Reconnecting with “the boys” — part 2

26 Aug

I never really know when a particular blog will strike a chord with people, and sometimes it really surprises me.

Such is the case with the blog I posted yesterday about “the boys,” the group of guys I would join for coffee some early mornings when my kids were going to Schroeder High School. So many people “liked” and commented on that blog, I thought I’d post a follow-up today. Because I DID meet up with the boys again a few years ago.

So here’s the final installment of the story, which I originally posted on Sept. 20, 2020.

Reconnecting with “the boys”

There’s very little that will get me to set an alarm before 8 a.m. on Sunday morning — or set an alarm at all. But if it meant a chance to reconnect with “the boys,” I was happy to make the sacrifice.

I hadn’t seen the boys in more than ten years. I first met them back in 2008. I had to drive my son to Schroeder very early every Wednesday morning for his chorus practice, and since I didn’t have to be at work that early, I’d stop over to Hegedorn’s and have a cup of coffee.

On those mornings, several guys would be sitting in a nearby booth, drinking coffee and having lively conversations. For a few weeks, I would just sit and listen to their conversations as I read the paper.

In my first blog about “the boys,” on June 6, 2008, I wrote:

The talk bounces from politics to the best hunting and fishing spots, from the weather to the stock market. The conversations are always animated, the opinions always presented with conviction and an “I-don’t-care-if-you-agree-with-me-or-not” attitude. And if I keep my ears open, I occasionally pick up a vital kernel of knowledge such as “Never argue with a proctologist.”

But before long, I started joining in the conversations myself, and unofficially became one of the gang.

I started really looking forward to Wednesday mornings, which turned into Thursday mornings the following year when my daughter entered Schroeder and started chorus.

But early that school year, the boys were displaced when Guida’s Pizza moved into Hegedorn’s. I found them only once or twice after that, hanging out at nearby Bill Gray’s, but soon lost touch.

Until this morning. Thanks to a chance meeting with Tony, one of the original boys, at yesterday’s NEQALS groundbreaking ceremony, I found out that the guys are still meeting every morning, most of the time at Burger King on Hard Rd.

So I got up early and headed on over. I hoped they would remember me.

I shouldn’t have worried. As soon as I walked in I saw the smiles and heard some delighted greetings. The group’s grown a bit — they don’t fit in one, or even two booths anymore — and we’re all ten years older. But the conversations have pretty much remained the same.

And, coincidentally, Doug has a proctologist appointment this week. Hoping he remembers that sage advice from years ago.

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

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(posted 8/26/2023)

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Bygone blog: Wednesday mornings 7 a.m.

25 Aug

I got to thinking about Hegedorn’s recently, and how much I miss it. And THAT got me to thinking about several blogs I wrote over the years about one of my favorite things about Hegedorn’s: “the boys.”

In honor of our hometown grocery store which is no more, and the arrival of the new school year, I pulled out some of those blogs. I present them here as part of my on-again, off-again series of Bygone Blogs, in which I’m re-posting some of my favorite blogs from the last 15 years. This one was originally published on June 4, 2008.

Wednesday mornings 7 a.m.  

One of the things I think I’ll miss most as the school year comes to an end is my Wednesday mornings at Hegedorn’s.

Frequently this year I’ve had to drive my son into school before classes Wednesday mornings for his men’s chorus practice. Early on I decided that just because he had to be at school at 6:45, I didn’t. So I began stopping by Hegedorn’s Cafe for coffee and a paper to fill the time before I had to be at work. That’s how I got to know the boys.

The “boys” are the Wednesday-morning regulars who, like me, make Hegedorn’s their watering hole before heading off to the face their day. They always sit in the same booth, where they proceed to solve the problems of the world.

Settled into a nearby booth, I sip my coffee and read the paper, and occasionally tune into their conversations. The talk bounces from politics to the best hunting and fishing spots, from the weather to the stock market. The conversations are always animated, the opinions always presented with conviction and an “I-don’t-care-if-you-agree-with-me-or-not” attitude. And if I keep my ears open, I occasionally pick up a vital kernel of knowledge such as “Never argue with a proctologist.”

I’ve never really gotten to know my Wednesday morning coffee buddies. The only guy I even know by name is Doug. Even if none of the other boys has yet arrived, I can always count on seeing Doug, sitting in the same spot in the same booth when I walk in. He’s always good for a smile and a wave.

