MIddleburgh Business Assn Reviews the Last First Friday

Photo and article by Sheila Donegan

The business association in Middleburgh, known as MABA, has experimented with varying times for its regular monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month. It has varied between morning and evening hours, in the attempt to include as many members and guests who can attend. This month, it was 8:30am today, at the Green Wolf Brewing Co.

 Of course, the conversation began with the most recent First Friday event, October 7, and that will be the last one for this year. It gets darker, earlier, and it was suggested that visiting vendors be told they might want to arrange for some lighting when they participate in the autumn. The event was very well-attended, despite the school homecoming game. Lots of people showed up after that.

 As always, stores and restaurants in the village keep later hours, vendors are allocated a spot to set up, there may be special activities, and there is always music. Curiosity takes people up and down the sidewalks, and everyone seems to have a good time.

First Friday in Middleburgh October 7th

Tomorrow marks the last First Friday of the season for the Middleburgh business district. Put on by the Middleburgh Area Business Association and the Village of Middleburgh, the event promises specials from stores, vendors, music, and more. There will be a special exhibit at the Best House museum on Clauverwie. A Farmer's Market will be set up on Main Street.

For more information please see the event's Facebook page.

Middleburgh Hosting Skating Day January 31st

Middleburgh is hosting a community ice skating day January 31st. The event, sponsored by the Rotary and Middleburgh Area Business Association will run from 5-8pm at the skating rink at Badgely Park. Hot drinks and popcorn will be available and the Middleburgh Firehouse will act as a warmup shelter.

Miracle on Main Street this Friday in Middleburgh

The Middleburgh Business Business Association published the itinerary for the Miracle on Main Street Christmas event in Middleburgh this Friday. Put on by the local Renaissance Council, there will be carriage rides, business openings, hot cocoa, Santa, and more.

Schoharie Las Vegas Night This Saturday

The Schoharie Fire Department is holding their annual Vegas Night fundraiser at the Fire House this Saturday, October 25th. The event, from 7pm until midnight features food and drink as well as blackjack, craps, and a money wheel. RSVP on the invite page on Facebook here.

Halloween Events: Zombies, Scares and Pumpkins -- Oh, My!

Halloween-time makes its grand entrance with all types of events guaranteed to give you a hauntingly great experience in the Schoharie Valley.

The focus on Oct. 25 is the Scare Fair and Zombie Run at the New York Power Authority in North Blenheim.  The Scare Fair that takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., , held in conjunction with Mine Kill State Park, features food, craft vendors, laser tag, music, a haunted house and children’s costume parade and contest at 12 p.m., with one pumpkin for each parade participant. The Scare Fair is free and the public is invited.

The Zombie Run 5K, sponsored by the Middleburgh Library Association, is a strike back against the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. The fun begins at 9 a.m. There is a fee of $35 for adults, $25 for those under 18 years of age, and $25 for Zombies (must be 16-plus).

At the Middleburgh Library, Ghost Detective with author Michael Worden, takes place at 1 p.m. Worden is a police detective and seasoned ghost investigator.

            The Pick--A-Pumpkin Pumpkin Patch is open through Halloween (closed Sundays) with hayrides, mazes and much more. Night Terrors Haunted Farm in Schoharie. continues through Halloween with appropriate frights for all!

            At the Landis Arboretum there is a full-moon Owl Prowl, led by the Arboretum’s Science Educator George Steele.             The next day, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lansing Manor on the site of the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center in North Blenheim, will be the scene for “Exploring the Spirits and Senses.”  At the Iroquois Indian Museum, there are stories in the log cabin at 1 p.m.

            But, for those who want an early start on fun-filled times, on Oct. 24 there is a Star Party that evening at the Arboretum and in conjunction with the Albany Area Astronomers. And, make a stop by the Dr. Christopher Best House in Middleburgh to see the life of a Victorian-era doctor’s family through Oct. 30.

Along the way from one event to another, businesses are ready to welcome you including Hive, Terrace Mountain Orchards, Wellington’s Herbs & Spices, Schoharie Valley Farms/The Carrot Barn and Barber’sFarm.

