Life in the Finger Lakes Summer 2003

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The Region’s Premier Magazine

$3.95 US/$4.95 CAN 3 2>

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74470 56218 4 www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com

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315-462-7184 • www.warfields.com 7 West Main St. • Clifton Springs, NY 14432

ur popular Sunday Brunch buffet features a selection of all your favorites as well as several of our signature dishes, combining over 150 years of success in the art of food preparation. In our fully equipped, state-of-the-art kitchen, we make our own pasta and sausage, smoke our own meats and seafoods and bake fresh bread.

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arfield’s is fully stocked with a wide selection of wines, liquors and both domestic and imported beers. The restaurant, lounge and piano bar enhances your dining experience with fireplace ambience and an extensive list of wines from our local New York wineries as well as selected wines from around the world.

Enjoy our menu which offers savory dishes from all points of the globe for lunch and dinner.

T

he second floor banquet room can accommodate up to 130 people for a sit down dinner, and up to 150 for cocktail parties. The rich decor is highlighted by a beautiful dance floor with a working fire place to warm the spirits of your guests, and is accentuated with controlled lighting and hanging tapestries.

ocated on the second floor, our banquet room boasts a genuine 1800s English Pub Bar. This authentic mahogany piece from an actual London pub came to us by way of New Orleans.

Now, fully restored, it serves as a breathtaking addition to our facilities as well as a beautiful conversation piece.

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ur award winning bakery offers everything from specialty breads, cookies and pies to decorated cakes.

Choose from a wide array of European and traditional styles and flavors. Warfield’s also serves the best Crème Brulée in Upstate New York.

We are easily reached via the NYS Thruway, between Exits 42 and 43, and Route 96. Just 25 minutes from Rochester, 45 minutes from Syracuse.

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Volume 3, Number 2 • Summer 2003

F E A T U R E S

20

ANTIQUE BOATING IN THE FINGER LAKES Vintage craft on display

By Dick Sherwood

26

THE NEW YORK STATE FAIR Still growing after 160 years

By Don Pickard

32

PEOPLE OF KEUKA LAKE

40

THE CHANGING COURSE OF NEW YORK’S CANALS

Lisa Carp’s photography captures the personalities of area residents

From pioneer trail to recreational waterway

By Cheryl Longyear

D E P A R T M E N T S

2

MY OWN WORDS Summer LETTERS

4 6 9 10 17 46 48 52 54

NEWSBITS ART APPRECIATION The Geneva Summer Arts Festival DAY TRIP Sugar Shack Blueberry Farm FRUIT OF THE VINE Cabernet Franc is Lively in the Finger Lakes LIFESTYLE Over-the-Top Grills SPORT The Bills Bring the Game to the Fans HOW-TO Prepare Your Dock MUSIC Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

57 Keuka Keuka Lake, Lake, looking looking northeast. northeast.

Photograph Photograph by

by Michael Michael Venturino Venturino

Cover Cover Photograph: Photograph: A A rare rare boat, boat, this this 18-foot 18-foot steel steel launch, launch, built built in in 1908 1908 by

by Michigan Michigan Steel, Steel, made made aa showing showing at at the the 2002 2002 Hammondsport Hammondsport Wine Wine Country Country Boat Boat Show.

Show. Photograph Photograph by

by Dick Dick Sherwood Sherwood

62 64

CALENDAR OFF THE EASEL Mary Michael Shelley, Self-Taught Artist

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O W N

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Af

Flowing Inspiration

EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR/EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Stash mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE . . . . . . . . Kari Anderson

A

canals, have shaped the history of New s I was studying the articles York. You can read about the origins of that were going into this issue the Erie Canal, and the evolution from of the magazine, I came across its commercial beginan underlying theme nings to the present that flows through day recreational use most of the articles – of the waterway. water. Summer is a The Erie Canal time of year when I also had an effect on tend to spend more the decision of time outside, and where to hold the part of that time is New York State Fair. spent enjoying the In 1841, Syracuse lakes and rivers from Photo Courtesy the New York State Canal Corporation was chosen for that the seat of a canoe or spot. Although the fair moved around kayak, or bicycling trails such as the a bit after the first year, Syracuse was one along the Erie Canal. chosen to be the permanent location The lakes themselves give us inspifor the fair. ration and activities to do. The pictoriThis summer, get out and enjoy al titled “People of Keuka Lake” is Lisa the music and art offered at the many Carp’s tribute to the people who live festivals and fairs throughout our and work around Keuka Lake. Everyone region. who is pictured has a story to tell.

Readers have occasionally asked Most of us who own boats, or even me if we will ever run out of things to those who don’t, can appreciate the write about in our magazine. I don’t see beautiful antique wooden boats that how this is possible, since our area is so grace the lakes during the summer. rich in history, culture, events, and natThere are two boat shows in our area ural beauty. We plan on bringing these that you can attend this summer – in stories to you for many years to come.

Hammondsport and Skaneateles. Turn Help us to do this by filling out a subto page 20 to see wonderfully detailed scription card for yourself or a gift card watercraft and to get information about for someone special. And thank you for the boat shows. your kind words and support.

A great number of pioneers started their westward journey on the Erie Canal, which starts in Albany and goes all the way to Lake Erie, in Buffalo. mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com This canal, and other connecting

Areas of interest in this magazine issue

Pittsford Skaneateles Geneva Gorham

Trumansburg

NEW YORK S TAT E

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. Kevin Fahy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Manzer PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE . . . Bobbie Jo Trumbull

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristin Grove CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Adams

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Donelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William H. Koelbel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Levy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Longyear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Moffett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don Pickard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dick Sherwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laurel C. Wemett EDITORIAL OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-0458 EDITORIAL FAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-781-6820 DIRECTOR

OF

ADVERTISING . . . . . . . Tim Braden tim@lifeinthefingerlakes.com

ADVERTISING EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . Tricia Burnett tburnett@fwpi.com

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES (800) 344-0559 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Hagerman jason@lifeinthefingerlakes.com

FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS (315) 789-0458 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tricia King

tking@fwpi.com BUSINESS OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-0458

800-344-0559 BUSINESS FAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-4263 Life in the Finger Lakes is published by Fahy-Williams Publishing, Inc. and owned by Eleven Lakes Publishing, Inc. Co-owners: Mark S. Stash; Timothy J. Braden. Copyright 2003 by Eleven Lakes Publishing, Inc. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Uncredited photographs and illustrations are by Mark Stash.

TO SUBSCRIBE, RENEW OR CHANGE ADDRESS: write to Life in the Finger Lakes, P.O. Box 1080, Geneva, New York 14456, or call 315789-0458. Subscription rates: $12.95 for one year.

Outside U.S., add $15.00 per year. For renewal or change of address, include the address label from your most recent issue of Life in the Finger Lakes.

For gift subscriptions, include your own name and address as well as those of gift recipients.

Life in the Finger Lakes 171 Reed St. • P.O. Box 1080 Geneva, NY 14456 www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com

Serving the 14 counties of the Finger Lakes region

Hammondsport

The Finger Lakes Region of New York State

At and ow

88 Nin 607

Bel Bin 607

Bu Cor 607 ww

Printed by Wilcox Press, Ithaca, New York

©20

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Wanted to be an astronaut.

Afraid of heights.

Wouldn’t settle for a window that blocked a single star.

At Marvin, what you want is always within reach. Each of our wood and clad wood windows and doors are made to order. You choose the style and design options that make it your own. To see the difference Marvin makes, visit our showroom. www.marvin.com 88 BC Building Supplies, Inc. Nineveh, NY 607-693-3200 Belknap Lumber, Inc. Binghamton, NY 607-729-1583 Builder's Best Do-It Center Cortland, NY 607-756-7871 www.buildersbest.doitbest.com

Builder's Best Design Center Ithaca, NY 607-266-0949 www.buildersbest.doitbest.com

Endicott Lumber & Box Endwell, NY 607-748-8227 www.endicottlumber.com

Builders Choice Lumber Co. Auburn, NY 315-252-5814

Liverpool Lumber Co., Inc. Liverpool, NY 315-457-2220

Chittenango Lumber Co., Inc. Chittenango, NY 315-687-6221

Morse Sash & Door Co. Rochester, NY 585-475-1010 www.morselumber.com

©2003 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.

Circle Reader Service Number 138

Ryan's Windows & Doors Syracuse, NY 315-425-7915 WindowSmith Fairport, NY 585-388-5110 www.windowsmithinc.com

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L E T T E R S Dear Editor,

Circle Reader Service Number 118

Explore the Historic

Oswego River Canal!

Discover the historic Oswego River Canal’s 24 miles of natural beauty, seven mighty locks, and 185 years of history as it flows from Three Rivers to Great Lake Ontario. Follow the route of James Fenimore Cooper’s Pathfinder, and experience first-hand the fun, the drama and the excitement of canalling!

Call Toll-Free Oswego County’s FISH•N•FUN Line

1-800-248-4FUN

www.oswegocounty.com Circle Reader Service Number 141

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YEAR-ROUND FISHING CANOEING AND KAYAKING HISTORIC SITES GREAT DINING UNIQUE SHOPS CAMPING GREAT FESTIVALS

My wife, Barbara, who was pictured baby-sitting two cubs in “Getting Along With Bears” (LIFL Spring 2003), died from colon cancer at age 52 on February 27th – one day before the magazine arrived. She never did get to see it.

The Region 8 bear study project was very important to her and helped give her the stamina to beat the odds for over two years. DEC Wildlife Technician Greg Fuerst, together with Wildlife Biologist Jim Fodge, and Conservation Officer Dick Thomas, dutifully kept Barb posted on the whereabouts of “her” bears and the mischief in which they sometimes engaged.

Barbara was adventurous and loved the outdoors. One of our first dates was a fly-in fishing trip to a backwoods Adirondack pond. She hunted turkeys and deer, and often upstaged me – photographically – with her wildlife images.

Living here in the woods, she befriended deer, foxes, woodchucks, and birds, and even wanted to adopt a wild mustang.

I want to thank you – in Barbara's behalf – for your coverage of Finger Lakes bears and for providing our family with a lasting memory of her in print.

John Adamski, Dansville

Congratulations to all of you connected with this beautiful, interesting Finger Lakes magazine. Enclosed is a check to cover the cost of subscriptions to my sister and my two sons. I know they will enjoy reading your articles as we have.

I am a former neighbor of Mark Stash’s family and his mother sent me a subscription to Life in the Finger Lakes. I had told her about our trip to the Finger Lakes area and how much we enjoyed it – what beautiful country.

We wouldn’t be having terrible wars if people would stop to “smell the roses” and enjoy nature. (Continued next page)

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L E T T E R S I’m 83 years old – just a country girl.

I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to plant a seed and watch it grow or take a cutting and wait for the tiny new growth to let me know “it’s okay – it took – it’s growing.”

I’m happy to say, at 83 I’ll still be working in my yard. God bless.

Eileen, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Our Spring 2003 issue of Life In The Finger Lakes just arrived, which we thoroughly enjoy and is the only magazine on our coffee stand when visitors/clients arrive.

I would just like to point out that on page 35 for the covered bridge caption it states “the only one in New York still in daily use.” There are three covered bridges in Delaware County, New York, that are still in daily use, one in Hamden, one in Delhi, and one in Downsville.

Great photography by the way, especially the bridge photo at Stewart Park.

Keep up the great work!

Outletevolved. shopping

Kelsey, Watkins Glen

The enclosed picture is from Seneca Lake. The flags were taken minutes after the twin towers tragedy, after I

100 STORES FEATURING Bose, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Carter’s, Eddie Bauer, Etienne Aigner, Gap Outlet, L’eggs Hanes Bali Playtex, Liz Claiborne, Maidenform,

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PacSun,

Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Reebok, Samsonite, Stride Rite Keds Sperry, Timberland, VF Factory Outlet, Wilsons Leather Outlet, Zales

lowered the flag to half-mast with the sun shining through the flag and the fog coming off of Seneca Lake.

Charles, Horseheads

Outlet and more AT SAVINGS OF 25% TO 65% EVERY DAY…SHOP BETTER WATERLOO, NY • RTE. 318 BETWEEN EXITS 41& 42 OFF THE NY STATE THRUWAY • (315) 539-1100 MON-SAT 10-9, SUN 10-6 • PREMIUMOUTLETS.COM • CHELSEA PROPERTY GROUP • NYSE:CPG Circle Reader Service Number 154

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Relax in Luxury N E W S B I T S TOP RATED

• • • •

Up to 80 jets Built in television Built in stereos Servicing all of Western and Central New York • Free Delivery within 100 miles

The Finger Lakes Premier Spa Dealer Over 30 on display, 100 in stock

585-223-4790 • www.sunbeampools.com 7278 Rt. 31, Fairport, NY 14450 Circle Reader Service Number 149

Art on Display from Past and Present There is an intriguing new art exhibit at the Mill Gallery and Art Center in the historic Mill Building at 61 North Main Street in Honeoye Falls. The opening reception party was held on Saturday, May 3, and the show will run to July 3.

This is the first show of its kind.

The name of the exhibit is “Scenes of Monroe and Ontario Counties, Past and Present: Featuring Canandaigua Lake and Squaw Island.” There will be 61 paintings displayed from current local artists and 64 from former regional artists now deceased. The best of watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels and pencil drawings will be represented.

About half of the artwork will be offered for sale. Accompanying the art show will be a new book published to include all 125 paintings and lively biographies of each artist.

This special exhibit is being sponsored by the Peacock Oriental

585374-6318 151 S. Main St., Naples, NY

2003 SEASON JUNE 12-29

JULY 3-13

JULY 17-27

JULY 31-AUG. 17 AUG. 21-31 SEASON PR ODUCER

AUG. 6-9 & 13-16

www.bvtnaples.org Circle Reader Service Number 107

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Erie Canal - Alan Singer Antiques Museum. Part of the proceeds will be directed to the Preservation Society of Squaw Island and the Ontario County Historical Society.

Please call Anne Peacock-Jacobs at the Mill Gallery at (585) 624-7740 for more information.

Garden Tour Benefits Literacy “Gardens in Bloom,” a tour of West Lake Road-area gardens in Canandaigua, will be held on Saturday, June 28, rain or shine. The tour is a fund-raising event for Literacy

Volunteers of Ontario County.

Each garden location features live entertainment provided by Finger Lakes-area musicians, including violinists, singers, clarinet players and a harpist.

Tickets are $20 each and are available in advance from the Literacy Volunteers office on Main Street in Canandaigua. For additional information, call (888) 546-5862.

Sonnenberg Gardens Is Open for 2003 Sonnenberg Gardens, located in Canandaigua, will be open to the public for the 2003 garden season from May 10 to October 12.