But now that school’s almost over, I won’t need to get up early on Wednesday to drive my son. For that matter, my son’s graduating this year, so there may not be any more early Wednesday mornings for me.

And that makes me sad, because the Hegedorn’s boys always started my day off with a smile. 

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I would write about “the boys” a few more times. The next time was a few weeks later, shortly after the Democrat and Chronicle had published my “Wednesday mornings” blog in the paper...

Last Wednesday morning was fun. The editors at the D&C chose then to re-publish my “Wednesday Mornings 7 a.m.” blog about the “boy’s club” I had gotten to know at Hegedorn’s. I made a point that morning to tuck the paper under my arm and visit Hegedorn’s Cafe one last time before the end of the school year. I wanted to make sure “the boys” saw the paper.

I needn’t have worried. As soon as I walked in I saw that Doug, whom I had mentioned in the blog, had the article spread out on the table, and was calling anyone with earshot to come over and see it. When he saw me, he threw out his arms, gave me a big smile and a bigger hug. He was tickled pink to have seen his name in the paper (although one of Doug’s friends said I should have mentioned that he’s single.) I clearly had made his day. And it was a great way to start mine.

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My daughter entered Schroeder that September and signed up for women’s choir, which meant that I had to drive her to school reallystinkingearly on Monday mornings, which gave me at least another year to visit with the boys before school. But then, in January …

I had a bit of a scare this morning.

I dropped my daughter off early at Schroeder for her a capella group practice as I usually do, and continued to Hegedorn’s to begin the work week with my regular Monday morning cup of coffee and laugh fest with “the Boys.”  But as I drove into the strangely empty parking lot, I saw that the café was dark. The doors were locked.

The Boys were not there.

I had been warned that this day was coming. Plans have been in the works for a while for Guida’s Pizzeria to take over the Bill Gray’s Pizza Café at Hegedorn’s.  Now, the Boys told me they had gotten assurances that the new owners would continue opening early every morning. But who really knew for sure?  

So when I saw the place dark, my heart skipped a beat. “Now wait,” I told myself, “Don’t panic. The Boys said they would leave a note if they were displaced, telling me where they were.”  So I drove by the front door.  Twice.

No note.

So where could they have gone? Starbucks across the street?  Nah, no way. Couldn’t see the Boys at Starbucks.  Maybe Dunkin’ Donuts in the village…that’s a long way to go, and there’s a chance they’re not there, but I could do it and still get to work on time.

Then a flash of brilliance: someone in Hegedorn’s has got to know where they went. Sure enough, I popped into the store, went up to the customer service desk (where they know everything) and was promptly told that the Boys were at Bill Gray’s down the hill.

Sure enough, there they were, packed into two booths like always, solving the problems of the world. My week was saved.

The good news is that Guida’s only needs to close the café for a few weeks for renovations, and then will reopen in the mornings.  So I’m looking at one more morning at Bill Gray’s, then life gets back to normal.

But it really doesn’t matter where the Boys are. (Except maybe Starbucks. I might have to draw the line there.) I’ll always find them, and they will always start my week off with a smile.

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

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(posted 8/25/2023)

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Bed races, wellness fair, trick-or-treating and more

23 Aug

Lots of exciting events are coming down the pike in the next few months, courtesy the Webster Business Improvement District (BID), and I picked up a few more details about many of them at the most recent BID meeting.

Registrations are beginning to come in for Webster Community Bed Races, scheduled for Saturday Sept. 16. This should be a tremendously fun event and a great chance for local businesses and organizations to get a little publicity. It’d kind of be like building a parade float. But with wheels. And you have to push it. But otherwise, JUST like a parade float, fancy and creative and fun. I’d love to see beds from organizations like the school district, service clubs, maybe Miracle Field and the Friends of Webster Trails. The more the merrier!

Click here to see the previous blog I wrote for more details.

A brand-new Webster Health and Wellness Fair will be coming to the village on Saturday Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It will be held at Village Hall on West Main St., and showcase many of the health and wellness businesses and professionals from our community. More details to come.

