CAZENOVIA — The Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce (GCACC) and its recently launched “Caz Life” marketing and events committee are teaming up to present the community’s annual Block Fest Weekend on Aug. 4-6.
“Many hands make light work, and the new Caz Life committee of the chamber did not disappoint,” said Barbara Houghton, a member of the GCACC board and Caz Life. “We are making this a whole weekend of events hoping that we can appeal to everyone.”
On all three days of the festival, sidewalk sales will be set up outside the downtown shops from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
On Friday evening, CazArts creative alliance will kick off the weekend with a Community Drum Circle in Lakeland Park at 7 p.m.
Saturday
Saturday’s festivities will start off with the traditional Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial/Cannon Park.
20|EAST is partnering with several other businesses to present entertainment, food, and activities along Albany Street from late morning to early afternoon.
“We wanted to add a little fun on our block on Saturday so as not to interfere with Sunday’s festivities,” said McKenzie Houseman, owner of 20|EAST & Cazenovia Cut Block at 85 Albany St. “I teamed up with Due Passi [Pizzeria] and the Lincklaen House to bring live music [by Southy’s Keys] from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Due Passi is also offering fried dough.”
The musicians will be set up in front of Due Passi at 79 Albany St.
According to Houseman, 20|EAST & Cazenovia Cut Block will host several returning pop-up shops. Veteran-owned North Sea Workshops will offer custom knives and knife sharpening; Farley’s Fairy Hair will have its colored sparkle strands of “fairy hair;” Chef Brian Isbell of Syracuse will offer food samples; The Square Marble will have its clasp-free permanent bracelets; and Owera Vineyards will have wine sampling starting at 12:30 p.m.
The Pewter Spoon Café will also get involved by offering $1 off craft beer, wine, and hard cider. Ice cream sandwiches, affogatos, and nitro cold brew floats made with homemade ice cream will also be available. The café will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Community Bank, N.A. is hosting its “Shred Fest” from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the bank to help safeguard against identity theft and fraud, the event is an opportunity for the public to have any sensitive materials shredded at no cost in the bank parking lot.
From 7 to 9 p.m., Community Bank is sponsoring a welcome party at Madison County Distillery that will feature yard games and live music by The Fab Cats.
Anytime from 12 to 10 p.m., stop by Critz Farms to take part in its annual family-friendly Blueberry Jam Festival. Enjoy live music, food trucks, handcrafted ales, vendors, wagon rides, farm tours, blueberry picking, animals, and more.
Sunday
The final day of Block Fest will begin with a 9:30 a.m. yoga session on the docks of the Brewster Inn.
The main event of the weekend, the Block Fest party, is scheduled for 12 to 3 p.m. at Lakeland Park.
The community celebration will feature live music by the Ponytail James Band, food from the Masonic Lodge, ice cream from Nelson Creamery, a petting zoo presented by the Summit Church and Cazenovia Jewelry, Kalamata Pita’s Greek food truck, a “family-friendly zone” with games and a bounce house sponsored by Summit Church, a balloon artist, and a Miori Martial Arts-sponsored karate demonstration at 12:30 p.m.
The Block Fest party was previously held on Lincklaen Street between Albany Street and the post office.
“With Caz College closing and not having the use of the theater, which we were able to use for power and if it rained, we chose to move our Block Fest to Lakeland Park,” said Houghton. “We wanted to still be in the village to support all our local businesses. This year’s Block Fest weekend is by far the best because we have so many local businesses involved. We have something for everyone. We want this to be a destination weekend for years to come. “
In the event of rain, check the Caz Life Facebook page for updates.
The mission of the GCACC is to benefit the local economy and enhance the community’s quality of life by actively serving, representing, and enhancing business growth and success, and by providing programs and activities to improve interaction between local businesses and the Cazenovia area communities. For more information, visit cazenovia.com.
The chamber launched Caz Life this past spring to help foster local business development, promote tourism, and implement effective marketing strategies to enhance the vibrancy and economic growth of the village. To learn more about the committee and to find out more about the Block Fest Weekend events, visit Cazenovialife.com.
