56th Annual Sauerkraut Festival in Phelps, NY: A Four-Day Celebration of Tradition and Community

BY SUZIE WELLS

various attractions and events keep energy owing. Runners ock to the Krauter 20k and 5k races, the oldest race in the Finger Lakes, and the Mustang Rally of the Finger Lakes provides a delightful experience for car enthusiasts. A giant slip ‘n slide guarantees refreshing fun under the summer sun.

Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, the quaint village of Phelps, New York, comes alive each year with the lively and avorful Sauerkraut Festival. is four-day extravaganza, which has been a cherished tradition since its inception in 1967, highlights not only the village’s historical ties to sauerkraut production but also its vibrant sense of community.

A Historical Connection: e Origins of the Sauerkraut Festival e roots of the Sauerkraut Festival trace back to Phelps’ rich history as a signi cant sauerkraut producer. Initiated by the Phelps Chamber of Commerce in 1967 as a one-day event, the festival quickly grew in popularity, evolving into the village-wide celebration it is today. e festival’s inception was a nod to Phelps’ role as one of the world’s largest sauerkraut producers, driven by its Silver Floss Sauerkraut Company (now Great Lakes Kraut Company, a part of Agrilink, Inc.) and Birds Eye Foods. is year was no exception. According to Barbara Middlebrook of the Town of Phelps, “ e festival was a huge success this year due to all the involvement from many community organizations including but not limited to Phelps BDTC (organizers), Phelps Fire Department, Oaks Corners Fire Department, and all the local businesses! e village was very much alive and vibrant.”

Over the years, the festival underwent transformations under the stewardship of a dedicated committee, comprised of community members and organizations. By 2013, the festival expanded into a fourday a air known as the Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend, encompassing various activities and events that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the community.

A Flavorful Celebration: Events and Attractions

Each August, the Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend o ers a plethora of activities for visitors of all ages. e festivities kick o on ursday evening, with food and marketplace vendors opening their stalls. Families enjoy the Arts and Cra s for Kids and carnival rides. A Kiddie Parade, led by the Phelps Fire Department, adds a charming touch, followed by piñatas and DJ music to keep spirits high.

e “Kraut Krawl” allows adults a cra beverage stroll through downtown Phelps, featuring local vendors such as Local Palate, Brewery Ardennes, and Smokin’ Tails Distillery. Live music and e Giant Parade is a wonderful tradition winding its way through downtown Phelps, capturing the essence of the village’s unity. e Phelps Chamber of Commerce Food Tour invites attendees to savor local avors and the day concludes with a spectacular reworks display. Visitors explored the Phelps Diamond Club Cards & Collectibles Show at the Phelps Community Center. Sunday’s Worship in the Park o ers a serene moment of re ection, while live music infuses the air with harmonious melodies. Kid Zone Activities provide young festival-goers with a range of engaging and creative activities throughout the festival. Expanded entertainment projects were made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the O ce of the Governor and the New York State legislature and administered by Auburn Public eater. e annual Phelps Sauerkraut Festival is not just an event; it’s a representation of a community’s history, unity, and love for tradition. As attendees indulge in sauerkraut-inspired dishes and experience the vibrant atmosphere, they become part of a legacy that honors both the past and the present. In the charming village of Phelps, the Sauerkraut Festival stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and the joy that comes from coming together to celebrate shared heritage.

Middlebrook said that particularly notable this yearwas“thesheervolume of people that attended the festival from all over the world including Canada, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.” Attendees particularly enjoyed the parade, the Kraut Krawl, the Mustang and Jeep shows, carnival rides, and food at local businesses as well as the food trucks and carnival vendors. is festival showed that the Town and Village of Phelps have a lot of activities and unique businesses to o er surrounding communities.

Check out the festival website (phelpsny.com/sauerkraut-weekend), for a variety of recipes to delight the palate, from chocolate cake, spice pie, Swiss steak, and kraut and frank rollups, chef’s salad, potato salad, even Festive Kraut. I am a chocoholic and must admit I never thought of making chocolate cake from sauerkraut, but locals swear by its avor. Give it a try.

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To Your Good Health

By Keith Roach, M.D.