The annual Trick or Treat Trail is on the books, scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., so stay tuned for more about that. Also, the Bourbon Bash will be taking place again this year, and there’s still talk about squeezing in a Beer Walk soon, but I didn’t get a set date for that. And of course, the village’s Winter Wonderland will be back the first Saturday in December, so get that on your calendar.

As details are finalized for these events, they’ll be posted at websterbid.com, so check back there frequently.

By the way, the BID logos I’ve posted here are brand new. They;ve just been introduced, and I think they’re quite attractive. Look for them everywhere you read about the Webster BID and the great events they sponsor in our village.

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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 8/23/2023)

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A “stinkin’ good time” returns to Webster in September

21 Aug

The Webster Garlic Fest is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. 

After a three-year hiatus, one of Webster’s most popular family-friendly festivals, the Webster Garlic Fest, will be returning to the Webster Recreation Center on September 9 and 10. 

This year’s Garlic Fest promises to be the biggest one yet. Organizers report that almost 100 vendors, food vendors and food trucks, wineries and distilleries will be there, offering a wide variety of treats from clams, garlic shrimp and lobster tails from Ontario Seafood, to barbecue from Mission BBQ and fresh pasta from M.O. Pasta. (To see a whole list of vendors, visit webstergarlicfest.com.)

Plus, there will be free demonstrations, lots of family activities, informational displays from local agencies, and wine and whiskey tastings. So even if you’re not a huge fan of garlic, there will be plenty of vendors and activities for the entire family.  

The Webster Garlic Fest will be held Saturday Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Admission is just $5, with ages 12 and under free, and will be sold at the door. Find out more on the Webster Garlic Fest Facebook page, or visit the website here.

All proceeds from the Webster Garlic Fest will benefit Wreaths Across America in Webster, which is dedicated to placing a wreath on the grave of every one of the 3,000 veterans who rest in Webster’s seven cemeteries. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester, to build care packages for our locally deployed servicemen and women. 

Write a message on the “stars for our heroes”
“Adopt a hero” by sponsoring a Wreaths Across America wreath

Wreaths Across America and the Blue Star Mothers will both have informational booths at the Garlic Festival where you’ll be able to support both causes directly.

In the Blue Star Mothers’ “Stars For Our Heroes” booth, families will be able to write a message on a wooden star for our locally deployed service members. The stars will be included in the Mothers’ November care package shipment.

In the Wreaths Across America booth, community members can choose an “Adopt a Hero” ornament from the Christmas tree and sponsor a wreath in honor of the veteran whose name is written on the ornament. Wreath sponsorship only costs $17, and $5 of each sponsorship will be donated to the Blue Star Mothers to help fill and ship their care packages.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/21/2023)

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Photos from the Jazz Festival

20 Aug

Another excellent Webster Jazz Festival is in the books.

The weather could not have cooperated any better Saturday night when thousands of jazz lovers filled West Main Street to enjoy an afternoon and evening of great music, presented by some very talented musicians. The food and beverage vendors lining the street were kept busy all night, and the pubs and restaurants that stayed open during the festivities definitely saw increased traffic. And I have to say, the village never looks more beautiful than on Jazz Festival night, with the white lights twinkling in the trees and stretched across West Main.

It was especially nice to see so many children in the audience, dancing to the music along with their parents and grandparents, clearly having the time of their lives.

A lot of effort goes into this annual festival, and we have Tom Spoonhower and the Webster Business Improvement District to thank for that. They do a great job every year showing the entire Rochester area how vibrant — and charming — the Village of Webster is.

Click here to check out my gallery of photos from Saturday night.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/20/2023)

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WWFD hosting a Citizens Academy

19 Aug

Have you ever wondered about how your local fire department does what it does? What the training and equipment are like? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to hold a live fire hose. Then read on, because this great FREE program was designed with you in mind.

The West Webster Fire Department is hosting a Citizens Academy, which will answer these and many other questions you might have. It’s a six-week program held Sept. 18 through Oct. 23, and is geared towards the residents of the West Webster Fire District.

The WWFD describes the program on their flyer:

The relationship between the local fire department and the citizens it serves has often been one of curiosity and interest in the specific role that the department plays. On occasion there are some misunderstandings about the daily responsibilities of the fire department and how they contribute to our community.

This Citizens Academy held by the West Webster Fire District will provide an overview of the history of the fire service and your local department, along with the services of the Monroe County Fire Bureau. Additionally, participants will have hands-on experience and education about equipment and trucks.

