NELSON — The Second Annual Nelson Corners Festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Nelson Farms Country Store parking lot at 3261 US-20.
The event will include live music by Syracuse-based recording artist and singer-songwriter “Just Joe”; beer from several local breweries; the Erieville Volunteer Fire Department’s chicken BBQ fundraiser; Mad Tacos “Fest Specials;” burgers, soft drinks, and other offerings from Terri’s Quick Bites And More; Nelson Creamery ice cream; and a homemade lemonade/bake sale to benefit the Old Drovers Tavern (ODT) at the northeast corner of the Nelson four corners.
The ODT is a project of the Nelson Preservation Associates (NPA), a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation of historic Nelson, NY. The NPA is working to preserve the ODT building and to rehabilitate the entire property to create economic and community-use opportunities.
In addition to its lemonade/bake sale, the NPA will have a table with a presentation on the organization’s progress and next major project plans, a 50/50 cash raffle, 2024 ODT desk calendars for sale, a bottle and can return, and information on the NPA’s account with CazCans. The organization will also be offering tours of the tavern.
“The tavern has served our area as a community touchstone for over 200 years, and we are honored to be working to restore not only its physical structure and appearance but also, with time, its historic community services of fine food and drink, family entertainment, and good times for neighbors and visitors,” said NPA CEO Nancy Demyttenaere. “The money raised during the Nelson Festival will be used this fall when we will finish repainting the tavern in its color scheme from 1874. Can’t wait for everyone to see it. Lots of fun to look forward to.”
The festival’s “beer garden” will feature offerings from Meier’s Creek Brewing Company, Foothill Hops Farm Brewery, Underground Beer Lab, Buried Acorn Brewing Company, Seneca Street Brew Pub/Erie Canal Brewing Company, and Talking Cursive Brewing Company.
Adults ages 21 and older can pay $17 and show a valid photo ID proving legal drinking age to receive a wristband and five drink tickets. Additional drink tickets can be purchased at the event. There is no ATM available on site.
“We’re excited to be hosting Nelson Corners Fest at Nelson Farms again this year,” said Amanda Taranto, director at Nelson Farms. “We love our community and being able to offer an opportunity for people to come together for good food, beer, and music.”
The Nelson Corners Festival was introduced last summer in conjunction with the 13th Annual Mad Cow 5K through the Town of Nelson.
Traditionally held in the morning, the race was moved to the evening, and runners, walkers, and other members of the public were invited to Nelson Farms for a post-race community celebration featuring beer vendors, music, and food.
“The Nelson Corners Fest was conceived as a way to celebrate the Nelson community, to promote the businesses located at the Nelson Corners, and to support other local businesses in the greater Nelson area,” said Mad Cow Race Director John Dunkle, who is helping to organize this year’s festival. “Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Erieville Fire Department and Old Drovers Tavern.”
The 2023 Mad Cow 5K has been canceled, but it will return next summer.
According to a message on the race’s RunSignup page, the Mad Cow Race Team is unable to facilitate the race this year due to extenuating circumstances. Refunds will be provided to those who already registered for this year.
“We will be concentrating on being back stronger than ever for the race in 2024 on Aug. 3,” the message states.
The Second Annual Nelson Corners Festival is sponsored in part by Nelson Farms and the Town of Nelson.
The Nelson Farms Country Store & Tap Room will be open the day of the celebration until 8 p.m.
“The Nelson Corners festival has become the perfect platform for local businesses to thrive, partially in the aftermath of the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic,” said Town of Nelson Supervisor James Cunningham. “This is an important collaboration with both residents and local merchants to ensure a successful festival. I’m looking forward to the festival and hoping for fantastic weather. I would like to thank everyone who has helped with the logistics and coordination required to make the event a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.”