For more information about all there is to do and see in the Schoharie Valley, visithttp://schoharievalley.org.

Schoharie Pumpkin Festival Tomorrow

All are invited to Schoharie tomorrow for a pumpkin festival from 10am to 2pm. The event, put on by the Schoharie Promotional Association, will be full of activities. The event will be followed by the Schoharie Sloughter Auction.

This Weekend: Old Stone Fort 125th Anniversary History Fair

The Schoharie County Historical Society’s 125^thAnniversary History Fair celebrates history enthusiasts of all time periods and interest areas.  On October 11th and 12, at the Old Stone Fort Museum visitors can interact with historians from Roman times to the 1960s.  Not just living history military re-enactors, but also musicians, textile artists, restorers, authors and collectors covering more than three centuries.  Kids – admitted free – will also enjoy trying out colonial toys and games. 

The highlight of the History Fair weekend is a spectacular outdoor concert, “From Big Bang to Big Band: 125 Years of Music.”  Beginning at 5pm Friday Skip Parsons’ Riverboat Jazz Band will play popular tunes from the early 20^th century.  Then the Schoharie Valley Concert Band will play Tchaikovsky’s “1812" Overture in quite possibly the world’s first performance to feature cannons from three centuries (Revolutionary War, Civil War WWII and Korean War), plus historic bells ringing at the finale.  As if that isn’t enough, the concert continues with big band music for dancing by the Burnt Hills Melody Makers.  This free four-hour concert event is made possible in part with public funds from the Decentralization Program of the New York Council on the Arts, administered through the Community Arts Grants Program by the Greene County Council on the Arts.

Concert-goers are encouraged to arrive early to catch shuttle buses from parking lots and bring lawn seating.  All parking on Saturday is off site in nearby village lots, with continuous shuttle buses running to the Fort.

All weekend long, craftsmen and living historians will talk with visitors demonstrate skills from the past.  J.R. Winslow will demonstrate Roman horseback riding.  The military timeline includes the colonial 3^rd Tryon County Militia, Civil War soldiers, sailors and Zouaves, Irish Fenian Raiders, World War I doughboys, World War II G.I.s, and restored military vehicles and tanks from World War II to Viet Nam. Other presentations include an Iroquois warrior and a colonial doctor.  

The Golden Fleece Spinners and Weavers will demonstrate textile arts and natural dying.  Pioneer engines from the “Gas Up” event will be chugging and puffing as they pump water and press cider.  Barry Keegan will demonstrate the art of knapping flint to make stone tools, and Tinker Cross will discuss “1778, Inside and Out.”  Displays by local historical societies, museums and authors will round out the weekend’s offerings.

On Saturday, Cliff Oliver will speak as Solomon Northup, the nineteenth century author of Twelve Years a Slave(recently made into a movie), and there will be two performances of  “Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier, 1776-1976” a wartime music tribute by the 77^th NY Regimental Balladeers.

Sunday features traditional brass band music by the Chatham Cornet Band performing on antique instruments, and 18^th century popular music by Rural Felicity.

Major underwriters of the Stone Fort History Fair are the New York Council for the Humanities, the Schoharie County Occupancy Tax Board; the Donna M. Lavigne Agency and Fenimore Asset Management.  Other sponsors include the Bank of Richmondville, Ralph and Irmgard Buess, Kintz Plastics, Lavelle & Finn, LLP; Little Italy and Schoharie Valley Wine & Liquor, MDRM Industries, NBT Bank, Price Chopper, Sterling Insurance, and Stewart’s Shops.

See our website or our Facebook page for more details.

History and Harvest Weekend Features Many Events in County Oct 10-12

Throughout the Schoharie Valley, it’s time to celebrate a bumper crop of good times during the History & Harvest Weekend Oct. 10-12.

On Friday, Oct. 10, festivities begin with a Harvest Dinner that takes place from 5-7 p.m. at Wellington’s Herbs & Spices in Schoharie.  