Sonnenberg Gardens is one of the most extensively preserved country estates to survive from the late Victorian era. The estate was the summer home of Frederick and Mary Clark Thompson and features 52 acres of themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden, Blue and White Garden, Italian Garden, Rose Garden, SubRosa Garden, Old Fashioned Garden, Rock Garden, Pansy Garden and Moonlight Garden. An 1887 40-room Queen Anne style mansion, greenhouse complex and other buildings complete the estate.

Sonnenberg Gardens, located at 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, is open daily. Hours are: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. from May 26 - September 1; 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. from September 2 October 12. Guided walking tours are also available.

For additional information call (585)-394-4922 or visit www.sonnen berg.org.

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N E W S B I T S

Sculpture Trail’s New Visitor Center and Gallery Opens The Ludovico Sculpture Trail in Seneca Falls, has opened its new visitors center and art gallery at 61 Ovid Street, Route 414, in the former Kionsky Scrap Yard Building.

Wilhelmina Pusmucans, director of the not-for-profit organization, says they plan on developing the building with areas open for potters and sculptors to work. The interior will eventually have seven 4 by 8-foot murals placed above the gallery space. These

Brian Patti created this sketch for his mural murals will depict the history of the area where the trail is located, from the ice age to the present. The sculpture trail follows the south-side route of the Seneca-Cayuga Canal, from Bridge Street to Sucker Brook on West Bayard Street in Seneca Falls.

Twenty-seven area artists are participating in the opening show of the gallery, which will run until July 12.

The art will reflect Seneca County scenes – the lakes, barns, architecture and natural beauty.

Contact Wilhelmina Pusmucans at (315) 568-8204 for information.

Wine and Herb Fest – A Success The Cayuga Wine Trail held a tasty event which spanned two weekends – April 26/27 and May 3/4. The Wine and Herb Fest featured 15 wineries that matched their special herb delicacy with their own, unique wines. Each participant received a souvenir wine glass and a small potted herb, which is perfect for getting your own herb garden started.

The herbs included dill, lemon balm, sweet genovese basil, silver edge Circle Reader Service Number 147

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N E W S B I T S thyme, oregano and more. A total of 15 herbs were used.

For more information about next year’s event, and to visit the Cayuga Wine Trail wineries, call (800) 6845217 or visit www.cayugawinetrail.com.

Finger Lakes Wine Festival Start making your plans to attend the 2003 Finger Lakes Wine Festival supported by Corning Museum of Glass scheduled for July 18-20 at Watkins Glen International. Over 60 prestigious wineries from throughout New York will be on hand offering tastings and sales. Enjoy arts and craft vendors, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, live music, a food court, pace car rides, the CMOG Hot Glass Road Show and much more. Plan to join us for our second annual kick-off celebration on Friday night. Other special events

include a champagne breakfast and a gourmet tasters dinner. For tickets and information call (607) 535-2481 or visit www.FLWineFest.com.

Walk the Runways On June 14, the Lifetime Assistance Foundation will host the fourth annual “Walk the Runways” event at the Greater Rochester International Airport. Air traffic will be closed on Runway 237 first thing in the morning and preparations for the big event will begin. Prior to the walk there will be a sanctioned 5K Run. The run is open to all age groups with prizes awarded in each category. The Lifetime Assistance Foundation was established in 1994 to raise awareness and necessary funds to assure that the high quality programs and services at Lifetime Assistance Inc. will always be available

Circle Reader Service Number 114

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for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Bristol Valley Theater Bristol Valley Theater, one of the fastest-growing professional summer theaters in the Finger Lakes, is located at 151 South Main Street in the heart of Naples. The 2003 summer season includes “And the World Goes ’Round” (June 12-29), a musical revue of the songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, composers of this year’s Academy Award-winner “Chicago”; Neil Simon’s “California Suite” (July 3-13); the exciting thriller “The Passion of Dracula” (July 17-27); the sizzling musical hit “Five Guys Named Moe,” featuring the music of Louis Jordan (July 31-August 17); and Pulitzer Prize-winning play “The Gin Game”(August 21-31).

Call (585) 374-9032 for tickets.

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A P P R E C I A T I O N

Where Art Meets the Lake Geneva Debuts Five-Week Summer Arts Festival

JULY 16 – AUGUST 17 2003

By Margie Whiteleather

H

and theatre performances will take place ighlighting the rich array of at the lakefront, at Trinity Episcopal cultural offerings in Geneva, Church, the Cellar Pub on the Hobart New York, the Geneva and William Smith Colleges campus Summer Arts Festival 2003 will kick and the historic Smith Opera House. off a full schedule of theatre, music, art Visual arts exhibits will be held in exhibits and more, from July 16 street-level and upper level gallery through August 17, 2003, in the downspaces, created just for the town and lake arts district festival in order to highin Geneva. light future plans to “Our aim is to fill develop studio and loft the downtown and spaces for artists. lake arts district with so “Planning for many wonderful events the festival has that you simply canconfirmed our not do it all in one vision that there day. From classical are numerous to jazz to rock, he Geneva Arts Development groups already children’s theatre Council was founded in 2002 as an doing great things to riveting drama, offshoot of the Cultural Arts Center committee of the Smith Opera in the arts, and an we will provide the House. Its mission is to promote the audience eager to art to make your arts in the city of Geneva in order to enrich the community and particilearn more about summer,” said pate in the revitalization of the them. We believe Mark Wenderlich, downtown area. Its current goals are to initiate collaboration among area that cultural executive director organizations that share the goals of events such as the of the Geneva Arts art and revitalization, to foster develsummer festival Development opment of arts education programs for children, to make downtown will contribute to Council, the group locations hospitable for artists’ studio the enrichment of organizing the fesand gallery space, and sponsor events such as the Geneva Summer the community tival. “Whether it Arts Festival 2003. and revitalization is striking sculpof downtown,” said ture, the stirring Murray Heaton, president of Geneva word of a poet or the strains of music Arts Development Council. that get you excited, we are looking to A detailed calendar of events is provide a great time for you in Geneva online at www.genevarts.com. Through this summer.” the website calendar other organizaEvents will take place at multiple tions can add listings for their own locations within the city, with many events. A detailed area and venue map days having two or more simultaneous is also available. By telephone, inforofferings. Because Geneva’s downtown mation and tickets for most events are is in a compact grid layout adjacent to available through the Smith Opera Seneca Lake, almost all locations are in House at 315-781-LIVE or walking distance of each other and 1-866-355-LIVE. numerous restaurants and shops. Music

FIVE SOLID WEEKS OF THE ARTS! music, theatre, dance, visual arts, poetry, and fun ra House Smith Ope Restored

il Sjoblom Photo: Ne

T

Birdsong

by Nancy the Well” “Yuka at

Geneva, New York...

Where Art Meets the Lake www.genevarts.com

(866) 355-5483 For Tickets and Information Circle Reader Service Number 125

Photo: Seneca Lake Whale Watch Festival

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D A Y

Get ready for

SUMMER SALE www.brycemarine.com

T R I P

Pick Your Own Blueberries at Sugar Shack Blueberry Farm

$

By Laurel C. Wemett

17,795

$

9,695

$

8,895

1682 Manitou Road Rochester (585) 352-9485 Circle Reader Service Number 108

W

hen you’re at the Sugar Shack Blueberry Farm you would never know New York is not the leading blueberry-growing state in the nation. (It trails behind Michigan, New Jersey, and several other states). Raising blueberries has been the number-one pursuit of the owners for 20 years at the 55-acre farm at 824 East Swamp Road northwest of Penn Yan in Yates County, where 17,000 bushes cover 28 acres of the sloping farmland.

Mary Pat Pennell, Mary Michalec and Jan Carr, now all retired from careers in the academic world, work year round cultivating blueberries and other fruits such as raspberries and apricots. The women also tap hundreds of the maple trees on the property to make

syrup and raise bees for blueberry blossom honey. While 98 percent of their business is from the u-pick operation, pre-picked berries are also sold along with homemade jams, dressings, juice, and blueberry-related merchandise like the classic children’s book, Blueberries for Sal, in an early 19th century barnturned-shop. They also sell at the farmers market in Penn Yan, and when berries are not in season, they are available frozen at the farm.

But it’s during July and August, the height of the blueberry season, when the Sugar Shack Blueberry Farm comes alive with the arrival of hundreds of people with their containers ready to pick some of the 10 varieties of highbush blueberries grown there. Novice

Photographs by Dorothy Kennedy

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Enjoy great food and Finger Lakes Wines in an inviting atmosphere with a friendly staff.

Fine Mediterranean cuisine and gracious accommodations in a southern mansion...Perfect for that special occasion!

1978 Rts 5&20 • Waterloo 315-539-9300

206 West Cortland Street • Groton 607-898-5817 • www.benncongerinn.com

Rogue’s Harbor

THE FLAVOR OF

THE FINGER LAKES Use American Express ® Cards and Travelers Cheques at these and other

Famous for our Italian cuisine, served in a Friendly Family atmosphere since 1954. Family owned and operated for three generations.

Hearty Fare & Strong Spirits Comfortably Elegant Lodging in a 19th Century Landmark.

156 W. Utica Street • Oswego 315-343-3540 • www.canalesrestaurant.com

2079 East Shore Drive • Lansing 607-533-3535 • www.roguesharbor.com

Creative Fusion Cuisine

An intimate Bistro setting, offering a unique variety of Asian-style dishes. Select from wines and beer of the world.

486 Exchange Street • Geneva 315-719-0333

Intimate - Casual - Fine Dining by the fireplace. We combine the traditional with the trendy using only the finest ingredients.

3610 Pre-Emption Road • Geneva 315-789-8498 www.pastaonlyscobblestone.com

fine establishments.

Take a dash of atmosphere. Toss in a pinch of great service. Flavor with great food. Then add the American Express Card and mix well for a great

Family owned & operated since 1946.

An authentic Scottish inn specializing in beautiful overnight accommodations and exquisite fine dining.

A tradition of fine dining since 1833, this historical landmark is located in the scenic Genesee valley village of Geneseo.

Specify this magazine for a special discount.

46 Main Street • Geneseo 585-243-5220 • www.bigtreeinn.com

5 Albany St • Cazenovia 315-655-3431 • www.braelochinn.com

dining experience anytime in the Finger Lakes.

D & R Depot Restaurant Take a step back in time as you dine in a restored train depot where the food is homemade & the service is attentive.

Panoramic indoor and outdoor dining overlooking Seneca Lake. New American cuisine with Old World Roots. Located at the world famous Glen Motor Inn.

Great Steaks, Great Seafood, Good Times!

63 Lake St. (Rt.19) • LeRoy (585) 768-6270 • www.dandrdepot.com

3380 Rte. 14 • Watkins Glen 607-535-2706 • www.glenmotorinn.com

3993 West Road • Cortland 607-753-7238 • www.therustynail.com

Creative food in a sophisticated surrounding. Extensive Finger Lakes wine list & martinis.

Hamilton 258 Restaurant & Martini Bar 258 Hamilton St. (Rt 5&20) • Geneva 315-781-5323 • www.hamilton258geneva.com

M oretti’s Comfortable, casual bistro serving French and Italian country food.

24 Winthrop Street • Rochester 585-454-6020 • www.2vine.com

Discriminating people in increasing numbers year after year have chosen Moretti's as their favorite place to enjoy the finest Italian & American foods, steaks & chops.

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f you go to pick, wear sturdy water resistant footwear that will cope with damp, sometimes muddy field conditions.

Picking Hours in July & August are Monday, Friday & Saturday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday & Sunday: Closed. Also closed July 4th & Labor Day.

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FINGER LAKES

Directions From Geneva: Take Route 5 & 20 West to Kearney Road. Turn left on Kearney Road to town of Gorham.

Continue straight on East Swamp Road for five miles.

From Canandaigua: Take Route 5 & 20 East to Kearney Road.

Continue as above.

From Penn Yan: Take Route 14A North to Benton Center. Turn left on Havens Corners Road. Continue on Havens Corners Road. Turn right on East Swamp Road.

For more information on the Sugar Shack Blueberry Farm, call 585-526-5442.

berry pickers and “pros” with years of picking under their belts can get a lift to the bushes in a golf cart or on the custom-made “berry wagon.” “It’s a very social activity. You have people who are neighbors who haven’t seen each other in years that meet out here,” says Michalec, adding, “It’s an amazing socialization process. Kids four years old

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are sitting next to 90-year-olds.” The secret to their success, says Michalec, is giving everybody the same opportunity for unpicked bushes. “We don’t have them pick after somebody else. We monitor the picking and we teach the kids,” says the teacher-turned-farmer.

Sugar Shack Blueberry Farm represents a long-time dream of an agrarian life for Pennell. “We looked at property until we were blue in the face,” recalls the South Carolina native when relating how the business originated, “and found this one by just taking a ride on a Sunday afternoon.”

She and Michalec were teaching at Monroe Community College and Carr was at Nazareth College, so they needed their joint venture to be within commuting distance of Rochester. The first blueberry plants were planted in 1980 and the u-pick business got underway sometime later. “We opened selling a quart or two out by the roadside,” recalls Michalec. “It took a long time before there were enough berries to encourage people to pick.”

Carr is identified as the “mechanical genius” of the group, able to fix just about any piece of farm equipment. Out of necessity they design and fabricate a few pieces of their own. One invention is a mulcher side-delivery system for laying down the mulch on the bushes to eliminate weeds and cut down on the use of herbicides. They also developed a field netter that rolls out netting to cover the berries to deter birds as the berries ripen. (Thousands of birds love blueberries.) “We even find bushes with little nests,” explains Pennell. “That’s a smart mama bird; all she has to do is step outside the nest for breakfast!” says Pennell with bemused respect.

Then there are the picking buckets – another invention – which they say have now caught on at other u-pick operations. Made from a five gallon pail with a portion cut out of the lid, a pail provides both a seat low to the ground and a container in which the berries

Page 13

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can be dropped.

The inventiveness of the Sugar Shack partners extends to the development of new products such as their “Blueberry Quencher,” a best-selling juice. Pennell came up with the recipe which she likens to a blueberry lemonade and estimates she made over 400 gallons of the beverage last year.

“Quencher was developed with input from our field people,” explains Pennell, referring to seasonal employees who pick berries for the farm’s commercial customers. “We used to keep soda pop for them, but they were tired of that.”

Pennell went through four different formulas before hitting on what everyone agreed was the right proportions.

The three business partners are pleased that the health benefits of blueberries are becoming better known.

Michalec says, “They’re at the top of the list – the best of all the fruit foods; they have the highest antioxidant power of anything growing that we know of.” According to studies done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, blueberries were ranked number one of 40 different fruits, juices, and vegetables that are high in antioxidants, effective in slowing the aging process and many associated diseases. They are sodium free, low-fat, and full of fiber and Vitamin C. What doesn’t the public know about blueberries? The women agree it’s the fact that there are so many varieties. Most people just think a blueberry is a blueberry. In fact each variety has a different name, appearance, taste and ripening time. “Berkeley,” a favorite of the Sugar Shack owners and customers alike, is light blue, uniformly round, with a little crown, and a very sweet taste. These local berry experts say some varieties are better for pies; some are sweeter and others more tart. “When you give people a taste of the different varieties, they’re amazed, berries are similar to apples,” explains Michalec.