The six-week program will be held every Monday night from Sept. 18 through Oct. 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the West Webster Fire District headquarters, 1051 Gravel Rd. There’s no charge, and registrations are being taken through the Webster Recreation Center. Click here to register online (program # is 326206-A) or call the Rec Center at 872-7103.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/19/2023)

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Kinecta presents donation to Wreaths Across America

18 Aug

Here’s a quick shout-out to Kinecta Federal Credit Union for their great “Kinecta Kindness Award” program and their decision to recognize a terrific local organization that’s close to my heart.

On Wednesday Aug. 16, Kinecta presented a $250 check to Wreaths Across America Webster, an organization committed to placing a wreath on the grave of every one of the 3,000 veterans who rest in Webster’s seven cemeteries.

The donation will be used to sponsor wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves at Webster Union Cemetery on National Wreath Day, December 16, 2023. Plus, $5 from every sponsorship will be passed on to the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester to help build care packages for our locally deployed service members.  

Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator Cherie Wood and Blue Star Mothers ROC NY8 president Amy VanDerwerken were on hand to accept the donation.  

Kinecta supports and employs both veteran and active duty service members, proving their commitment to the Wreaths Across America Webster and Blue Star Mothers (military families) causes. Kinecta Federal Credit Union is dedicated to supporting the community, providing both resources and volunteers for all sorts of community projects. Look for them volunteering at the Webster Garlic Fest, September 9 to 10 at the Webster Recreation Center, and helping the Webster community lay wreaths on National Wreath Day at Webster Union Cemetery.

The Kinecta Kindness Award program recognizes acts of kindness throughout the community. Wreaths Across America was nominated by Kinecta employee Kimberly Barkley.

Pictured above (L-R) are: Blue Star Mothers ROC NY8 president Amy VanDerwerken, Wreaths Across America Webster Location Coordinator Cherie Wood, Financial Advocate IV and Active Duty Army National Guard member Rob Seay, and Kinecta Community Program Manager Andrew Myers. Not Shown:  Assistant Retail Services Manager Ashley Michaels.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/18/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

17 Aug

Summer is quickly winding down, but the number of special events happening in these last weeks of the season have not slowed one bit.

Of course, one of the biggest events of the Webster year takes place this weekend, Friday and Saturday Aug. 18 and 19. It’s the Webster Jazz Festival, which for the last 17 years has brought some amazing jazz musicians to entertain us in the pubs and on West Main St.

The event kicks off with Music in the Pubs on Friday evening when six different bands are scheduled to perform at six different village pubs and restaurants, with staggered start times, so you can visit visit several (or all) of the venues for a drink and a bite to eat, and enjoy as many bands as you like.

The music continues Saturday night when jazz takes to the street. Beginning at 4 p.m., an outstanding lineup of entertainers will take to the big West Main Street stage, featuring musicians from around Rochester and Upstate. Bring some folding chairs and enjoy music all evening long. It looks like the weather will be perfect.

Click here to see my previous blog which includes the complete line-up of entertainers, or visit websterbid.com. You can also see a whole gallery of photos from last year’s Jazz Festival here.

The Webster Marching Band Boosters’ next Food Truck Rodeo is scheduled for Friday August 25 from 4 to 8 p.m at Webster Fireman’s Field.

The Marching Band Boosters sponsor various fundraising events throughout the year to help pay for the Webster Marching Band’s equipment, show productions, and competition-related trip expenses.

More than a dozen food trucks will be on hand, including The Meatball Truck, Roc City Sammich, Rob’s Kabobs, Kona Ice, Eat Greek, Chefs, ROCDilla, The Beer Wagon, Al Dente, Bay Vista Taqueria, Bruster’s, Mr. Squeeze and the Melt Truck.

There will also be face painting for the kids. (Clip the coupon from the poster.) Admittance to the rodeo is FREE, and all proceeds from the food trucks will benefit the Marching Band Boosters and Webster Marching Band members.

Webster NY Hope, in partnership with the Webster Public Library, is hosting a school-supply drive to help our local students have what they need to start the school year off strong.

Supplies are being collected at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd., and will be distributed at Webster Hope’s Back-to-School Night on Tuesday Aug. 29.