. Noting its 125^th anniversary and preserving and promoting Schoharie County history is the Old Stone Fort. To commemorate -- and to celebrate the milestone -- the Old Stone Fort will host an outdoor concert on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 5-9 p.m.  The concert is the highlight of the Fort’s history Fair and it begins with “From Big Bang to Big Band: 125 Years of Music” with the Schoharie Valley Concert Band playing Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. It will feature real cannons from three centuries. The concert continues with a set from Skip Parsons’ Riverboat Jazz Band, followed by big band music and dancing with the Burnt Hills Melody Makers. The concert is free and all are welcome.

The Stone Fort History Fair throughout the weekend features a mixture of living history, historic re-enactors, musical performances, demonstrations and activities from more than three hundred years. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.

While the history fair is underway, the Village of Schoharie has its annual Pumpkin Festival that includes games, music, and an autumn bake off, a farmers ’ market and wagon rides to the History Fair. The Pumpkin Festival is from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Main Street in Schoharie. One of the festival’s features will be the Schoharie Sloughter[i] Auction at 2 p.m.  with all items made, grown and offered in Schoharie. At the hive in Schoharie, their Music on the Porch Series features Critical Mass from 12-2 p.m.

Just down the road in Middleburgh on Oct. 11, will be the 23^rd Annual Fall Festival Parade with this year’s theme, Schoharie County Sloughters. The parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. from the Middleburgh Elementary School.

The Timothy Murphy 10K Run and Walk for the Environment gets underway at 9 a.m. on Oct. 11 at the Max V. Shaul State Park in Fultonham.

On Oct. 11-12, from Noon to 4 p.m., Lasell Hall in Schoharie will celebrate the restoration of the 1795 Tavern following the 2011 flood.

At a Taste of Europe, there’s an Octoberfest on Oct. 11 with live music, German food and beer starting at 6: p.m.

At the George Landis Arboretum in Esperance, the weekend includes a Bird Feeder Workshop led by Science Educator George Steele at 2 p.m. on Oct. 11 at The Meeting House. On Sunday, Master herbalist Barbara Nezek will speak on Herbal Wisdom: The Nervous System at 11 a.m.

On Oct. 10 and 11, get ready as the Night Terrors Haunted Farm  from 7-11 p.m. at 4193 State Route 7 in Schoharie with haunted hayrides and more designed to give a good fright

At the Iroquois Indian Museum in Howes Cave; where there are stories in the log cabin at 2 p.m. on Oct. 12. Plan to visit throughout the weekend Historic Lansing Manor and the Visitor Center on the grounds of the New York Power Authority in North Blenheim. In Schoharie. The 1743 Palatine Houseand the Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum are open. The Dr. Christopher Best House and Medical Exhibit in Middleburgh features a quilt show and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Along the way from one event to another, businesses are ready to welcome you with special offers during this special weekend including Schoharie Valley Farms/The Carrot Barn and Barber’s Farm.

For more information about all there is to do and see in the Schoharie Valley, visithttp://schoharievalley.org.

Airing of the Quilts Set for September 20th

The Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail has grown into a popular destination for Schoharie County residents and visitors to the area alike. The trail, which includes dozens of quilt patterns on barns, houses, and even a visitor's kiosk in Middleburgh span the County.

Photo credit: SC Quilt Barn Trail

Now the Quilt Barn Trail is hosting its Airing of the Quilts. It asks for those with quilts to hang them in a visible place and to pick up a map and drive the trail. Anyone interested can find more information on the group's website and Facebook page.

Kayak and Canoe Trip Planned for August 30th

A non-competitive trip down the Schoharie Creek is being planned and all are invited. The event, which will include both kayakers and canoers, is open to the public and will take place on August 30th. The organizers plan to have the start at 10am at the pavilion at Middleburgh's Tim Murphy Park and end at the Route 7 bridge in Schoharie. Anyone interested should bring their own watercraft, food, and drink and prepare for a friendly, easygoing love of local nature and the Schoharie Creek. This follow's Middleburgh's successful April kayak and canoe race.

