be adding more benches and new signage, access gates, and plantings, with that work to be completed over the next several months.

Friends of Webster Trails couldn’t have done this project without the grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Funds and matching funds from a generous anonymous community member.

Click here to read more about the grant and the enhancements.

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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 9/10/2025)

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The Hojack Trail is getting better

21 Aug

It’s already one of the best trails in Webster — part of our town’s outstanding trail system — but the Hojack Trail is getting even better this summer.

Thanks to a large grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Trails Maintenance Funds, the Friends of Webster Trails has been working hard for many weeks this summer, improving the Hojack Trail from Holt Rd. to Drumm Rd.

The grant, totaling $181,086, is administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the funds are also being matched by an extremely generous member of the local community.

In addition to resurfacing the entire stretch between Holt and Drumm roads, the Friends will be adding drainage, plantings, signage and benches. The entire cost will be covered by the grant and matching donation.

“The Hojack Trail is one of Webster’s gems, and this project will make it shine even brighter for the thousands of people who use the trail each year,” said Sarah White, secretary and social media coordinator for FWT. “Each part of the project addresses an area of focus from a community survey conducted in the spring, and it enhances the trail’s connection to other parts of the community.”

FWT was founded in 1997 in large part to help maintain the Hojack Trail, so this project harkens back to those roots.

The new stone surface is expected to be completed soon (if it isn’t already). Other parts of the project will be completed over the next several months.

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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 9/21/2025)

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Discovering the Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest

10 Aug

I do believe I have a new favorite trail.

Most of my friends and acquaintances know that I’m a huge fan of our town’s trails. And when they ask me what my favorite trail system is, I invariably say it’s Four Mile Creek, which I love because of its natural beauty and the old cars that you can see along the paths.

But last week, the Friends of Webster Trails introduced me to the Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest — and it is beautiful.

Last Tuesday, the Friends hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new trail system, which is located on Herman Rd. east of Pellett Rd. The mature forest features two miles of easy and intermediate trails, some which were pre-existing, and others which were built and improved by the Friends. They connect with the pink and orange trails at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. allowing hikers to extend their adventure. Frequent blazes and trail markers make navigating the trails especially easy.

The two-year-long effort to preserve the land and create the trail system is an incredible example of how residents, businesses, local organizations and governmental agencies can work together for the good of the community.

The 28.7-acre parcel of land was acquired in late 2023 from Gary and Judy Wood, thanks to a $270,000 Community Forest Conservation Grant from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), procured by the Town of Webster, and a donation in memory of Michael A. Johnson. About 35 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, including Judy Wood and representatives from the Friends of Webster Trails, the NYS DEC and Webster Parks and Recreation.

After a few speeches and the cutting of the ribbon, Herman Rd. Trail Steward Ben Wisniewski led about a dozen hikers on a one-mile long walk along a few of the beautiful new trails. There were a few small hills, but in general it was an easy hike that snaked through old and new forest, thick with more than a dozen varieties of trees. Small animals skittered across the path, and birdsong filled the air. It was extremely peaceful.

A well-designed informational kiosk enhances the experience, providing lots of information about the preserve and its trail system. Plus, there’s plenty of parking.

The Friends of Webster Trails website has lots more information about each of the preserve’s four trails, including their difficulty and some of the natural features you can look for along the hike. There’s even mention of “hidden treasures”: a half-buried car engine, an old cistern, and a stone foundation.

So check out the website, then head on out to enjoy the new trails for yourself. And if you really like what you see, please consider supporting the Friends of Webster Trails by becoming a member. It’s only $10 for individuals and $15 for families. Your support will really help the Friends continue building and maintaining outstanding trails like these.

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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 8/10/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

7 Aug

Today’s mailbag is stuffed with reminders about many events I’ve already mentioned in the blog, but which might have slipped under your radar the first time.

This first one is coming up this Saturday Aug. 9, a “Hike Through History” at Webster Union Cemetery. This is a self-guided tour in which participants can step back in time and “meet” the some of our town’s earliest settlers. Historical re-enactors will be sprinkled throughout the cemetery to tell their stories from Webster’s earliest days. 