Circle Reader Service Number 115

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Mitch Pierson Jr. Ann Storm Mike Feldmeyer Enza Benham

e would like to give you a sample of other u-pick farms within the Finger Lakes region. Please contact www.fingerlakes.org or call (800) 548-4386 for more information.

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www.piersonrealtors.com 800-527-0074 23 Coach Street, Suite 1B/Canandaigua, NY 14424/ 398-2211

Virginia Butler C. Todd Herbik Mollie Coe Betty Clawson

Jerome’s U-Pick 8936 Route 53, Naples (800) U-PICK-IT Pick your own produce while looking over the Naples Valley. Seasonal: June & July, 7 a.m. - noon, u-pick strawberries and raspberries, Sept. & Oct., 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., u-pick grapes (14 varieties) and pumpkins.

Alasa Farms 6450 Shaker Road, Alton (800) 645-4251 Historic farm offering fun for the entire family. U-pick daily during fall apple harvest. Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. during apple harvest from Sept. 15 - Oct. 21.

Our Green Acres 3965 Waverly Road, Owego (607) 687-2874 U-pick strawberries, raspberries – summer beds, fall beds. Vegetables, u-pick peas, green beans, tomatoes, peppers, shell beans, pumpkins up to 250 lbs., Indian corn. June 1 - Oct. 31, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Daniel Hubbard Farm, Vegetable Stand & Greenhouse 86 South Main Street, Avoca (607) 566-8345 U-pick vegetables – peas, tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkins and more. Summer hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - sunset. Call for other hours.

Apple Barrel Orchards & Hearstrings Gift Shop 2732 Wager Hill Road, Penn Yan (315) 536-6818 Retail sales room featuring a large variety of apples, cider, cheese, maple syrup, honey, gift baskets and gift packs. Pick your own apples in Sept. and Oct. Open year-round, daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cassim Farms 3581 Yost Road, Waterloo (315) 539-2951 Specializes in strawberries, asparagus, peas, and vegetables, u-pick or picked for you. Farm store has fresh-baked goods and fresh produce. Open May through Labor Day.

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(“Day Trip” continued from page 13) Then there’s the pleasure they feel when someone enjoys fresh blueberries for the first time. “We have had people who say they hate blueberries and they come to the farm to accompany a spouse or a friend. When they taste a fresh blueberry off a bush, it’s an entirely different experience than what they get in the stores. The berries are sweet – it’s like eating grapes; but they’ve always thought of blueberries as very sour,” says Michalec with the satisfaction of knowing they’ve made a new convert.

“That’s a real education. It’s a sweet fruit when it’s fully ripe.”

Free, no obligation measurements and estimates.

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Sat. 9:30 - 10 a.m.

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NEW YORK CAMPING F R U I T

O F

T H E

V I N E

Cabernet Franc is Lively in the Finger Lakes Mark Stash

By Bill Moffett

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abernet Franc is not the first grape you think of when it comes to red varieties. Most wine-drinking consumers are more familiar with Cabernet Sauvignon, the spicy, robust red grape that dominates in red blends in Bordeaux, France, and in blends and as a varietal from California and elsewhere.

Even in France, Cabernet Franc (or Cab Franc as the cognoscenti say) keeps a fairly low profile in Bordeaux, everywhere but in the Loire where it is the one red

grape that produces the signature wines of the region.

Cabernet Franc is native to Bordeaux, and in France, it is sometimes given the name “breton” because it used to come from the Nantes region which at that time was an independent province. In the Loire, it generally is vinified as a single-grape, as is today true in the Finger Lakes. The premier red grape of the Loire, where it has been planted since the 11th century, Cab Franc is used mostly to produce the Chinon, Bourgeuil, Saint Nicolas de Bourgeuil, Saumur, SaumurChampigny, Anjou and AnjouVillages appellations. In addition, it helps produce the blended red wines of the Touraine. Cab Franc is grown in California to some extent, but makes a tannic, black, fruitdriven wine bearing little resemblance to the wines of the Loire or Finger Lakes. Although mainly a red-wine grape everywhere, a rosé from Cab Franc should not be overlooked. So far in the Finger Lakes,

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no rosé has been produced commercially, but watch for it following a cool season!

A Short History While the history with Cab Franc in the Finger lakes has been far briefer than that of the Loire (10 to 12 years to be truthful!) with the help of Cornell faculty based at the Geneva Experiment Station, people like Dr. Thomas Henick-Kling, extension enologist, and Dr. Robert Pool, a viticultural researcher, himself a wine producer, the winegrowers of the Finger Lakes have quickly climbed on top of the expertise necessary to grow and vinify this grape variety. Seminars, symposiums and research, together with lots of individual experimentation, have taught the winemakers how to bring in winning vintages in weak growing years as well as good ones.

We set out to find out how pervasive is the quality level with Cab Franc in the Finger Lakes, well aware that there was a whole lot of history others had had with this grape that the home team hadn’t. When we were done, we were well satisfied that the consumer can have good confidence in the quality level to be found here in the Finger Lakes.

Our invitation to submit wines for the tasting was met by 21 replies – nine from Seneca Lake, seven from Keuka, four from Cayuga and one from Canandaigua Lake area. The grapes for these wines, it should be noted, probably came from fewer than 21 vineyards, for it is still planted in limited terms.

General observations: There were plenty of 4.5 and 5 stars from the individual judges but in the end only one wine received so high a total score. There were several 4-star ratings, which we consider very good. Below that level the scores were (See tasting results next page; article continued on page 60)

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A B E R N E T

Cab Franc 2000 – 4.5 Hazlit 1852 Vineyards

Cab Franc 2001 – 4 Hosmer

Cab Franc 2001 – 4 Keuka Spring Vineyard

Cab Franc Limited Reserve 2001 – 4 Lucas Vineyards

Cab Franc 2001 – 4 Red Newt Cellars

Cab Franc 2001 – 4 Heron Hill

F

R A N C

Notes of plums, black fruits, dried figs with plenty of alcohol to back it up made this wine get 5 stars from two of the judges and near top marks from the rest. It was perhaps the most Loire-like, causing one judge to think that it was the ringer. Try with lamb, venison or spit-roasted pork.

Boysenberry, black cherry and a good presence of oak in the aroma and taste dominated in this wine from the warmer 2001 vintage. Two of us thought grilled pork wrapped in bacon would be great for this wine, while a nice chevre was recommended by another.

Raspberry and black cherry dominates in the nose and follows through to the palate. Some thought it slightly tannic and acidic at first but it opened up as we talked about it. Lamb and duck with a raspberry buerre blanc sauce would be a good choice for food, said Jessica, our panel’s creative food person.

Bright fruit flavors dominate in this pretty wine. We found cranberry, cherry, tangy tart fruit flavors with nice lively structure matched by firm tannins. Seeming a sort of general-purpose wine, a nice London Broil would be a good food choice.

With flavors of cherry, plum, cranberry and cassis, even blueberry, this wine was very appealing in the nose and initially on the palate. It finished a little on the tannic side, which bothered a couple of us. While all these wines should age well, we put this one on the list for laying down for a couple of years. Our palates sought something that would moderate the tannins. Pot roast or a nice roast tenderloin seemed to answer the call.

Another in the style of fruit-driven Cab Franc with fresh floral notes of bright cherry, a sort of fleur de Cab Franc style, with a pleasant structure that might carry a bit more alcohol.

With this wine we felt that there was a oneness where the palate followed the aroma and the tannins were carried by the alcohol to provide a unified whole.

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Other wines that scored 3 stars or better not mentioned above

Cab Franc 2001 – 3.5 Lakewood Vineyards

Cab Franc 1999 – 3 Lamoreaux Landing

Cab Franc 2001 – 3 Castel Grisch Cab Franc 2000 – 3 Brickstone Oak Barrel (Widmer)

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he tasting panel included Mike Sutterby, winemaker for Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, and Jim Whiting, winemaker and co-owner of Red Newt Cellars, both producers of the variety; Jessica Signorri, co-owner of the Stone Cat Restaurant in Hector, David Sparrow, proprietor of Sparrow’s Wine & Liquor, Ithaca, and the author. We followed our usual practice of awarding stars and making some food pairing suggestions as we went. None of us knew which wines we were tasting.

Cab Franc 2001 – 3 Konstantin Frank

Cab Franc 2000 – 3 Standing Stone Vineyards

make the scores into stars because it seems sexier than a cold number.) Then we discuss our impressions and reach agreement on the total stars to award.

What’s worth drinking? Our rating anchor was this: 5 stars = the best you can remember drinking 4 stars = very, very good 3 stars = above average

HERE’S HOW WE WORK: The wines are presented to us in coded glasses, having been poured by an associate. We do not know whose wine is whose. We taste, make notes on our findings and give each wine a score of one to five “stars.” (We

2 stars = definitely drinkable 1 star = maybe drinkable, but we wouldn’t buy it.

CALL TODAY: 1-800-3-GENEVA 315-789-7190 WWW.GENEVAONTHELAKE.COM GENEVA, N.Y. Circle Reader Service Number 127

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Antique Boating in the Finger Lakes

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Photographs and story by Dick Sherwood he Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) is an international organization headquartered in Clayton, New York. It’s dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of wooden boats, whether they’re newer reproductions or old ones built by national companies like Century and Chris-Craft, and Finger Lakes builders like Penn Yan, Fay & Bowen, and Skaneateles Boat and Canoe. ACBS has over 17,000 members who own, lovingly care for and proudly enjoy over 12,000 boats built of rich mahogany, oak, cedar and ash.

Most ACBS members also belong to one or more of the Society’s 45 chapters (42 in the United States and three in Canada). There are eight chapters in New York state alone, with two of them headquartered in the Finger Lakes. The Wine Country Chapter, also known as Wine Country Classic Boats, is based in Hammondsport, at the southern end of Keuka Lake. The Finger Lakes Chapter is in Skaneateles, at the northern end of Skaneateles Lake.

Each year, several chapters organize a variety of events designed to educate members about the use, maintenance and restoration of old boats. In addition to promoting antique boats and boating, the events also offer an opportunity for camaraderie and fellowship derived from their common interests. The highlight is usually each chapter’s Annual Boat Show in which antique boaters from far and wide come together to exhibit their boats, enjoy a weekend of antique boating, and display a rare collection of vintage craft to an admiring public.

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Top Left: Bow detail of a 29-ft. Hacker-style runabout built and owned by Tom Haefelin of Hunter, New York.

Top Center-left: Transom of an 18-ft. 1953 Chris-Craft Riviera owned by John Heil & Linda McJury of Hammondsport, New York.

Top Center-right: Engine compartment and soft top on a 1928 26-ft. Chris-Craft Runabout owned by Ron & Rosie Cimini of Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Top Right: Forward cockpit of a 1999 30-ft. Fordcraft Custom built and owned by John Ford of Union Springs, New York.

Left: 1918 26-ft. Fry launch owned by John & Janet Howard of Pendelton, New York.

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Hammondsport Boat Show July 18-20 ine Country Classic Boats holds its annual boat show during July in the town park in Hammondsport at the foot of Keuka Lake. In 2003, the WCCB Boat Show will have 90 craft on display. Sixty boats will be docked in the water along the park’s new boardwalk with the remainder spread throughout the park in land displays.

On Friday morning of boat show weekend, exhibitors and their crews will assemble for a cruise of Keuka Lake that highlights historic sites along the way. Other exhibitors will continue to arrive during the course of the day to put their boats on display and to prepare for the weekend’s activities. On Saturday morning, boats will remain in their docks for judging with exhibitors compet-

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Above: 1995 12.5-ft. Speas steam launch owned by David & Nancy Hughes of East Aurora, New York.

Above: View of boats in the Hammondsport Boat Show.

Above: 1902 32-ft. St. Lawrence Marine Auxiliary Sloop owned by Blair & Tish Cook of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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ing for awards in 27 categories.

Judging of antique boats is a fairly specialized skill developed over years of involvement with old boats.

Judges are recruited from all over the Northeast and are organized into teams. Each boat is then judged on how authentic it is today compared to how it was when first built, using a point system developed and maintained

by ACBS. Those boats emerging with the highest number of points in the various categories are determined the winners.

On Saturday afternoon there will be a parade of boats and fly-bys in which owners of powered boats are invited to run their boats at speed before the spectators assembled onshore. The sight of several glistening mahogany runabouts and other powered craft throwing broad bow waves and wakes on a brilliant sunny day is a thrilling sight to behold.

On Sunday of the boat show weekend, WCCB hosts a regatta — the final event of the weekend and one where

speed counts. Inboard and outboard racers are assigned to various classes for an all-out run around an 18-mile course.

Competition is keen with speeds ranging to 70 mph plus.

The regatta begins and ends at the boat show sight so that spectators are able to see the departure of each class and the exciting end of the race as the boats return to the finish line.

Throughout the weekend, boats are on display for public viewing in one of the most beautiful settings in the Finger Lakes region. There is no charge for admission and the boat show site is wheelchair accessible. More information about Wine Country Classic Boats and the Hammondsport Boat Show is available on the Web at WineCountryAntiqueClassicWoodBoaters @groups.msn.com.

Below: 1985 16-ft. Gar Wood Speedster reproduction owned by Earl Gardner of Wolcott, New York.

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Skaneateles Boat Show July 25-27 he Finger Lakes Chapter of ACBS holds its annual boat show during July in Clift Park in the beautiful village of Skaneateles at the head of Skaneateles Lake. FLC is one of the oldest chapters in ACBS and in 2003, it will be holding its 25th Anniversary Boat Show with 70 to 80 antique boats on display. Forty-four boats will be docked in the water in slips located along the village pier with the remainder spread throughout the park in land displays.

Spectators have excellent viewing of the water-borne boats from the elevated pier while they also have the opportunity to closely inspect the beauty and craftsmanship of the boats being shown on land.

The FLC Boat Show will get underway on Friday afternoon of the boat show weekend with most boats in place by the time the Concert-in-the-Park begins that evening. The Friday night concert series, featuring a live band playing from the park’s gazebo, is always a very well attended event

T

that draws hundreds of lakeside concert-goers on warm summer evenings.

Like WCCB, the Finger Lakes Chapter’s boat show is also a judged event. Judging begins on Saturday morning and continues into the early afternoon with awards being given in 24 categories. In the early afternoon, there are parades of small craft and powered craft that take boats past the sea wall where spectators gather to hear descriptions read over the public address system. The boats then make a swing around the north end of the lake and finish with high-speed fly-bys at the show site.

