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Farm Fest planners promise new events

Fredonia Farm Festival organizers recently offered a preview of new attractions for this year's event.

The annual festival centered around Barker Common is set for Friday to Sunday, Aug. 23. Fredonia has multiple festivals and events throughout the year -- but as Mayor Michael Ferguson put it, the Farm Fest is "the largest by far, not even close."

Ferguson commented on the festival while introducing organizers Lauren Boyle and Greg Krauza at a recent village trustees workshop.

"We're excited, we have a lot of new things coming in this year," Boyle said. "We have a street square dance coming in, we have a petting zoo coming in. We have a ton of presentations throughout the weekend."

One event Boyle mentioned was a live performance of "Hamlet" in the gazebo by Main Street Studios.

Krauza likes to remind that farmers are the backbone of the Farm Festival, and noted that Fredonia Farmers Market vendors will be set up on Saturday and Sunday. Krauza called that "the most important thing."

Krauza also noted that there will be a tent where junior crafters can create and sell items. "We're trying to grow that next generation of crafters," he said.

There is also going to be a new food drive this year to benefit Fredonia's Fred Basket food pantry and the Fredonia Central School district, he later added.

Boyle said people can check the Farm Festival's Facebook page for updates.

Trustee LeeAnn Lazarony offered warm words for the organizers.

"I know this is a passion, you have to have a passion to do something like this," she said. "I know that we mark ourselves by this festival, so I just want to say that I appreciate what you do."