Enlarge the flyer to see what supplies are being requested.

Also happening soon at Webster Hope: their annual garage sale, scheduled for Sept. 13 to 16 at 1450 Ridge Rd. This is always a huge sale, so make sure to put it on your calendar.

Speaking of garage sales, here’s a final reminder to drop off your donations for the upcoming Webster Museum Barn Sale, scheduled for Sept. 14 to 16 at 394 Phillips Rd.

The barn doors are open, and community members are invited to stop by anytime to drop off donations. Just head down the driveway to the barns, and donations can be left inside. Donation receipts are on the table. Although you can donate any day, museum volunteers are on site Monday mornings if you would like assistance unloading your donations.

Donations will only be accepted through Monday Sept. 4 (Labor Day) so museum volunteers will have plenty of time to get everything ready for the 14th.

Acceptable items include antiques, collections and collectibles, kitchen and household items, décor, small appliances, toys, tools, and small furniture. What CANNOT be accepted include books or magazines, computers, clothing, linens, baby cribs or car seats, large furniture, snow skis or water skis, large exercise equipment, audio or video tapes (VHS tapes, music cassettes, etc), or entertainment electronics, (TVs, stereos, DVD players, etc).  

I’ll be highlighting the barn sale again as it draws closer. But in the meantime, get those donations … un … donated!

Looking forward to September, the annual Webster Rocks ALS music festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9 at Firemen’s Field.

The festival is held to raise awareness for ALS in memory of Kacie Jones, a longtime employee of the Coach/Rubino’s, who passed away from ALS at 31 years old, less than two years after he was diagnosed. Proceeds will benefit organizations that fight to change the standard of case and empower people with ALS. (Visit www.healingals.org or www.teamgleason.org for more information.)

The festival will be held on Saturday Sept. 9 at the Webster Firemen’s Field on Ridge Rd. There’ll be food trucks and plenty of liquid refreshment. Doors open at 2 p.m. and an incredible music line-up starts at 3 p.m., featuring Anthony Blood, State Line, Brass Taxi, Dial Up and M80s. (Check the Facebook event page for more details about the schedule.)

Tickets are $20 in advance (available from the Coach Sports Bar, 19 W. Main in Webster) and at Eventbrite (but they charge fees, so stop by the Coach to save money). Cost is $25 the day of the festival. Admission is free for ages 12 and under.

If you can’t get enough music, here’s another FREE concert taking place that same day, Saturday Sept. 9 at Gazebo Park on North Ave.

It’s the second annual RHB St. Jude Benefit Concert, which this year features not just your hosts, the Red Hot and Blue Band, but also Sarah De Vallière, The M-T-V Jam Band (Moore Tyrrel and Vaughan) and The Tug Hill Band. Pub 235, Guida’s Pizza and Terry’s Tips And Beef will also be there with some great food.

This concert is becoming an annual event to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in honor of September being Child Cancer Awareness Month. The bands start performing at 1 p.m., and admission is free, but donations in any amount will be gratefully accepted throughout the show.

Those special events are just the tip of the September-entertainment iceberg. Here’s a quick look at several other events you’ll want to get on your calendar. I’ll provide more details in future blogs, so stay tuned.

  • Saturday and Sunday Sept. 9 and 10: Webster Garlic Fest at the Webster Recreation Center. Click here for more information.
  • Monday Sept. 11: Village of Webster 9/11 ceremony, featuring the Webster Village Band. Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at Gazebo Park on North Ave.
  • Friday and Saturday Sept. 15 and 16: Oktoberfest to benefit Challenger Miracle Field. Click here for more information.
  • Sept. 16 to 24: Miracle Field Week, with several events to benefit Challenger Miracle Field, including the Oktoberfest (see above), a concert by the Zac Brown Tribute Band, a corn hole tournament, and more. Details here.
  • Saturday, Sept. 16: The Webster Community Bed Races. Click here for more information.
  • Saturday Sept. 23: Third annual Mud Run at the Webster Recreation Center. Read more about it in this blog. I WILL be there.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/17/2023)

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Ladies and gentlemen, start your beds!

15 Aug

Registrations are now being taken for the Webster Community Bed Races, which are returning to the village on Sept. 16 after a many-year absence.