To help celebrate the chapter’s 25th anniversary, the ACBS board of directors will hold its summer meeting in Skaneateles on Friday of the boat show weekend. After a day-long series of meetings, ACBS directors will join the chapter, exhibitors, visitors and spectators in the weekend’s activities.

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The FLC show concludes on Sunday afternoon when the People’s Choice Award is given. This is one of the most cherished awards to be won by any exhibitor, because the winner is determined by the votes of everyone attending the show — visitors and spectators included.

The Skaneateles Antique Boat Show is sponsored by BSB Bank and Trust and is organized in cooperation with the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Skaneateles Merchants Association. There is no charge for admission and the boat show venue is also wheel chair accessible. For more information visit the Skaneateles website at www.Skaneateles.com.

Dick Sherwood is a longtime member of the Wine Country and Finger Lakes Chapters of ACBS and is currently president of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. More information about ACBS and all its chapters can be found at www.acbs.org.

Above: 1955 21-ft. Chris-Craft Cobra owned by John Withers of Syracuse, New York.

Below: 1907 20-ft. Gilbert launch owned by Rick & Wendy Fetridge of Ithaca, New York.

Above: 1937 24-ft. Gar Wood Custom Utility owned by Jack Magri of Tavares, Florida.

Above: 1955 18-ft. Chris-Craft Continental owned by Gary & Carolyn Mucci of Skaneateles, New York.

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The New York State Fair At the crossroads of New York state, near the intersection of the primary east-west and north-south highways, lies the Empire Expo Center, home of the New York State Fair.

By Don Pickard

W

ith 107 structures and 21 permanent buildings on 375 acres of land adjacent to the Interstate Highway System, and with onsite parking for 24,000 vehicles and a mainline railroad spur, it is the largest, most accessible show in the state.

In 2001, for the first time in its 160-year history, fair attendance climbed over the 1 million mark during its 12-day run.

During the rest of the year, the constantly active facility plays host to another million people for a variety of shows, concerts, educational events, expositions, conferences, conventions, reunions and much more.

Beginnings In 1841, the New York State Legislature appropriated $8,000 for the “promotion of agriculture and household manu-

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facturers in the State” through an annual fair, the first of its kind in the young nation. The Village of Syracuse, the center of farming interests in New York as well as the central point on the Erie Canal and a station on the developing railroad lines from Albany, on the Hudson River in the east, to Buffalo, the state’s western outpost, was selected for the two-day event.

The first fair was a huge success, both in exhibitor participation and attendance. It was estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000, mainly farmers, were in attendance. Despite rains that turned much of the temporary grounds to a muddy quagmire, crowds nearly overwhelmed the temporary facilities.

For the next half century, the fair did not have a permanent home. Twice, however, in 1849, after a hugely successful 1848 fair in Buffalo, and in 1858, when Syracuse became the first city in the state to host the event three times, the fair returned to its

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Draft horses in harnesses present a visual spectacle in the coliseum

Photo by Michael Okoniewski

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original site. In 1858 daily crowds of 20,000 turned out for the myriad attractions, which included speeches from two former presidents of the United States, Martin Van Buren and Millard Fillmore, and Governor John A. King.

A Great Iron and Oaken Wheel It was at the 1849 fair in Syracuse that a giant, 50-foot tall, manually-powered wheel was introduced. According to The Empire Showcase, A History of the New York State Fair, “The structure was a great iron and oaken wheel with wooden bucket cars, large enough to carry either four adults or six children aloft from the end of each of the four arms. The revolving wheel was carefully counterbalanced, carrying the passengers ‘comfortably’ and safely around the circle of the wheel, enabling the riders to obtain a marvelous view of the newly chartered city and its suburbs. The wheel was operated by handpower and a system of ropes. The balance was such that the entire wheel could be turned by the strength of a child.”

The contraption predated the introduction of the Ferris Wheel at the 1893 Columbian Exposition by more than four decades.

Syracuse is the Choice In 1890, thanks to the efforts of a prominent group of Syracusans led by James Geddes, the fair moved back to Syracuse, permanently. The Geddes group convinced the Agricultural Society and State political leaders that Syracuse

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Michael Okoniewski

Michael Okoniewski

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Michael Okoniewski

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For a complete schedule, call (800) 475-FAIR or visit www.nysfair.org/state_fair/2002/

was the best permanent site for many reasons, including its previous success, its geographic location and railroad facilities. Land was purchased by Geddes and his group and given to the State Agricultural Society with the understanding that the land could be used by the state only as long as the fair remained on the land. The state and the society made good on that commitment by declaring Syracuse the permanent site for an annual New York State Fair. Livestock buildings were constructed and a halfmile track was laid out.

The official budget for the 1895 New York State Fair was $109,639, with an income item of $53,769 “From the State.” A little more than a century later, in 1999, the budget for the Empire Exposition Center was in excess of $10 million. There

Permanent Structures In the early days of the 20th Century, following the Fair’s permanent assignment to Syracuse, plans were drawn for a physical plant on a grand scale. Those plans included a number of huge buildings, elaborately decorated in a Greek classical mode, surrounding a central, park-like open area. Construction was begun and several of the structures were erected and remain as the multiple centerpieces of the Fairgrounds today.

Over the years, the Empire Expo Center has been expanded, buildings and grounds have been rejuvenated and revitalized, the race track was lengthened to a full mile oval for the 1901 fair, and the fair has continued to grow. In more recent years, buildings designed for summer use only have been winterized to accommodate the sometimes daunting winter climate of central New York.

Today, nearly 350,000 square feet of warm, indoor space is available at the Expo Center for winter events such as boat

Michael Okoniewski

Michael Okoniewski

Opposite page, top left: A rainy day doesn’t spoil the fun.Top Right: The butter sculpture is a highlight of the fair. Bottom right: Rodeo events include bull riding. This page, bottom left: The rides are enjoyed all day, and into the night. This page, bottom right, clockwise: Fairgoers can try their hand at weaving in the Agricultural Museum. Greek classical architecture is a part of many of the permanent structures. Performers, such as Kenny Chesney, are popular attractions. Agriculture displays showcase the state’s prize produce.

was no contribution from the taxpayers of New York state for operating expenses.

The 125-acre tract of pastureland purchased

by James Geddes and Syracuse Associates for $30,000 has more than tripled in acreage and the land and buildings more recently were valued at more than $115 million.

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All photos this page by Michael Okoniewski

shows, giant farm machinery expositions, recreational vehicle shows, outdoor sports shows, automobile shows and more.

Events at the Fair For more than a century, especially in the early years when it did not have a permanent home, the New York State Fair was a singular event. In the traditional sense, it still is. It is a once-a-year event, an annual extravaganza with each year’s exposition building on previous successes. In those early years, interest at the fair centered on agriculture, its tools and its products, as it does today. There were lectures and discussions featuring everything from “Selection of the Dairy Cow” to “Winter Feeding of Sheep” to “How Can We Encourage the Home Consumption of American Cheese?” For entertainment, band concerts and speech-making filled the mornings and the afternoon was taken up with trotting horse races and sometimes bicycle races. Evening presentations featured such extravaganzas as “The Fall of Pompeii,” featuring classical music played by “Conway’s Celebrated Band” and a volcano, “erupting” spectacular fireworks.

Auto and motorcycle racing came to the fair following the turn of the century, when such renowned names as Barney Oldfield, Ralph DePalma and Wilbur Shaw brought their speedy autos to town to race around the dirt track oval at breathtaking speeds approaching 60 miles per hour. The “air age” came to the fair in 1905, in the form of a dirigible full of (probably highly flammable) gas which navigated between the buildings at the Expo Center and up to heights of a reported 600 feet. And in 1910, J.A.D. McCurdy flew his Curtiss bi-plane three times around the area 200 feet above the ground.

Through the years, auto racing has been a staple at the New York State Fair, from the Indianapolis-style racing that featured most of the biggest stars on that circuit half a century ago, to the present-day stock car racing each year on Labor Day. On-stage entertainment has evolved as well, from locally staged shows of the late 1890s and early 1900s to concert performances at the 16,000-seat trackside grandstand by most of the biggest stars in show business, from Frank Sinatra to The Beach Boys to Tina Turner and Whitney Houston to Britney Spears, and literally hundreds more. Additionally, the fairgrounds now features seven separate stages where at nearly any time throughout the day and evening the fairgoer will see, for free, professional and amateur performers.

A Fair for the People The New York State Fair continues to be, as it has been Top to bottom: The Horticultural Building has beautiful landscaped grounds that surround it. Fireworks are a popular evening attraction. A chainsaw sculptor is sure to draw attention when he is creating. A sheep is being readied for competition by its owner. Car racing has always been a popular event at the New York State Fair.

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For a complete schedule, call (800) 475-FAIR or visit www.nysfair.org/state_fair/2002/

since the beginning, for the people of New York.

The state fair, like every fair before it, focuses the spotlight on the people and products of New York.

In 1999, there were 32,227 entries for competition in categories ranging from cows and pigs and horses to sheep and llamas, from photographs to paintings to flower arrangements, from apple pies to every conceivable dish or dessert, from New York state pumpkins, and vegetables, to fruits and wines.

Thousands of items in hundreds of categories are judged and displayed each year. Annually, cash premiums nearing $200,000 are awarded to the winners.

Each year, fairgoers are also greeted by 2,000 concessionaires, offering everything from opportunities to win giant stuffed animals to knives that will cut through concrete to foods ranging from the exotic to the ordinary. The growth and success of the 12-day fair have been spectacular, but in order to become totally self-sufficient, free of taxpayer support, the managers of the Empire Expo Center, home of the fair, have made it a yearround center for business, the arts, entertainment, education and recreation, at the same time carefully preserving its tradition and foundation of livestock and agriculture.

The Empire Expo Center is Operated Year-Round It’s not just the state fair anymore. While the 12 days of the great New York State Fair bring measurable financial benefits to the central New York region and beyond, the real success story of the Empire Expo Center is the story of the year-round activities at the fairgrounds.

Although agriculture continued to thrive as the numberone industry in New York state through the middle part of the 20th Century, as it has into the 21st Century, the fair, agriculture’s premiere showcase, fell on hard times. There even was talk of abandoning the facility, which lay dormant for most of the year, and canceling the annual fair. The bill to the state’s taxpayers for maintenance of the facility and presentation of the exposition annually approached or exceeded a million dollars.

The projected costs of rehabilitation and maintenance of the aging buildings and infrastructure cast a dark cloud over the future of the nation’s oldest state fair.

Nevertheless, in the early 1970s, the decision was made to revive the traditional fair, with emphasis on self-sufficiency and reducing the burden on the taxpayer. In fiscal 1974-75, the state operating subsidy for the fair was 34 percent, more than onethird of the total budget. That percentage was steadily reduced over the next decade and a half until, in FY 1990-91, for the first time, the fair’s operating budget of $8,552,683 was matched by revenues. Since that time, the books have balanced, ending a century and a half of subsidization by the taxpayers.

In the decade of the 1990s, attendance and revenues at the fairgrounds increased steadily. Since the initiation of an aggressive business plan in 1996, the growth has been dramatic. In 1999, fair attendance topped 900,000 for the first time in histo-

ry, the magical million mark in 2001. Revenues increased an average of $1 million annually from 1995 to 2001, topping $13 million in fiscal 20002001. Each of the last six years, the Expo Center has accrued substantial operating profits.

With its miles of electrical wiring, water lines and heating and cooling plants, and buildings that require painting regularly, routine maintenance of the Empire Expo Center requires a substantial staff of carpenters, plumbers, painters, masons and mechanics. There are also gardeners, security staff, parking facilities staff and an “events crew,” on hand to help promoters stage literally hundreds of shows, expositions, conferences, dinners, wedding receptions and parties held annually in our buildings and on the grounds.

There is, as well, an administrative staff that spends five days a week (often six or seven), 52 weeks a year, planning the annual fair, scheduling and working non-fairtime events at the Expo Center nearly every weekend of the year. The permanent administrative staff books entertainment and activities for fairtime and the rest of the year, keeps track of the fair’s considerable financial obligations and oversees general maintenance and upkeep of the facility.

Reliable estimates project that as a result of the New York State Fair and off-season events at the Empire Expo Center, more than $120 million is spent annually in the local economy.

On the average, more than $2 million is expended for capital improvements at the facility each year, creating literally hundreds of opportunities for local trades. This is in addition to 15,000 part-time jobs at fairtime and the full-time and part-time positions mentioned above.

The Mission In accordance with the fair’s mission, outlined by its founders more than a century and a half ago, the agricultural community is first priority at the Empire Exposition Center. But the facility also offers the advantages of some of the most extensive exhibit space in the state for events of all kinds.

The state fair is the largest and most historic exposition of its kind in the northeastern United States. The continued growth and profitability of the Fair has been assured by a permanent, professional, versatile staff who work as a finely tuned team; modernization of old buildings and addition of new ones; and aggressive, imaginative marketing of the fair and of the Exposition Center as a year-round facility.

This has converted a taxpayer expense into a profit center for the state of New York. The Exposition Center has become a major player in the economic well-being of the region.

Don Pickard was the chief editorial writer for Syracuse Newspapers and now devotes his time to public relations for the Empire Expo Center and the New York State Fair.

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People of

KEUKA LAKE P hotography has taken Lisa Carp from small towns in Vermont and Maine to the Oval Office and the New York photo scene. She has photographed World Cup ski racing in the Rocky Mountains and yacht racing in the Florida Keys. Today, Lisa and

“Blue,” her yellow lab, live in her hometown of Rochester, where Lisa works as a freelance photographer.

When she’s not working, she skis, paints, plays the violin, sails or simply hangs out at her family’s cottage on Keuka Lake.

“I grew up on the shores of Keuka Lake, then took off to pursue a flying career, always knowing I would return to ‘God’s Country,’ as my father would say. Now, here I am back and married to a dairy farmer! Isn’t life an amazing adventure?”

Tiffany Gage Dairy farmer & helicopter pilot

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“I have spent 59 years here on Keuka Lake. I am 60 so that is almost my entire life. I love every minute I spend here, every season and every weather... sailing has been a part of my entire life here on Keuka Lake. As kids, my dad would take us to watch the races. Finally my dad put me on a boat...wind just makes me happy.”

Dr. Annie Smith Professor of Art and Art History University of Toronto

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God’s country

“Grapes inspire me to do my artwork. I take raw steel and transform it into organic living forms. I make a lot of grapes and vines and leaves out of steel. My grandfather built this barn. It has been a working farm since before even then. We always had grapes here. I never realized how much an influence the grapes have over me.”

Sam Castner Sculptor

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“I have been playing the harmonica since I was 12 years old. I learned as a schoolgirl. I have lived here in Hammondsport since 1943. It still looks the same except for all the trees, they are all so big now – you can’t barely see nothing...What should I play for you?

‘You are my Sunshine’? Or a polka? Maybe I should get off this porch and go over there to the vineyards and play for the grapes...help ’em grow faster!”

