By Andrew Welliver
The annual tradition celebrating the riverside community in Baldwinsville is fast approaching.
Seneca River Days will be held June 9 and 10 with many family-friendly events taking place to show appreciation for the community.
This year will mark the 28th iteration of the annual community celebration
For two days, numerous events will take place on Papermill Island.
The event, which is organized by the Baldwinsville Rotary Club, was established with a goal of creating fun and affordable activities for Baldwinsville residents.
“This is a great way for the community to get together,” said Scott Northrup, chairperson of the Seneca River Days and a member of the Rotary Club.
Northrup has been the chair for two years now and knows how important the event is to the community.
“Parents are bringing their kids, and they are all having fun,” he said. “…We get thousands of people over the weekend.”
Everything kicks off on Friday with live music from local musicians such as Vote for Pete, Plan B Pep Band and Chasing Neon.
During their performances the island will be filled with food trucks from the local area, and a fireworks display, all put on by the Baldwinsville Rotary Club.
Admission on Friday will be $5 for all people over the age of 12.
On day two admission will be free.
The day will be filled with food and entertainment, including a popular event known as the “Great Seneca River Duck Pluck.”
The event involves placing plastic ducks into a trough where contestants will have the chance to select one. If their selected duck wins, contestants will be eligible for various prizes. The top four finishers will receive cash prizes and other prizes will be awarded up to 14th place.
Each ticket for the Duck Pluck will be $5. Top prize in the Duck Pluck is $2,000.
“It is a more participatory event for the community,” said Northrup,
Money collected from Duck Pluck tickets will be given back to the programs which help support Seneca River Days.
The proceeds collected from the River Days will go towards local scholarships and other programs set-up by the club.
Donations include participation in the “Backpack Program,” which helps kids who may not have the available access to food at home that they should.
Over the years River Days has proven to be a successful event, raising over $15,000 for local charities and non-profits in the Baldwinsville area. For more information on the event, Seneca River Days can be followed on Facebook and Instagram @Senecariverdays.