Teams of four bed pushers and one “sleeper” will navigate an obstacle course down East Main St., cheered on by crowds lining the sidewalks. The beds must be non-motorized, and the “sleeper” must wear some kind of sleepwear. Races will be held in two-bed heats, with a final elimination race. Creativity is greatly encouraged!

Complete rules, bed design specifications and registration links can be found on the Webster BID website, but here are a few highlights:

  • Beds can be no larger than a standard double bed
  • Wheels must be NO larger than 8 inches
  • There are five people per team, four pushers and one sleeper
  • Each race will include one challenge stop

It’ll be a great event to watch from the sidelines, but definitely more fun to be a participant. Sign-up is happening now, and racers are encouraged to register soon before the race card fills up. Cost is $25 per team for ages 14-19, $50 for ages 20 and over. Deadline for entries is August 31.

This is a great chance to advertise a business, collaborate on a fun family activity, or get some neighbors together for an unforgettable morning. You can even use the opportunity as a fundraiser for your favorite charity, asking friends and neighbors to pledge money, and post signs on your bed to raise awareness. For more details about bed specifications and to register, visit the Webster BID website.

I’m really looking forward to the creativity on display that day!

The 2023 Webster Bed Races will be held Saturday Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. on East Main St. in the Village of Webster. The event is sponsored by the Business Improvement District along with Webster Rotary, Webster Lions Club and Webster Kiwanis, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Community Chest.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/15/2023)

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4th annual Barry’s Irish Festival is Sept. 16

14 Aug

The entire Village of Webster was saddened by the recent news that our favorite Irish Pub, Barry’s Old School Irish, will be closing its doors in just a few weeks — at least for the short term (we hope).

But the GOOD news is that we can celebrate the pub and all things Irish with Danny and Jessica Barry at the 4th annual Barry’s Irish Festival, scheduled for Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at their farmhouse in Hilton.

This has become a very popular, family-friendly festival for everyone who loves Irish culture, from dancing to music, vendors of Celtic crafts, bagpipers, and of course good Irish brews. There’s always plenty for the kids to do, lots of good food, raffles and games.

You can click here for a lot more details about what’s on the schedule, but here are some highlights:

All day:

  • Food trucks: Webster Hots, Netsin’s Ice Cream, Red Osier, Cheesy Eddie’s, Rustic Taco, Fried Dough and Desserts
  • beer truck
  • craft vendors
  • The Talking Tent where you can explore Irish history
  • Jameson Irish Whiskey reps
  • Clonakilty Irish Whiskey reps
  • the Raffle Castle

Entertainment:

  • 10 a.m.: traditional Irish music session
  • 11:40 a.m.: Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums
  • Noon: Connemara Social Club
  • 1 p.m.: Jamieson Irish Dance will teach some Irish Dance steps for the kids
  • 1:30 p.m.: Peg Dolan and Sharon McHargue
  • 2:30 p.m.: Jamieson Irish Dance
  • 3 p.m.: Lucky Enough and Everheart
  • 4:30 p.m.: Celtic Cross
  • 5:30 p.m.: Young School of Irish Dance
  • 6 p.m.: Dave North Trio
  • 7:30 p.m.: Gavin Barry and the Rebel Banjo Circus
  • 9 p.m.: 1916

Other highlights:

  • Yoga class courtesy Ryan Barry (10 a.m.)
  • Pick-up soccer game (1 p.m.)
  • Roc City Gaelic on hand to demonstrate hurling
  • Kids’ activities and crafts (noon to 2 p.m.)
  • Corn hole tournament (3 p.m.)
  • Proper 12 Irish Whiskey sampling (2 to 8 p.m)
  • Parade led by the Gates Keystone Police Pipes & Drums (4 p.m.)
  • S’mores kits for everyone (7 p.m.)
  • green and gold eggs hidden throughout the grounds with raffle prizes
  • raffles every hour

The 4th annual Barry’s Irish Festival takes place Saturday Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at The Barry Patch Farm, 2668 Brick Schoolhouse Road, Hilton. Tickets are available at the pub for $15 (2 West Main St., Webster), and can be purchased online here. You can also get them on the day of the festival, when they’ll be $20. Kids 16 and under are free.

Visit the event’s Facebook page for more information, and if you have any questions, email Danny and Jessica at Barrysirishpub@gmail.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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/14/2023)



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