Cassadaga Labor Day Festival begins Saturday
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CASSADAGA -- The village is excited to celebrate the Labor Day weekend with a three-day festival of events. Events are sponsored by the village of Cassadaga, Citizens for a Better Cassadaga, the Cassadaga Lakes Association and Wilson Endurance Sports.
"It takes a village of many volunteers and organizations to make this festival possible. A big thank you goes out to each and everyone," said Village Trustee Cynthia Flaherty.
Saturday morning at 8, the CassadagaMan competition kicks off the weekend festivities. The village's take on a triathlon, all competitors will begin at Cassadaga Beach on Park Avenue at 8 a.m., with a 1.2-mile swim around the perimeter of the lower Cassadaga Lake. After the swim, competitors move on to a hilly 56-mile bike ride. After the bike ride is completed, the race will finish with a 13.1-mile run on shaded country roads. The event will have no cut-off times. Volunteers and spectators are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact race director Mark Wilson at (914) 466-9214.
On Sunday afternoon from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., a Farmers Market will be at Ames Common, on the corner of Route 60 and Maple Avenue. There will be fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods available for purchase. At 2 p.m. until it is sold out, Chicken Barbecue take-out from the American Legion will be available.
Sunday at 4:30 p.m., the annual Boat Parade will commence. Line-up begins at 4:15 p.m. at the DEC Launch on Dale Drive. The theme is "favorite team" and prizes will be available. The parade will start moving at 4:30 and will proceed to the lower Cassadaga Lake and end at Cassadaga Beach. Any floating vessel is invited participate. Prizes will be awarded by the Cassadaga Lakes Association. Best viewing areas for the parade include Dale Drive, Lakeview Avenue, and Cassadaga Beach.
Sunday night's festivities finish off with a concert featuring 2nd Street Sunset on the floating stage from 5-7 p.m. at Cassadaga Beach. 2nd Street Sunset is an experienced act from Chautauqua County that covers classic rock and roll from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. The concert is sponsored by the Cassadaga Lakes Association and is free to attend.
Spectators are welcome on the beach or by boat. Refreshments will be provided by Super Duper Catering. North Shore Arts Alliance members have also been invited to display and sell their creations. Lifeguards will be on duty during the concert for anyone looking to get one last swim in. Parking is limited at the beach, so guests are urged to park at the nearby library, church or firehall, if possible. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the American Legion Post 1280, 128 Maple Ave. or at the Cassadaga Firehall, 22 Mill St.
Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a Craft Vendor Show will be held at the Cassadaga Firehall, including Bubba's Food Wagon and a bounce house. The Grand Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Monday at nearby Maple Avenue, featuring bands, marching units, fire trucks, and more.
The Ducky Derby, Cassadaga Lakes Association's annual fundraising event, takes place at noon on Monday at the Maple Avenue bridge. "A crowd of people cheering on their favorite plastic duck is a sight to behold," Flaherty said. Tickets can be purchased at ShurFine, at the Farmer's Market, or call/text (716) 410-0673.
Finally, on Monday at 1 p.m., a Bicycle/Walk Dice Run will finish off the events for the extended holiday weekend. Contestants will ride or walk around the lake and roll dice at each of five separate stations across the approximately three-mile course. Cash prizes will be available. Walkers will register at 1 p.m. and leave at 1:30 p.m., while cyclists register at 1:30 p.m. and leave at 2 p.m. Entry costs are $5 for adults and $3 for children.