Virginia “Gini” Jacobus Harmonica player

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change

The majority of the land base in the Keuka Lake region is handled by Mennonites. They farm eggs and dairy, grapes and produce. The Mennonite religion frowns upon the concept of bringing attention onto themselves. Their first priority is God, and family is their second priority. Individual attention is uninvited.

Children of a Mennonite Family Penn Yan, New York

“I grew up hiking this gorge that flows into Keuka Lake. I have climbed it just about every summer of my entire life. It was always exciting to me to see how it would change from year to year. Wow, now I am 26 and standing here in my wedding dress! It is amazing how things change and we move on...but I will always come back here and check in on this gorge.�

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they’ll do

“I grew up in this business...now I am the owner of all the rides. I was a little kid running around the fairs like my grandkids are doing now. I started working some of the games, moved on up to sellin’ popcorn and helped my mom sell the cotton candy. We use to sell it for 15 cents on a stick...now it is $2. We take these rides all over, but these people here, (the firemen in Hammondsport) they’ll do anything for ya...They fix things, anything we ask – very cooperative. It’s not like that everywhere.”

Avery D. Wheelock Carnival Owner

“Waaaaa...Waaaaa, waaaaaaaaaaaa...(breath,breath)...Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Abby Scherfling, age 3 weeks thoughts on her first visit to Keuka Lake

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do anything for ya “This is a WW II, 225 horsepower Stearman. It took me, with the help of a friend, 18 years in our spare time to rebuild...finished in 1986. I moved here in 1943 and started Penn Yan Aero Service in the basement of a barn. Now it has become Penn Yan Airport.

My son runs the business now, but I still fly.”

Harold “Eagle” Middlebrook Pilot

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“In today’s hectic and complex business world that never stops around the clock, it is a comfort to go to Keuka Lake where I can be with my family and relax in a small town atmosphere. For me it is a place to recharge my batteries and re-establish balance.”

Daniel A. Carp Chairman and CEO/Eastman Kodak Company

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“The Finger Lakes region is emerging as the finest Riesling producer in America and even the world. It’s because, well, Keuka Lake at 270 feet deep rarely freezes over. The water cools down and warms up slower and then so does the surrounding soil, which prolongs the growing season...this is the next Napa.”

Willy K. Frank Chairman/Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery President/Chateau Frank son of founder Dr. Konstantin Frank

it is a comfort

“Keuka Lake is so beautiful and clean and pure, it just fits this little town...I have always felt like the whole community has had a part in raising me. They taught me my values and brought me up in such a way that I want to give back to these people for as much as they have given me.”

Melanie Bush, age 17 Miss Penn Yan 2001

To contact Lisa Carp, email her at Lisabethcarp@aol.com, or call (585) 781-4425.

Check out her website at Lisacarpphotography.com.

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“Clinton Square, Syracuse A Ribbon of Commerce, A Silver Thread of Life” 2003, by W.F. Hopkins

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The Changing Course of

New York’s

CANALS

by Cheryl Longyear

T

he Erie Canal was the engineering marvel of its day; America’s greatest canal. It virtually changed our nation’s destiny by giving

early settlers a passageway to the west. Today, New York State’s Canal System is a marvel of a different kind. Its revitalization, begun in 1996, has made it a world-class tourism and recreation destination that continues to produce dramatic growth for the state and the nation.

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The Erie Canal in Fairport Photo Courtesy the New York State Canal Corporation

While he was serving time in attempted in young America. debtor’s prison in the Finger Lakes Opponents speculated that the city of Geneva, Jesse Hawley, a canal, dubbed “Clinton’s Big miller, came up with the idea for Ditch” and “Clinton’s Folly” would the Erie Canal. Between 1807 and never be used at all. The saying of 1808 he wrote 14 essays on the the day was, “In the big ditch virtues of a canal across the state. would be buried the treasury of President Thomas Jefferson the state to be watered by the thought the idea “a little short of tears of posterity.” madness,” but New York City • “Flying Light” – Boats traveling empty mayor DeWitt Clinton was very Digging “the ditch” • “Hoggee” – Young boy driving the mules supportive. When Clinton became Construction began in 1817 by • “Hoodledasher” – Train of boats formed by governor, he made sure the legislacrews of untrained men, without tying empty boats to full boats ture quickly appropriated funds for the aid of a single professional • “Mud-Larked” – When boats get stuck in mud the canal’s construction. engineer. Highly skilled surveyors At that time, there was no (and very intelligent capable peosimple way to transport people, raw materials or manufacple) were the canal’s designers. They studied the publicatured goods from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. tions and completed works of legendary French and English Overland transportation was arduous and expensive. New canal builders, and finally modeled the Erie Canal after the York State had only a handful of settlers who had braved French canals, built beginning in the early 1600s. mile upon mile of wilderness, swamps, mountains, waterfalls, The Erie Canal was virtually carved (4 feet deep, 40 and great inland lakes. A canal would offer a cheap and safe feet wide and 363 miles long) through the wilderness. The way to carry produce to market and to open up the western work was done using picks, shovels, spades, buckets, wheelcountry to more people. barrows, and a new type of plow called the slip scraper, the The Erie Canal was one of the largest engineering jobs forerunner of today’s bulldozer. A unique device that pulled

Fun Canal Terms

LAKE ONTARIO

ERIE CA Holly

N AL

Sodus

Brockport

Webster Spencerport

Churchville

ROCHESTER

OSWEGO CANAL

590

ERIE CANAL Buffalo

Syracuse

ERIE CAN AL Utica

Troy MA

CAYUGA-SENECA CANAL

New York

CT

Honeoye Falls Lima

NEW JERSEY

IN THE

FINGER LAKES

Macedon

Palmyra

90

Victor

Manchester Shortsville

Clifton Springs

Phelps

Holcomb East Bloomfield

CONESUS LAKE

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Lyons

Newark

390

Albany

PENNSYLVANIA

Fairport 490

VT

Rochester

Pittsford

CHAMPLAIN CANAL

Lake Ontario Niagara Falls

East Rochester

490

NEW YORK STATE CANAL SYSTEM Canada

Sodus Point

Canandaigua CANANDAIGUA LAKE

Geneva SENECA LAKE

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Old aqueduct in Palmyra Photo Paul Luziani

giant tree stumps out of the ground almost effortlessly was invented to speed up construction.

Many of the workers were Irish and Italian immigrants who had fled their native countries.

The hours were long and hard, and work was done in rough-and-tumble conditions. Disease was not uncommon and would spread into the communities along the canal.

meals and lodging, was $4. The packets were drawn by three horses that could cover about 80 miles in 24 hours. Upon the passengers arrival, they would board stagecoaches that would carry them to the west.

It took until 1822 to push the canal through the swamps just west of Montezuma and by 1823, the • “Muleskinner” – A mule driver canal opened from Rochester to • “Snubbing Post” – Post for tying up canal boats Albany. Settlers took advantage of • “Towpath” – Path where mules walk when Travel begins the easy transportation, and small pulling canal boats Construction had been relatowns sprang up and prospered and • “Whittletree” – Bar that linked mules with boats tively easy from Utica to became ports of destination.

Montezuma. Boating began Boomtowns had come to America. between those two points in 1820, although the entire canal The cost to ship goods by canal dropped to $4 per ton, comwas not completed until 1825. Montezuma, a small village, pared to $100 per ton by road in the first decade. took on the air of a frontier town. It became the head of Within 10 years, the canal tolls more than recouped the navigation while the building of the canal proceeded westentire cost of construction ($7,143,789) and maintenance. ward. The first passage boat was built and launched there.

It showed a profit so large that it offset the state budget by Seventy-six feet long and 14 feet wide, The Montezuma contwo thirds. tained an elegant dining room, kitchen and two cabins.

Other packet boats like it would travel to Montezuma Hauling barges carrying about 30 passengers. The price of passage, including Generations of children grew up on the Erie Canal.

GO WE OS

Sodus Point

More Fun Canal Terms

New York State Canal System FINGER LAKES REGION

81

Phoenix CA NA L

Baldwinsville

North Syracuse Liverpool

Clyde Lyons

ONONDAGA LAKE

IE ER

Jordan

CA

NA L

Seneca Falls Waterloo CA NE Geneva E S A CAYUGCANAL SENECA LAKE

90

Port Byron

ONEIDA LA KE

Brewerton

Weedsport

90

East Syracuse

Solvay Elbridge

Camillus

SYRACUSE

Fayetteville

Auburn Cayuga CAYUGA LAKE

Skaneateles OWASCO LAKE

SKANEATELES LAKE

OTISCO LAKE

Illustration by Mark Stash

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Photo Courtesy the New York State Canal Corporation

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How to “Lock Through” Canal System Locks Approaching the Lock On approaching the lock, hail the lock operator on Marine Channel 13 or sound three blasts on your horn to signal that you are approaching and request service. A red light indicates the lock is not ready. Stop at a safe distance and stand by for a green light. Before entering the lock, check that fenders are properly positioned.

Entering the Lock A green light means come ahead. Enter the lock slowly and stay in line of approach. In the lock chamber, station vessels alongside the lock wall as directed by the lock operator. During the lockage, keep bow and stern close to the wall by looping line to holding apparatus (lines, ladders, cables or pipes) as provided. Do not tie lines. Serious injury can result from using hands and feet to fend a moving boat off a wall. Use a boat hook, paddle or oar. Do not wrap lines around hands or feet as lines may tighten and cause injury.

Exiting the Lock Take in lines when lock gates are fully open and shove off away from the wall. Proceed slowly out of the lock chamber in order. Observe “lock limit” speed before increasing cruising speed.

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Families ate, slept and played aboard their own canal boats.

When they turned 12, boys would drive the mules, working two, six-hour shifts – rain or shine – walking miles along the towpath far ahead of the boat.

With thousands of boats traveling 24 hours a day, the magnitude of traffic led to congestion and delays. To accommodate more boats, the Erie Canal was enlarged twice. In 1836 it was widened to 70 feet and deepened to 7 feet.

Twisting and troublesome spots were abandoned for a newer or straighter route. The old canal was sold, or otherwise taken over, by people who used it for farming or building space. In 1862, the new construction was comPainting on pgs. 34-35 pleted and the Erie Canal

by W.F. Hopkins could handle boats carrying 240 tons, compared to As New York State’s historical painter, W. F. Hopkins reputation the first boats of 30 tons continues to grow, and so does on the original canal. the demand for his artwork.

In the meantime, Hopkins has turned his other visionaries were attention over the past years to the New York State canal building railroads, replacsystem and the Finger Lakes ing one technology for region. The results are an another. By the 1850s, amazingly realistic and captivating series of historical oils. passengers were going west by train. As new modes of Contact Information: transportation were develStudio of W.F. Hopkins 526 W. Church Street oped, more and more Elmira, New York 14905 commerce was taken away (607 734-9780 from the canal. website: fingerlakes But another expanheritageprints.com sion, this time to take the Erie Canal to nine feet deep, was undertaken in 1895. Called “The Nine Million Dollar Improvement,” the project was halted in 1898 when money ran out. The canal was on the verge of abandonment.

Between 1905 and 1918, the Barge Canal was constructed. It consists of the Erie Canal and the three chief branches of the state system: the Champlain, the Oswego, and the Cayuga and Seneca Canals. To bring the Seneca River into use as part of that system, it was dredged to a uniform 12-foot depth. As a result, thousands of acres of Montezuma marshland were drained, and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge was established. Major course changes were made and most of the original channel was abandoned. The canal took on the structure that it is today with an average width of 125 feet, a depth of at least 12 feet, and 35 locks.

Today’s version The present-day version of the canal system presents an active waterway offering recreational opportunities, power generation, flood control, irrigation and a glimpse of our

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rich historic past. Our communities are discovering “the magic of water” as a magnet for tourism, economic growth and environmental restoration.

There are several ongoing efforts being developed at the national, state and local level to promote the benefits of New York State Canal Corridor. One is the planning and development of a Seneca River Canal Trail, a water recreation corridor for canoeists and kayakers to connect Onondaga Lake’s Inner Harbor, the city of Syracuse and destiNYUSA development to Cayuga Lake’s Scenic Route 90 and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

Another initiative includes a partnership of state agencies and commuLearning More nity volunteers who are About The Canals working to complete what We would like to thank will be a 524-mile continFinger Lakes Tourism and the uous land “Canalway New York State Canal Trail,” the most ambitious Corporation for their help with project of its kind in the relevant information for this article. Please contact these United States. organizations for in-depth covA Four Canals Historic erage of the canal system.

Park has been proposed by Finger Lakes Tourism the Cayuga County plan(800) 548-4386 ning department and the www.fingerlakes.org town of Montezuma. It The New York State would encompass 180 Canal Corporation acres of parkland along the (800) 4CANAL4 Seneca River across from www.canals.state.ny.us/ the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and upstream from the Northern Montezuma State Wildlife Management area.

Within this area lies the dynamic story of the canal system.

Four separate canals were built through the site at various stages in the evolution of the present-day system: the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Enlarged Erie, and the Barge Canal.

Blessed by the vision of earlier generations and ongoing revitalization programs, today’s canal system continues to contribute to the economy and has become an historic playground for New York visitors and residents alike. We’ve come a long way from the days when mules and horses pulled boats through the Finger Lakes region, but ongoing efforts assure us that the rich canal history of our communities will be preserved and enjoyed for generations to come.

Cheryl Longyear is historian for the town of Montezuma and owner of Lavender Patch Retreat and B & B, a renovated 19th century family farmhouse located near the original Erie Canal in Montezuma. You can reach her at 315-776-8632, or cml115@tds.net.

Photo Courtesy the New York State Canal Corporation

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Interesting Facts About the Canal System • The original Erie Canal begun in 1817, completed in 1825 • Enlargement to 7-foot draft completed in 1862.

• Tolls abolished in 1882 • First Barge Canal work started in 1905.

Barge Canal opened to traffic May 15, 1918 • The Barge Canal consists of 1. Erie – across state from Troy on the Hudson River to Tonawanda, Niagara River 2. Champlain – north from Troy to Lake Champlain.

3. Oswego – Three Rivers Point, near Syracuse to Lake Ontario 4. Cayuga and Seneca – branch connecting Cayuga and Seneca Lakes with Erie • Length of canals 1. Erie – 340.7 miles 2. Champlain – 62.6 miles 3. Oswego – 23.8 miles 4. Cayuga and Seneca – 27.1 miles 5. Connecting rivers and lakes – 347.1 miles 6. Total – 801.3 miles • Dimensions 1. General bottom width in lakes and canalized rivers – 200 feet 2. Minimum bottom width in land lines – 75 feet 3. Usable size of locks – 300 feet long by 441/2 feet wide 4. Clearance under bridge – 51/2 feet • Construction and operation of locks 1. Number of locks – 57 2. Built of concrete 3. Operated by electricity 4. Gates opened or closed in 30 seconds 5. Average time of lockage – 10 to 30 minutes 6. Lift of locks varies from 6 to 401/2 feet.

