OBSERVER Photo by Greg Fox From left, Lilly Carlson, Khloe Karnes and Kimberly Bauer ready themselves during one of the heats at the Welch’s grape stomping competition Friday, the first day of the 50th annual Festival of Grapes, in Silver Creek.

SILVER CREEK — Not many festivals run for 50 consecutive years. In fact, only one in New York state has accomplished such a feat.

That festival? The Festival of Grapes.

Lori Cornell, representative of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office, lauded that fact Friday during the opening ceremony of this year’s golden celebration in the heart of downtown Silver Creek. Cornell read aloud a letter from Cuomo applauding the festival volunteers and sending his good wishes.

“Farming is synonymous with New York state history, and despite many challenges throughout the centuries, agriculture remains one of our largest industries,” she read from Cuomo’s letter. “We are very proud of that. Each year, this exciting celebration of grape agriculture unites residents and visitors for a celebration of the annual grape harvest.”

After proclaiming this weekend Festival of Grapes Weekend during the opening ceremony, Silver Creek Mayor Nick Piccolo pointed out the beloved celebration of grapes holds a special place in the hearts of anyone who has ever lived in the village.

“Not only does the festival remain the go-to event for those who still live in the village and the local region, but this weekend often serves as a time for those who have moved away to come back home in order to catch up with family and old friends and relive some of the nostalgia associated with taking part in the festival and its many activities,” he added. “While a lot has changed in the village over the past 50 years, what has not changed is how this, the third weekend in September, still sees the transformation of our village square and ballpark into a midway full of crafts, food, games, carnival rides and hundreds of visitors.”

New York State Sen. Cathy Young, R-Olean, sent her representative, Kevin Muldowney, to the opening ceremony to present a proclamation from the state Senate recognizing the Festival of Grapes’ 50th anniversary.

Winners for the boys’ and girls’ pentathlons and the baby contest were announced at the opening ceremony. Mayson Simmons came in first place in the boys’ pentathlon, with Derek Bauer coming in second. Kimberly Bauer won the girls’ pentathlon and Khloe Karnes finished in second.

In the baby contest, Gianni D’Amico won for the boys and Destiny Michelle Mays won for the girls. Gianni is the son of Mike and Ashley D’Amico. Destiny is the daughter of Steve and Steffanie Mays.

Rosemary Hayes was announced as the grape grower of the year, as well.

Once introductions were finished and winners were announced, the annual Welch’s grape stomping competition took center stage, perfuming the air with sweet-smelling, Concord goodness.

Eight heats took place. The following people competed this year:

¯ Heat One: Roswell Park Cancer Institute – Dr. Saby George (winner), Karina George and Binsy George. The George family stomped for cancer research.

¯ Heat Two: Boys’ Pentathlon – Mayson Simmons, Derek Bauer (winner) and Joseph Ziegler (audience member).

¯ Heat Three: Roswell – Sabastian George, Diane Poslinski (winner) and Sue Sedia.

¯ Heat Four: Girls’ Pentathlon – Lilly Carlson (audience), Khloe Karnes and Kimberly Bauer (winner).

¯ Heat Five: Wineries – Ian Hill (Liberty Vineyards & Winery), Cindy Miller (Merritt Estate Winery) and Dawn Ellis (Willow Creek Winery; winner).

¯ Heat Six: 106.9 KISS-FM – Anthony Merchant, Heather Skuggen and Misty Freeman (winner).

¯ Heat Seven: Past Festival Pageant Winners – Alexandra Rosenlund (past Miss Festival of Grapes 2011; winner), Kate Falcone Cross (past Little Miss Festival of Grapes 1985) and Megan Dieke (audience).

¯ Heat Eight: Audience Adults – Cortina Carlson, Ryan Wasmund and Bobbie Kilburn (winner).

Fran Page and Silver Creek Middle/High School Choral Director Phillip McMullen sang the national anthem during the opening ceremonies, with plenty of audience members joining them. Fr. Daniel Fiebelkorn, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, led the opening prayer.

The festival continues through Sunday. Terry Buchwald will perform today in front of the gazebo from 6 to 9 p.m. and the grand parade will take over Main Street Sunday at 1 p.m.

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