Hike Through History will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt 250 and Woodhull Road). Requested donation for the experience is $10, and all proceeds will be used to help repair the headstones of our earliest settlers. Read more about the event in this blog.

Take a test drive, win cool stuff

Also this Saturday, Aug. 9, West Herr Ford at 810 Ridge Rd. (corner of Five Mile Line) is hosting a Test Drive Fundraising Event from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to benefit the Webster Community Chest.

For every person who registers and takes a quick test drive, West Herr will donate $40 to Webster Community Chest. If 50 people sign up and drive, that means a cool $2,000 for one of Webster’s coolest agencies. Every person who test drives will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win Buffalo Bills merchandise and other prizes. Plus, lunch (or coffee and donuts) will be provided.

No appointment is necessary. Just walk in, and choose from a whole line-up of cars and trucks (or they’ll bring out something else off the lot if you want). Just hop in, take a short drive, return and hop out. No hard sales, no obligation. Takes about 15 minutes.

Marching Band Food Truck Rodeo

The Webster Marching Band Boosters will host their 9th Annual Food Truck Rodeo on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fireman’s Field on Sanford St.

Participating trucks include Bruster’s, Eat Greek, Macarollin, Mr. Squeeze, Rob’s Kabobs, Roc City Sammich and Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza. The event will also feature artisan vendors, a kids’ play place, face painting, plus a 50/50 and vendor raffles. Guests will also get a preview of this year’s Webster Marching Band show, “In Times Of” at 6 and 7 p.m.

Strike up the band

Our very own Webster Village Band will perform their final concert of the summer on Thursday Aug. 28 at the Harmony Park band shell on Phillips Rd. Titled “The Band Concert,” the selections will be traditional band standards, plus music from Billy Joel and Jim Brickman.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a cooler, and stretch out on the spacious lawn area in front of the band shell.

Donate school supplies

Webster NY Hope is collecting NEW supplies from now through Aug. 19 to stuff in backpacks for children in our community who are in need. You can see the entire wish list on the Webster NY Hope Facebook page.

Supplies can be dropped off at the Webster Public Library, or at Webster Hope during the agency’s open hours, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Music at the Arb

This summer’s final Music at the Arb concert at the Webster Arboretum is scheduled for Thursday Aug. 14, featuring the String Brothers from 6:30 to 8 p.m. These concerts are held at the gazebo, and are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

More from the Arboretum

The Webster Arboretum will present their next educational program, all about Dahlias, on Tuesday Sept. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The program will be presented by Patty Pirz, a local expert on the subject. Discover the culture, type, variety and care of the beloved dahlia. Learn how to grow and nurture these plants to their best advantage. It will be held in the Curry Building at the Arboretum, and is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.

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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 8/7/2025)

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Got my Santa list in early this year

26 Jul

So it was a hot and steamy 80 degrees outside Saturday morning, and people were out in their tank tops and shorts. Still, it looked like Christmas at Webster’s Joe Obbie Farmers Market, held every Saturday at Webster Towne Center Plaza.

It was the market’s annual Christmas in July celebration, and in addition to the market’s normal assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, cheeses, baked goods and more, Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to welcome children.

The jolly duo — who arrived by fire truck around 10 a.m. — didn’t seem phased by the heat, and had a busy morning, welcoming children and adults of all ages with a cheery “Merry Christmas!” as they walked by. Many of the young visitors were clearly excited to have the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and get their Christmas wishes submitted early. Others had to be coaxed a bit by their parents, many of whom also wanted their photos with Santa. But every child walked away with a candy cane, personally handed to them by Mrs. Claus.

The festive atmosphere filled the entire market, with holiday decorations and a harpist playing Christmas carols. And while there weren’t any actual Christmas lights, the fresh vegetables brought plenty of red, green and yellow holiday cheer.

As for all the Halloween decorations ALREADY appearing in the stores, I say bah humbug! But Santa at the farm market in July? I’m always a fan.

Here are a few more photos:

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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 7/26/2025)

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