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O

water is extra. utdoor The upcookery was to-the minute born when some clumsy caveman accioutdoor chef in dentally dropped a hunk of bronthe Finger Lakes can tosaurus into the campfire. After yelling choose from several monster hibachis and screaming at him for his fumblethat will make him or her the envy of fingered treatment of their dinner, his the neighborhood (although hopefully family’s response was probably, “Fire. not the bane of the fire department).

Meat. Gooood!”

Today’s outdoor cooking centers have When the caveman moved to the some remarkable features. suburbs, his campfire became a bowlThe first thing most discerning shaped charcoal grill standing on three grillers look at is the size of the cooking wobbly legs. With luck, he could coax a surface. Most usually want nothing less pile of kerosene-soaked briquettes to than a grill that’s about 30 inches wide cook a few hotdogs in overall with close to no more than maybe 700 square-inches of 30 minutes. But, just as total cooking area. A What Is A BTU? the caveman evolved serious outdoor chef There are those who believe into today’s investment will opt for something that B.T.U. stands for Burnt To banker, the barbeque larger, though.

Ultra-crisp, which is a measgrill grew up to become Freestanding models ure of how many steaks can be turned into charred hocka $10,000 outdoor wider than 60 inches ey pucks on one tank of LP kitchen complete with aren’t uncommon, and gas. This is not true. A B.T.U. is wok and pizza stone, built-ins apparently a British Thermal Unit, or the quantity of heat required to infrared burners, and a have an upper size limit raise the temperature of one built-in refrigerator just slightly smaller pound of water by one with beverage disthan an aircraft carrier. degree Fahrenheit. This is a good thing to know if you penser. The sink with Distribution and ever need to cook a pound hot and cold running containment of the of water.

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After 150 Years, They’re Finally Ready. heat over the cooking surface is important, too, so many units now come with lined hoods that are almost sealed when they close. That can bring the internal temperature up to 800 degrees so you can toast your hamburger buns very, very fast. Other new features include battery-powered or electrical igniters instead of the old-fashioned piezo, or clicking, igniter. Some models even have interior lights that only have to be cleaned every three or four uses. Most manufacturers offer an LP or natural gas option.

One of the most popular models on the market is a Viking 53-inch cook-top with rotisserie and a colored hood, which retails for around $4,100. Brass trim is only $375 more. A stainless steel wheeled cart is available as an extracost option.

For those who cook a lot of brontoburgers, Wolf Appliance makes a heavy-duty stainless steel unit equipped with your choice of six or eight grill burners and, if you like, two 16,000BTU side burners. Just for comparison, a standard kitchen range burner produces 10- to 12,000 BTU’s. The 36- or 48-inch Wolf model includes a 115-volt rotisserie and an infrared rear burner that cooks without preheating.

The infrared burner is a significant development in outdoor cookery. Some manufacturers build them in as part of the “cooking system” along with traditional burners, while others use infrared as their sole heat source. Traditional grills cook by convection: the burners heat up a secondary element (briquettes, lava rock, vaporizer plates or rods), which creates radiant energy and heated air. Infrared burners produce high temperatures through direct radiant energy.

The food is directly heated because there are no secondary elements. The infrared burner produces intense heat that immediately sears the food, locking in moisture and flavor. The food cooks in its own juices in up to half the time needed by traditional grills.

(Continued on page 61)

arnwood weathered over decades, random-width planks and flooring, and hand-hewn beams with signatures all their own – today they’re historical treasures that give you a rare opportunity to create interior and exterior designs with a unique sense of warmth.

To find out more about a part of our heritage that’s been around for 150 years, but won’t be around forever, contact Conklin’s.

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S P O R T

The Bills Bring the Game to the Fans

By Tom Adams

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ete Boldt and his three young sons are among 25 people who have paid $1 each to board a bus that will take them to St. John Fisher College in suburban Rochester, home to the summer training camp of the Buffalo Bills.

“I was thinking we could go to the Strong Museum after the game,” says Boldt, who lives in Sodus, about 20 miles east of the city. “Wanna do that?”

The boys — Zachary, 7, Nicholas, 6, and MacAllister, 3 — seem agreeable. However, their minds are focused on the Bills, who moved their summer camp to St. John Fisher after spending nearly two decades at SUNY Fredonia in the southern tier of New York State. All three are clutching plastic footballs, which they frequently toss in the air as the bus rolls toward campus.

“There’s supposed to be an autograph session just for kids,” Boldt tells the boys. “I’ll take you Photo Courtesy Buffalo Bills to that.” Then he adds, Josh Reed, #82, stops to give an “Remember to say ‘Thank you,’ autograph to a fan after practice. and ‘Please.’”

The Boldt family is exactly The National Football League has who the Bills organization had taken notice of the camp’s success. It in mind when it decided to pitch its sent representatives to last year’s event, training-camp tent at St. John Fisher and wants to use it as a business model in 2000, after 18 years in Fredonia. for the league’s other teams.

The original agreement was for five This year’s camp is tentatively years, but last August was extended scheduled to begin July 24 and conthrough 2011.

For updated schedules and shuttle information on the Buffalo Bills summer training camp, go to www.buffalobills.com/team/camp.cfm.

Circle Reader Service Number 150

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clude August 20. It features a variety of football-related interactive challenges for children and adults. They include throwing, catching and kicking the football in the midst of potential obstructions, obstacle courses that involve running and climbing, and a basketball free throw. All were made part of training-camp agenda when the Bills came to Pittsford.

“The number-one reason for the move was because we’re in the secondsmallest market in the National Football League,” said Pete Guelli, the Bills’ executive director of sales. “We felt that it was important to regionalize the franchise.”

In Pittsford, the organization can tap into its fan base in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region, as well as Syracuse and areas farther east in upstate New York. The larger the fan base, the higher the ticket sales, and the more profitable the franchise will be. Capturing the interest of young fans, by giving them more to do than just watching the players go through their practice drills, makes it more likely that they, and their parents, will fill Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park when the season starts in September.

In addition to the physical activities, retail areas are set up near the entrance to the camp, where Bills and other NFL merchandise is available, as well as game tickets. Concession stands offer sandwiches, snacks, drinks and candy.

“Any time you look at camp, first and foremost it has to be right for your football team,” Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe said in announcing the seven-year extension last fall. “Secondly, an effort was started several years ago by the Bills to regionalize the franchise and reach out beyond Buffalo to attract fans. This is a great location to do that.”

The Bills drew 122,000 visitors to the 2000 camp. In their second year, the number dropped to just over 85,000. Team officials did not announce an attendance total for last year’s camp, claiming that the decline in 2001 resulted in a negative slant to the

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media’s training-camp coverage.

Guelli says the Bills have averaged over 100,000 fans during their first three years in Pittsford, compared to 10,000 to 15,000 during the days in Fredonia.

There is no public parking on the St. John Fisher campus. Visitors to Bills camp are bused from three locations: a satellite lot at Nazareth College, 4245 East Avenue; the Panorama Plaza, 1601 Penfield Road; and a parking lot at 3750 Monroe Avenue. Shuttles, provided by the city’s public bus service, operate from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., depending on the camp’s daily schedule.

The Boldts are leaving from Panorama Plaza. Riders are given a training-camp guide, which includes a team roster and player biographies.

After getting off the bus at the end of a 15-minute ride on a warm, sunny day, Zachary, Nicholas and MacAllister wander through the retail area and saunter up to the team mascot, Billy the Buffalo. Meanwhile, a group of five children wearing lime-green T-shirts who are already on the grounds are trying to figure out what to do next.

Perhaps the most popular event on this day is the Climb-and-Slide, where youngsters race each other up one side of an inflatable mountain and slide down the other side. The group has its heart set on the mountain, but the line is long. The adult serving as the group leader has a suggestion.

“I find that you can either stand in line at the most popular things and do less,” he says, “or stand in line at the less popular things and do more.

“Do you want to do that?” he says of the latter option. “Yeah,” the five answer. “OK, sold,” the leader says, his influence paying off.

Another popular destination on this day is the autograph tent, where star quarterback Drew Bledsoe, along with third-string quarterback Travis Brown, is scheduled to appear. Scores of fans have lined up to wait for Bledsoe, the former New England Patriot who was signed by the Bills last summer.

Meanwhile, the team is on the practice field, which is ringed with hundreds of

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people looking for insights into the coming season.

“This is a little more fan-friendly than New England was,” Bledsoe said during camp. “This is a great situation for fans to get close to us and watch practice, and we can interact with them. It’s just a great environment.

Rochester has been outstanding for us.”

Middle linebacker London Fletcher, who also came to the Bills prior to last season, posted a daily diary on the team’s Web site during the camp. “It was shocking to see that many people come out just to watch practice when there wasn’t any type of scrimmage situation,” he reported two days after camp opened. “I’ve been at St. Louis, where we would have inner-squad scrimmages during practice and get a good turnout, but to have that type of turnout for practice was just amazing. It definitely added to our excitement and intensity.”

In anticipation of the Bills’ arrival, the college’s athletic facilities have been upgraded. Growney Stadium, completed in the fall of 1999, is the home of St. John Fisher’s football, soccer and lacrosse teams. Lighting for night-time events, a 2,100-seat grandstand, an electronic scoreboard and an enclosed press box are among the external renovations. Two new grass practice fields are adjacent to the stadium’s allweather surface, with a third to be added this year, college officials say. The Student Life Center has been expanded by 19,000 square feet, with team locker rooms, training rooms and fitness facilities that are used by the Bills during their summer stay.

“It is unique,” Guelli said. “There are a couple of teams that have something similar to this, but not to the extent that we have. There are few grass-roots opportunities to bring in new fans. We saw this as one of those opportunities.”

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ummer is here and I need a dock.

What do I do? There is a process to follow to stay within the rules.

DESIGN - All designs must be site-specific. This includes use, size of boat, number of people, etc. Is it floating or fixed? What depth of water is needed? How much difference in the height of the water from spring to fall?

How about wind waves and boat wakes? Does it have to be removed each fall?

The answers to these questions and some site specific questions will produce the design.

PERMITS - Many docks that are seasonal, (put in in the spring and removed in the fall) are covered under the general permit. You apply and a letter of permission is issued.

Permanent structures or docks that are outside the parameters of the general permit will have to go through the normal review process. At the end, a permit to construct will be issued if the design meets the criteria. Sometimes a small change in design will move the dock back into the general permit area. Consulting with the agencies or a marine consultant many times will make the process easier and faster.

CONSTRUCTION - The construction must follow the plans approved by the permit. Deviation from the approved plans voids the permit and leaves the applicant subject to fines.

The rules are clear and compliance is essential. The agencies in most instances will answer questions and

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help with understanding the rules. If you need further help, there are marine consultants available.

EXISTING STRUCTURES The replacement of 25 percent of the structure in place and in kind is legal.

Be sure that the finished repair does not exceed the size or shape of the original structure. Repairs that exceed 25 percent need permission. If a change in shape of size is anticipated, a permit may be required. Check with the agencies.

BULKHEADS - These structures may be required or replaced but a permit is needed. The new bulkhead may be installed within 1 foot of the existing bulkhead under most conditions.

Choose a material, take lots of pictures and talk to the agencies. A solution to failing bulkheads is generally available and a permit is needed.

DREDGING - This has become a very specific job because of the environmental impacts. Because of the complexity of the process and the size of the fines, if the rules are not followed, I recommend that either the applicant does a significant amount of research, or hires someone who knows the process.

The construction or reconstruction of marine facilities is covered by specific requirements. It is not impossible and many times not difficult but the rules must be followed. If you have questions or need help you can consult with your federal, state, or local government before ordering materials or docks. Knowledge of the requirements is most important. If you do not know these requirements, either learn them or hire someone who knows.

Good luck and have a fun-filled summer!

William H. Koelbel is the president of Waterfront Consultants Inc. He has over 40 years of direct marine-related experience, and can be reached at (315) 789-4744.

Circle Reader Service Number 122

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FIVE SOLID WEEKS OF THE ARTS!

JULY 16

– AUGUST 17 2003

M U S I C

Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance

Music • Concerts by the Lake • “The Sunset Trail” – an Opera revival in the newly restored Smith Opera House • Chamber Music at historic Trinity Church • Baroque Music Meets Jazz and Popular American Song

Theatre • Downstairs Cabaret Theatre • Cutting Edge Theatre • Geneva Theatre Guild

Dance • Shelter Repertory Company

Visual Arts • Fine Art Exhibits • Prouty-Chew Museum • Inkblotz Studio & Gallery

Poetry • Regionally published poets • Open Mic

Other events • Geneva BID’s Cruisin’ Night • Seneca Lake Whale Watch Festival

Geneva, New York...

Where Art Meets the Lake

www.genevarts.com

(866) 355-5483 For Tickets and Information

By Mike Levy

I

f America can be described as a melting pot, then we are going to need a stronger metaphor for the city of Ithaca. Drawing its population from diverse cultures in and out of the United States, Ithaca is a place where you can encounter cuisine, fashion, and arts from all over the world. A great open-mindedness toward new arts and ideas has made this a place where people have created a unique community. There are few events quite like the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, just 10 miles north of Ithaca, in Trumansburg, for celebrating and participating in this great culture and community.

“It’s kind of a reunion,” says Dan Swanson, who has been recording musical acts for the festival for years. “So much of it is seeing friends, The Flying Clouds performed during the 2002 festival. people who come every year to GrassRoots.”

While the community atmosphere South America, and within each of is important, the diversity of music is those categories there are abundant what lies at the core of the festival. variants. In just one day at the festival, Typical styles originate from Africa, it is quite likely that you could hear North America, the Caribbean and zydeco, Cajun and reggae rhythms,

Circle Reader Service Number 126

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sometimes all wrapped up in the same musical act.

“There are a lot of types of music you hardly ever see,” says Nancy Grossman, also a regular volunteer.

Indeed, the closest most people get to the styles at GrassRoots would be the international section of their local record shop.

All of this is performed by an even balance of local and national performers. The distinction between these two categories, however, has been blurring of late. Many of the out-of-town performers return year after year and have been adopted by local music fans as their own. Local bands, meanwhile, have been making their way around the region, the nation and the world.

Donna the Buffalo and John Brown’s Body regularly tour the country, while Sim Redmond Band, Sunny Weather and Wingnut, to name just a few, have been traveling further and further from their home bases.

The GrassRoots Festival has been an annual event for 13 years, slowly growing from a small evening concert at Ithaca’s State Theatre to a large, four-day festival encompassing much more than music. The festival was incorporated in 1991, and moved to the Trumansburg Fairgrounds in 1992.

Today, the festival boasts over 40 bands on four stages, on- and off-site camping, bus service to the festival, and the opportunity to be entertained practically non-stop from its kick-off on Thursday to its finale on Sunday night.

