Live Performances, Array of Art Vendors, Friendly Pets ... A Party!
It’s no secret that Ellicottville is famous for its eclectic festival schedule, truly offering something for everyone. The annual “kick off” is nearly upon us, with the Summer Music Festival taking place June 29-July 1. Need a rundown?
Of course the big draw for the weekend revolves around Holiday Valley’s slopeside main stage, where three big acts will perform live over the duration of the three days. Known for their hit single, “All for You” (yes you know this song), Sister Hazel will kick off a weekend of great music on Friday at 9pm. On Saturday, the Buffalo Philharmonic will perform “Classical Sounds” starting at 8pm, followed by a fireworks display that is truly next level. The BPO’s version of the 1812 Overture and Stars and Stripes Forever will carry through the fireworks extravaganza, which will surely give goose bumps to even the most casual patriot. Wrapping up the weekend on Sunday, July 1 at 9pm, The Guess Who will take the stage. These long-time Canadian rockers need no introduction, having toured globally since the ‘60s, boasting 15 top-40 singles throughout their career. We’re told there’s a good chance they’ll play a few you might know.
Tickets for Sister Hazel are $25 in advance until June 22 or $30 at the gate; tickets for the BPO and The Guess Who can be purchased for $30 advance or $35 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.
DOWNTOWN FESTIVITIES
To compliment the stage at The Valley, the village of Ellicottville also plays host to a variety of activities. An Arts and Craft show will set up from 10am-5pm both Saturday andSunday on Jefferson Street (beside the post office) and will spotlight close to 75 vendors on-site, with everything from jewelry to woodworking.
We caught up with Shirley Taylor of Taylor Pinstriping, who revealed to us that this will be her first time attending the Ellicottville venue, and she is quite excited to be a part of it this year. She will be bringing some great pinstriped plates and mirrors for people to check out.
One of the most entertaining (and crowd pleasing) events of the weekend is the annual Pet Parade, which will march down Washington Street at 11am on Saturday. If you’ve never seen this, you’re missing out, with pets ranging from the typical dogs to the more unusual marchers - baby calves, ferrets, hermit crabs … (boa constrictors are highly discouraged however, per Fido’s request). Sunday will feature the ever-popular Strawberry Festival from 12-3pm and live entertainment in the Gazebo from 2-5pm with Midnight Riders slated to perform.
So there you have it … The Summer Music Festival here in Ellicottville, NY in a nutshell. If you don’t frequently visit Ellicottville, this is definitely the one weekend not to be missed. With something for everyone, there’s nowhere else you’d rather be than right here, enjoying a sunny weekend filled with great music, nestled amongst our two great neighboring ski areas.
For a complete schedule on this year’s Summer Music Festival, check out the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce website at www.ellicottvilleny.com/summer-music-festival/.