More information can be found on the event's Facebook page.

"Vroman's Gnomes" Unveiled in Middleburgh

Hosted by the Artisan's Gallery, a new exhibit is electrifying Middleburgh. Vroman's Gnomes, the brainchild of local artist Mike Galli, has become a sensation. The event Friday night introducing the gnomes was a hit for adult and child alike.

Trading cards printed by Race Printing were also available.

Photo credit: Artisan's Gallery Fan Page

Rainy but Fun Car Show in Schoharie Saturday

The rain gods did not favor the car show in Schoharie this Saturday, but it was still a successful event attracting 50 cars.

Photos credit the Schoharie Promotional Association Facebook page.

Middleburgh Canoe Race Attracts Hundreds

Over a hundred contestants and hundreds of cheering family members, friends, and onlookers participated in the re-founding of an old Middleburgh tradition. The Middleburgh Sloughter Canoe/Kayak Regatta was held yesterday for the first time in almost thirty years. The event was a very popular one that used to pit many experienced canoe racers against each other. This new iteration now includes kayaks.

The results were tremendous. The number of contestants about tripled initial estimates and had more people involved than the original programs. The race started at the picnic pull off near Fultonham and finished in Middleburgh's new Timothy Murphy Park.

Middleburgh Fire Department handled safety for the event

Contestants old and young participated yesterday, including some that were involved in the original races. Rotary President Jim Spencer was MC and members of the Middleburgh Booster Club, Rotary, the Knights of Columbus, and others helped in the event.

All photos credit Sheila Donegan.

Gallupville Fish Fry this Saturday

The Gallupville Fire Department Auxiliary is holding a fundraiser fish fry this Saturday, March 22nd. The event, from 5-7pm is a take-out meal for just $9. All proceeds assist the School House Refurbishment Fund.

Photo Credit: Schoharie Count Fire Wire Facebook Page

Summit Fire Department Spaghetti Dinner March 30th

The Summit Fire Department and Summit Conservation Club are holding a spaghetti dinner on Sunday. March 30th to benefit a local family. The event, that starts at 1pm costs just $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Photo credit: Schoharie County Fire Wire Facebook Page

Annual Charity Grace Race April 26th

Fields of Grace Outreach, based out of Cobleskill, New York will be holding its annual Grace Race on Saturday, April 26th. Registration begins at 8:30am and the race, which includes both a walk and a race compontent, starts at 10am. The charity, which aims to build responsibility and Christian values for local children, has been instrumental in several programs, including working with the Boy Scouts, teaching Red Cross training, and the Rooms of Hope program, which fixed parts of dozens of homes across Schoharie County after 2011.

More information can be found on the Fields of Grace website.

Cobleskill FD to Hold 150th Anniversary in June

Just a year after Middleburgh's Fire Department celebrated its 125th anniversary, Cobleskill's Fire Department is preparing a commemoration of its own. The recently-created Facebook page for the event explains that the ceremony will take place on June 14, 2014.

The preliminary schedule has a lot of activity:

10:00am (lineup at 8:30am) - Parade starts from SUNY Campus and proceeds to Fairgrounds

12:00pm - Opening Ceremonies

1:00pm - Fire Muster, Firematics, Car Show TBA - Trophies for Fire Muster, Firematics, Car Show 5:00pm-9:00pm - Chicken Herders

9:00pm - Fireworks

9:30pm-1:00am - Skeeter Creek

Pumpkin Patch Mud Run on October 5th

The Pick-a-Pumpkin Pumpkin Patch is holding its first ever run next month. The event, which is including a 5k, a 2k run, and a mud run. Come on down for fum. More information here. All proceeds go to SALT.

ALS Dinner in Esperance September 28th

Come and support a good cause on September 28th in Esperance to raise money to fight against ALS. The affliction, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease is a way to get a great meal for a great price for the whole family.

This disease has affected our family greatly, please consider purchasing a ticket or making a monetary donation. TICKETS: $10 age 14- adults $5 age 6-13 and 5 and under free.

Sign up for the event here.