“There is so much rich music,” says John Brown’s Body’s Nate Silas Richardson, “that it’s like a cultural enrichment. It’s like the harvest of the music.”

While the music is the centerpiece of the festival, family, community and other arts also play a key role. There are abundant opportunities for everyone to participate. On Saturday morning there is a band contest in which any festival attendee may enter. There

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ake it a day in the country. From fine furniture and gifts, fresh flowers and dried floral arrangements, to casually elegant luncheon dining, our shops offer a unique shopping experience. Take a walk...feed the ducks or relax and enjoy the country.

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An elegant view is reawakening.

Esperanza Mansion, long a Keuka Lake Landmark now awaits you.

Opening early July, Esperanza Mansion is taking reservations for dinners, banquets, weddings and corporate events.

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is a youth center and a healing arts area, where people can experience all sorts of alternative medicines, from massage to acupuncture to reiki. There is also the infamous Art Barn, where local artists display their talents. The outside of the barn is adorned with space for anyone to contribute to a mural which takes shape as the festival progresses. And at any time, amateur drummers take up the rhythms of their instruments, forming drum circles that often last for hours at a time.

While festival-goers are free to pack their own coolers, the food sold on premises is as diverse as the music and art. Several local restaurants participate, bringing a cross section of Ithaca’s cuisine to Trumansburg.

Diamonds, a downtown Ithaca eatery, sells delicious Indian food. The Little Thai House, also from Ithaca, serves up pad thai as well as curry dishes.

Other offerings include Middle Eastern, barbecue, and pizza made just down the road, at New York Pizzeria in Trumansburg. Last year also featured pirogues and authentic Quaker oatmeal cookies—baked and served by local Quakers.

Another great diversion from the music is the selection of crafts dealers who set up tables on the premises.

The only vendors allowed in the gates are those who make their own wares.

Even then, the festival organizers pare down the list of applicants to about 25 assorted artists who make such items as candles, clothing, drums, and jewelry.

After a break perusing the crafts or sampling the food, it’s time to head back to the various stages to hear even more music. If you attend year after year, you get to witness the evolution of the local sound, as the very existence of the GrassRoots Festival has changed the face of the music performed there. Bands get a chance to display their talents in front of thousands of people at a time, and (Continued on page 58)

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INDEX OF ADVER TISERS FREE information by mail. Life in the Finger Lakes offers you the opportunity to request free brochures and information from our advertisers. Simply circle the numbers on the adjacent postage-paid card and mail.

The advertisers will send information directly to you.

Pg 47 Pg 11 Cvr 4 Pg 51 Pg 14 Pg 46 Pg 13 Pg 6 Pg 10 Pg 57 Pg 17 Pg 62 Pg 16 Pg 52 Pg 8 Pg 15 Pg 53 Pg 47 Pg 4 Pg 13 Pg 18 Pg 56 Pg 50 Pg 56 Pg 53 Pg 15 Pg 61 Pg 9 Pg 54 Pg 19 Pg 16 Pg 61 Pg 63 Pg 12 Pg 55 Pg 17 Pg 52 Pg 55 Pg 58 Cvr 3 Pg 3 Pg 58 Pg 15 Pg 18 Pg 4 Pg 58 Pg 49 Pg 51 Pg 58 Pg 59 Pg 7 Pg 57 Pg 6 Pg 48 Pg 50 Pg 12 Cvr 2 Pg 5 Pg 46 Pg 60 Pg 49 Pg 59

84 Lumber ..........................................Info #101 American Express................................Info #102 Appleridge ..........................................Info #103 AquaSource Water Center....................Info #104 Aurora Inn ..........................................Info #115 Book Bonanza/St Joseph’s School ......Info #105 Bright Ideas Design Center/ HEP Sales..Info #106 Bristol Valley Theater ..........................Info #107 Bryce Marine ......................................Info #108 C & R Vision Center ............................Info #109 Campground Owners of NY ................Info #110 Cayuga Wine Trail ................................Info #111 Church Creative Flooring ....................Info #112 Cicero Hoist & Dock ............................Info #113 Clark Meadows ....................................Info #114 Clinton Crest Manor ............................Info #161 Community Bank ................................Info #116 Conklin’s Antique Barnwood & Beams ..Info #117 Corning Museum of Glass ..................Info #118 Cronise Landscape & Design ..............Info #119 Dr. Birchenough & Dr. Riegel ..............Info #120 Dr. Frank’s Vinifera ..............................Info #159 Eaves Dental/Cosmetic Dentistry of the Finger Lakes ..............................Info #121 Esperanza Mansion..............................Info #162 EverythinGROUSE................................Info #122 Finger Lakes Complementary Healthcare Network ............................Info #123 Finger Lakes Inn/ Activity Center ........Info #124 Geneva Arts Development Council ......Info #125 Geneva Arts Development Council ......Info #126 Geneva on the Lake ............................Info #127 Grossman’s Country Nursery ..............Info #128 Guards Cards ......................................Info #129 Heat-Line Corp ....................................Info #130 Henry B’s Authentic Italian Cuisine......Info #131 Heron Hill Winery ................................Info #132 Lakeside Products ..............................Info #133 Lane’s Yamaha ....................................Info #134 Loomis Barn, The ................................Info #135 Lucas Vineyards ..................................Info #136 Lyons National Bank ............................Info #137 Marvin Windows..................................Info #138 Merry-Go-Round Playhouse ................Info #139 Mitchell Pierson Realtors ....................Info #158 Northern Design & Building Assoc., Ltd.........................Info #140 Oswego County Dept of Promotion & Tourism......................Info #141 Port Byron Canal Days ........................Info #142 Potter Heating & A/C ..........................Info #143 Red Jacket Orchards............................Info #144 Rochester Folk Art Guild......................Info #145 Schuyler Hospital ................................Info #146 Seneca Lake Wine Trail........................Info #147 Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion ........Info #148 Sunbeam Pools & Spas ......................Info #149 Syracuse China Factory Outlet ............Info #150 Timber Frames Inc...............................Info #151 Timberpeg ..........................................Info #152 Warfield’s Restaurant & Bakery ..........Info #153 Waterloo Premium Outlet ....................Info #154 Weaver-View Farms ............................Info #155 West End Gallery ................................Info #160 Wilcox Press, Inc ................................Info #156 Wood, Steel & Glas Inc. ......................Info #157

If the readers’ service postcard is missing in your issue, please call the advertiser directly.

If you would like to receive advertising rates, please call Jason Hagerman at 800-344-0559.

Sonnenberg GARDENS AND MANSION

Experience the Charm and Beauty Spend a relaxing day touring the nine formal gardens, meticulously landscaped grounds and the spectacular Queen Anne mansion and greenhouses.

Guided tours of the mansion run daily every hour.

Walking tours of the Estate are daily at 1 pm.

Finger Lakes Wine Center at Sonnenberg Gardens Visit the historic Bay House and enjoy wine and gourmet food from over 30 Finger Lakes wineries.

Gardens and Mansion Open Daily at 9:30 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 585.394.4922 • www.sonnenberg.org Circle Reader Service Number 148

IT MAY BE TIME FOR A DIFFERENT SOLUTION Richard R. Chute, O.D. C & R Vision Center Victor, New York 14564

(585) 924-4430 Ask if a free trial pair is right for you!

Circle Reader Service Number 109

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Hofandcrafts Distinction

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GREAT LAKES.FINGER LAKES. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Port Byron Canal Days AUGUST 1-2-3, 2003 Come enjoy FREE admission, featuring entertainment, food and fun for the whole family in a classic canal town.

POTTERY, FURNITURE AND TURNINGS, CLOTHING, WEAVING, WOODEN TOYS, BOOKS AND CARDS, WREATHS Middlesex is on Rt. 364 between Canandaigua and Penn Yan. Look for our signs.

EAST HILL GALLERY at the Rochester Folk Art Guild

OPEN MAY 23 to OCTOBER 27 Fri., Sun., Mon. 1-5 p.m.

Sat. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (or by appt.)

585-554-3539 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY

www.rfag.org

Circle Reader Service Number 145

Antique Fire Apparatus Display Antique Classic Cars & Tractors Antique Appraisal Fair Quilt • Art • Flower Show Old Time Country Store Food • Crafters • Vendors Historic Canal Site and Erie House Tours Games and Entertainment

315-776-5300 www.co.cayuga.ny.us/ prtbyron/canalday.htm Rain or Shine • Located on Route 31 in Downtown Port Byron, NY

For additional information on Cayuga County events, attractions accommodations call 1-800-499-9615 or 315-255-1658.

Visit our website at www.TourCayuga.com Circle Reader Service Number 142

Second Annual Life in the Finger Lakes

Photo Contest!

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s

Categories:

May 28 - June 14

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for:

• Best Color • Best Black-and-White Grand prize to best overall photograph.

Summer 2003

SOUTH PACIFIC RAGTIME

Stephen Flaherty & Lynn Ahrens

June 18 - July 5

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Nacio Herb Brown & Arthur Freed

Send submissions postmarked no later than August 29, 2003 to: Life in the Finger Lakes Photo Contest P.O. Box 1080 • Geneva, NY 14456 The awarded images will appear in the Winter 2003-04 issue.

For more information, visit our Web site at: www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com

July 9 - Aug 2

FOOTLOOSE

Dean Pitchford & Walter Bobbie

August 6 - 30

Box Office 315 255-1785 • 800 457-8897 www.merry-go-round.com Circle Reader Service Number 139

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meanwhile, they make connections with musicians from around the world. The various styles have rubbed off, as dozens of local bands have created unique sounds which are their own blends of various American and world styles.

“If GrassRoots didn’t exist,” asks Sunny Weather’s Trevor MacDonald, “how would these bands have come to town?” MacDonald says he first learned about zydeco, the predominant style of Sunny Weather, by observing out-oftown acts performing at the Festival. “If GrassRoots didn’t exist, I probably wouldn’t know about it.”

“It’s been very complementary,” says Grossman. “GrassRoots has helped the local music scene, and the music scene has helped GrassRoots.”

Look at the growing roster of Ithaca-based I-Town Records, and the effect is obvious. Bands in the I-Town collective perform such varied styles as reggae (John Brown’s Body), zydeco (Sunny Weather, Macgillicuties) or some blend of American and African styles (Sim Redmond Band, Oculus).

Amy Glicklich, a recent addition to the festival roster, performs chants from various cultures and sings in more than a handful of languages representing five continents. Adonai and I, an off-shoot of John Brown’s Body, is a successful blend of reggae and traditional Israeli folk music.

The festival began as a charity event to benefit local AIDS relief. It has continued to serve the community, though now the funds are used to help a more varied cross-section of local organizations. While still contributing to AIDS-related work, the festival now sponsors local arts as well.

This year, festival organizers have lent their name and their expertise to a group in North Carolina looking to create a similar experience. Also established with the main purpose of supporting local organizations, the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, held in early April,

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included many faces familiar to the Trumansburg Festival. Ithaca bands appearing at the event included Jenny Stearns, Sunny Weather, Amy Glicklich, Donna the Buffalo, Oculus, Sim Redmond Band and the Hix. According to organizer Leslie Puryear, mother to singer, guitarist, and festival founder Jeb Puryear, the idea was to help get the festival up and running using expertise developed over the past 13 years. With the help of Puryear and dozens of other volunteers, it looks like Shakori Hills is off to a fine start.

The end of the GrassRoots festival does not have to signal the end to summer music. Two similar annual festivals are held within miles of Trumansburg: the Ithaca Festival and the Musefest.

Both feature local food, music and the same community spirit as does the GrassRoots Festival. And both are free to the public, though donations are suggested. Ithaca Festival, held the first weekend in June, focuses its musical selections on local talent. There is no camping, but with the purchase of a button or a t-shirt, you can enjoy days of entertainment, from music, to storytelling to juggling. The Musefest, approaching its fourth year in existence, takes place on Labor Day weekend. It is similar to GrassRoots in that it offers abundant camping, but it is also much like Ithaca Festival in that it focuses on local talent. It has quickly grown in size, and Ithaca bands have rallied in support, with 35 bands performing in 2002.

With an abundance of choices out there, there’s no reason not to enjoy some great outdoor fun this summer in the Finger Lakes.

Mike Levy lives in Ithaca. He teaches junior high English, plays bass guitar, and writes a bi-monthly column on Finger Lakes breweries and cideries for The Great Lakes Brewing News.

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SENECA VIEW SKILLED NURSING

caring people, trusted services

Seneca View offers the highest quality skilled nursing facility care in a comfortable, homelike and therapeutic environment. Our residents enjoy a bright, spacious facility overlooking Seneca Lake and the surrounding countryside.

Seneca View is committed to providing professional care and support that offers an optimum quality of life for our residents. We continuously strive to maintain a least-restrictive, comfortable, secure, homelike environment that affords peace of mind to residents, their family and friends.

220 Steuben St. Montour Falls, NY 14865 607.535.8611 www.schuylerhospital.org

S C H U Y L E R H O S P I TA L Circle Reader Service Number 146

Old Growth, “Color of Time” Cypress

Old-growth cypress custom milled from river reclaimed logs.

Distinctive wood for fine millwork, trim, decking, flooring & siding.

ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR

An environmentally friendly wood prized for its beauty, durability and resistance to rot. Used primarily for fine decking, siding, rails and trim. Supple, splinter resistant wood weathers light silver gray, requires minimal maintenance and is available milled to exact specifications.

Great for exterior applications. We deliver nationwide.

WOOD, STEEL & GLAS, INC. • MADISON, CT 203-245-1781 • www.whitecedar.com Circle Reader Service Number 157

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(“Fruit of the Vine” cont’d from page 18) mostly in the 3-star range with a few fallouts below that. The fact that most wines ranked at 3 stars and above is what gave us the confidence to say that Cab Franc is pretty much a nomiss grape in the Finger Lakes, that wherever you go you are going to find a good one. This takes into consideration that the wines were about half and half from the 2000 and 2001 vintage, with 2001 being the warmer year.

Because of the fruit characteristics that dominate in Cab Franc, recurring food themes include lamb, duck and pork, all of which might be improved with a sauce reduction that involves some of the fruit characteristics one finds with the grape: raspberry, plum, black cherry or cranberry. But since the wine is pretty straightforward, the choice of food should not be complicat-

ed either. Many hearty cheeses would do well and other robust flavors like grilled portabella mushrooms on focaccia bread or a slurpy beef or lamb stew would be great. Take one of the brighter fruit-flavored wines for a picnic with grilled eggplant, cold cuts and cheese.

In our discussion about terroir, it was the feeling that Cab Franc succeeds in good years and bad, but its flavor profile changes from being, in warm years, more characterized by dark cherry, plum and raspberry notes, with, in cooler years, cranberry and light cherry prevailing. Wines from the warmer years are more apt to have higher alcohol and a bit more flavor profile stemming from tannins and the barrel in which it was aged. In discussing their approach to the grape, the winemakers admitted to having a

bit of indecision as to whether to try to bring up the lighter, brighter notes or to seek tannic, more ripe flavors that offered longer aging potential. They admitted that their choice would probably be finally driven by what the consumer expresses as most preferred, if not what the season offers.

The hunt for the ideal Cab Franc will probably not take a single direction in the coming years, making it a grand adventure for the Finger Lakes consumer to seek out the winery that does it most to satisfaction. It’s going to be fun to be out there on the wine trails!

Bill Moffett is co-publisher of Vineyard & Winery Management. Sponsoring wine competitions, seminars and tradeshows, their activity is visible at their website www.vwm-online.com.

Summer Exhibits

MARTIN A. POOLE

G. C. MYERS

TOM GARDNER

JUNE 6 - JULY 5

JULY 11 - AUGUST 9

AUG. 15 - SEPT. 13

Opening Reception Friday, June 6 5-7:30 pm

Opening Reception Friday, July 11 5-7:30 pm

Opening Reception Friday, Aug. 15 5-7:30 pm

Gallery Talk Thursday, June 19

Gallery Talk Saturday, July 26

Gallery Talk Saturday, August 30

Original art of exceptional quality!

12 WEST MARKET STREET • CORNING, NEW YORK • 607-936-2011 www.westendgallery.net • e-mail: info@westendgallery.net Circle Reader Service Number 160

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(“Lifestyle” cont’d from page 47) But buying the base-model grill, like buying a new car, is just the beginning of the fun. All the top grill manufacturers offer numerous options and accessories for the griller who wants to have it all. One of Viking’s most interesting options is a built-in commercialquality, all-weather 6.1-cubic-foot refrigerator with three regular shelves plus wine cradles for 14 bottles and a wine temperature zone. The caveman may have stored his stegosaurus steak in a handy glacier, but the modern backyard chef can keep his in the fridge right under his grill. For serious partiers, Viking also offers a built-in or freestanding refrigerated beverage dispenser that comes complete with CO2 cylinder and keg coupler.

You can also add a wok to stir-fry like a pro. Or a griddle. Why go out to a restaurant for breakfast when you can cook the eggs and pancakes in your backyard? Then there is the steamer for your vegetables or the deep fryer for your French fries. And don’t forget the wood chip smoker so your salmon filets can taste like they were cooked over an open flame (it’s a retro-caveman thing). You probably can’t do without a food warmer or a pizza stone. And you absolutely must have a motorized rotisserie—you can get one that handles 30 pounds of meat!

Fortunate is the Finger Lakes family who has an outdoor cooking center (what the heck’s a grill, anyway?) and a fire-meister to cook on it. While the rest of us are indoors microwaving our TV dinners this summer, they’ll be outside enjoying grilled portabellas, rotisserie prime rib, crispy hash browns…or maybe seared tuna steaks with stir-fried vegetables…or smoked salmon pizza served with a freshlydrawn tap beer…or….

Fire. Meat. Gooood!

Dave Donelson is a freelance writer and lives in West Harrison, New York.

Summer is here! Let’s Enjoy!

124 clean, comfortable, quiet rooms set on nearly 10 beautifully landscaped acres.

Large heated outdoor pool Picnic areas with gas grills

Continental breakfast Friendly Staff

ACTIVITY CENTER ON SITE Ping-pong, Pool Table, Foosball, Air Hockey Video and Pinball Games, 10´ Projection Television GROUP RATES AVAILABLE FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS

Minutes away from area attractions: waterpark, biking, boating, fishing, hiking and wineries.

4343 Routes 5 & 20 East – Canandaigua Phone: (585) 394-2800 or (800) 727-2775 www.fingerlakesinn.com Circle Reader Service Number 124

Purveyors of Comfort & Joy A unique gift shop in the atmosphere of a 1920’s drug store where old fashioned customer service abounds.

Featuring collectibles by Crystal World, Nao by Lladro, Anheuser-Busch Steins, Department 56 Snowbabies and Snowbunnies, and Rinconada.

Traditional gifts include Seagull Pewter, Bulova Clocks, M-Pressions framed calligraphy, English mats & coasters, cotton throws, oil lamps as well as a complete selection of Hallmark cards and products.

60 Seneca St. Downtown Geneva, NY (315) 789-6919 Open Mon.-Sat. 9:00-5:30 • Fri. ‘til 6:00 • Sun. noon-4:00

Circle Reader Service Number 129

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C A L E N D A R F E S T I VA L S

JUNE 2003 1-July 12…Scenes in Seneca County Exhibit F.J. Ludovico Sculpture Trail and Gallery, Seneca Falls 315-568-8204

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7...Inspiration Day, Celebrate Nature and the Arts Lake Ontario, Sponsored by Sterling Nature Center 315-947-6143

12-29...“And the World Goes ’Round” Bristol Valley Theater, Naples 585-374-9032

7-8…Cayuga Wine Trail’s “Ports of Call” 800-684-5217

14...Seneca Lake Waterfront Festival Seneca Harbor, Route 14, Watkins Glen 607-535-3003

5-14…Rochester International Jazz Festival Rochester 585-234-2002

8...Sterling Nature Center Arts Festival Sterling Nature Center 315-947-6143

6-August 24…Curtiss Wright Tools Exhibit, Demonstrations June 6, 7, and 8 Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Hammondsport 607-569-2160

9...KidsPeace 1st Annual Seneca Wood Golf Tournament Silver Creek Golf Course, Waterloo 315-585-3024

FOUR SEASONS ON THE

CAYUGA WINE TRAIL Visit the “Trail” all year long-There’s always something new!

Fall 2003:

Holiday Shopping Spree 1st weekend in December

Spring 2004:

Wine & Herb Fest Last weekend of April and 1st weekend in May

Summer Ports of Call First weekend in June 2004: Winter 2004:

Mardi Gras on the Trail Feb/March

14…7th Annual Walk and Smell the Roses Sonnenberg Mansion and Gardens, Canandaigua 585-396-6155 16-22…LPGA Tournament Week Locust Hill Country Club, Pittsford 585-427-7100 18-July 5…“Ragtime” Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Auburn 315-255-1785 20-21…American Cancer Society Relay for Life Walk Lakefront Park, Geneva 315-781-2705 20-22...2003 M&T Jazz Fest Onondaga Community College Campus 315-470-1910 or 800-234-4797 20-22…Annual Summer Boat Show Finger Lakes Boating Museum 585-586-0754 21-22…Sky Rovers Aero Rally McBurney Road, Phelps 315-548-3779 27-29…32nd Annual Fleet Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival Columbus Circle, Syracuse 315-422-8284 27-August 31…John Jamison Motorcycle Show Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Hammondsport 607-569-2160 28-August 24...Made in NY Exhibit Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, Auburn 315-255-1553 29...Artie Shaw Orchestra Smith Opera House, Geneva 315-781-LIVE or 866-355-LIVE

JULY 2003 3-13…“California Suite” Bristol Valley Theater, Naples 585-374-9032 5-August 17…Sterling Renaissance Festival 15385 Farden Road, Sterling 800-879-4446 9-August 2…“Singin’ in the Rain” Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Auburn 315-255-1785

1 ● 2 ● 3 ● 4 ● 5 ● 6 ● 7 ● 8 ● 9 ● 10 ● 11 ● 12 ● 13 ● 14 ● 15 ●

Swedish Hill Vineyard Lakeshore Winery Knapp Vineyards Goose Watch Winery Cayuga Ridge Winery Thirsty Owl Wine Co. Hosmer Winery Sheldrake Point Vineyards Lucas Vineyards Americana Vineyards Bellwether Hard Cider Six Mile Creek Vineyards King Ferry Winery Long Point Winery Montezuma Winery

10…Sterling Nature Center Sunset Sailing Trip Sterling Nature Center 315-947-6143 11-12, 15-19…Historic Hill Cumorah Pageant Route 21, Palmyra 315-597-5851 12...Highbanks Celtic Gathering and Scottish Games Letchworth State Park 585-493-3600 12... Carribbean Festival and Parade Armory Square Trolley Lot, Syracuse 315-424-6034

1-800-684-5217

www.cayugawinetrail.com Circle Reader Service Number 111

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12-13…12th Annual Book Bonanza Fingerlakes Mall, Auburn 315-730-1760 13...Finger Lakes Antique Auto Club Show Emerson Park, Auburn 315-253-5611

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17-19... 23rd Annual Convention Days People’s Park, Seneca Falls 315-568-2991

17...28th Annual Finger Lakes Dixieland Jazz Festival VLHFD Fairgrounds, Route 414, Hector

21-31...“The Gin Game” Bristol Valley Theater, Naples 585-374-9032

17-20... Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival Trumansburg Fairgrounds 607-387-5144

17-Sept. 20…Art Show by our Senior Citizen Artists F.J. Ludovico Sculpture Trail and Gallery, Seneca Falls 315-568-8204

28-31...New York State Balloon Festival Dansville Airport, Dansville 585-335-9640

17-27...“The Passion of Dracula” Bristol Valley Theater, Naples 585-374-9032

18...7th Annual Golf Classic; Curtiss Museum Bath Country Club 607-569-2160

30...Canandaigua Lake Ring of Fire Celebration Canandaigua Lake 585-554-3785

18-20...Finger Lakes Wine Festival Watkins Glen International 607-535-2481

21…Sterling Nature Center Sunset Sailing Trip Sterling Nature Center 315-947-6143

18-20...Syracuse Nationals Car Happening 2003 NYS Fairgrounds/Empire Expo Center, Syracuse 315-668-9703 18-20...12th Annual NYS Rhythm and Blues Festival Downtown Syracuse and Hotel Syracuse 315-435-2168 or 315-470-1910 25…Kelly Miller Circus Cayuga Street Park, Route 104A, Fair Haven 315-947-6037 25-27...Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show Skaneateles 315-685-0552 26-27…Native American Dance and Music Festival Ganondagan State Historic Site, Victor 26-27...Fifty-Mile Long Garage Sale NYS Rte. 90 between Montezuma and Homer 315-889-5836 26-27...Winetique Weekend Keuka Lake west side 607-868-3945 31-August 17...“Five Guys Named Moe” Bristol Valley Theater, Naples 585-374-9032

AUGUST 2003 2…Glenn H. Curtiss Museum Gala Glenn H. Curtiss Museum 607-569-2160 2-3...Park Ave Summer Art Fest Park Avenue, Rochester 585-244-0951 4-8…Annual Jazz Brunch to benefit Granger Homestead Seneca Point, Naples 585-394-1472 5-7…Empire Farm Days Rodman Lott & Sons Farm, Seneca Falls 716-526-5356 6-30…“Footloose” Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Auburn 315-255-1785 8-9...Moonlight Maze Long Acre Farms, Macedon 315-986-9821 or 315-986-4202 11-17…85th PGA Championship Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester 800-742-8258 12…Thirty Piece Brass Band from Great Britain Weedsport Junior-Senior High School, 7:30p.m.

15-16…Chenango Blues Festival 15th-West Side Park, North Broad St., Norwich 16th-Chenango County Fairgrounds, Norwich 15-17…Seneca Lake Whale Watch Festival Geneva Lakefront Park, Geneva 315-781-0820

Circle Reader Service Number 130

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O F F

T H E

E A S E L

Sailing Class, Cayuga Lake – 26˝ x 17˝ x 1˝

Mary Michael Shelly, Self-Taught Artist

I

am commonly referred to as a folk artist, although I feel most comfortable with the term “selftaught”. I was born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, in l950. My father (who was a commercial artist and ingenious with his hands) and my grandmother (who was Pennsylvania Dutch and always had 10 art projects going on concurrently) had great influence on me as far as my knowing from a young age that I wanted to be an artist. However, I believed I did not have the talent to be a visual artist. Instead, I went to college to be a writer.

In 1973, when I was 23, my father sent me a painted low-relief woodcarving he had done of me as a young girl at the farm where I grew up. I thought this picture was wonderful and, as a way of relaxing after writing, I also began to carve/paint. I got such immediate response to my visual artwork that within one year I had stopped writing and was solely doing painted woodcarvings.

My work is entirely carved on rough-cut white pine. I use no glued-on pieces. A batten is fastened on the back to prevent warping. Most of my pieces are carved on four quarter (1˝ thick) stock. I paint all my

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work with acrylics, sealing them front and back (again to prevent warping) with an acrylic varnish. An inner gold-leafed frame completes the look of each piece.

As I do a piece I become entirely absorbed in it, but once it is finished and gone I get wholeheartedly into the next piece.

In the past 26 years I have completed approximately 500 carved and painted wood reliefs. For 14 of those years I supplemented my art income by working as a sign painter, as well as by building my own house. As a carver I experience a sense of isolation because I work alone. So I like to think of my pictures going to live with people I do not know and becoming a part of their lives.

Mary has pieces of her work in permanent collections throughout the world. Some of locations include The Smithsonian Institute, the American Museum in Britian, Texaco Corporate Collection, the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and more.

You can contact Mary Michael Shelley by visiting her website at www.maryshelleyfolkart.com or by calling (607) 272-5700.

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Hometown traditions

Branch Locations: Main Office 35 William Street Lyons, NY 14489 (315) 946-4871 Lyons Branch Corner Routes 14 & 31 Lyons, NY 14489 (315) 946-4505 Clyde Branch 4 Williams Street Clyde, NY 14433 (315) 923-2100 Jordan Branch 2 North Main Street Jordan, NY 13080 (315) 689-9530 Macedon Branch P & C Supermarket Macedon Commons Macedon, NY 14502 (315) 986-9681

LNB and the Lyons Farmer’s Market Hometown traditions are part of life in the Finger Lakes region, and the Lyons Farmer’s Market is one of our favorites. Every Saturday, beginning in June, the Farmer’s Market showcases the best of the region’s natural bounty, with fresh fruits, crisp vegetables, beautiful flowers and delicious baked goods.

Another hometown tradition in the Finger Lakes is friendly, reliable community banking with The Lyons National Bank. Just like the Lyons Farmer’s Market, we’re committed to giving you our very best. And it’s this commitment that inspires us to provide the one-to-one service you depend on to reach your goals.

Call us today at (315) 946-4871 or visit www.lyonsbank.com to learn how a hometown tradition like LNB makes life in the Finger Lakes even better.

Newark Branch 750 W. Miller Street Newark, NY 14513 (315) 331-0296 Town of Ontario Branch Tops Plaza 6256 Furnace Road Ontario, NY 14519 (315) 524-9661 Wolcott Branch 5996 New Hartford Street Wolcott, NY 14590 (315) 594-6002 www.lyonsbank.com

ONE FOCUS

■

ONE COMMITMENT

■

ONE-TO-ONE SERVICE

Circle Reader Service Number 137

Member FDIC

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