Get your appetite ready: Events set for August and September
Kingston, N.Y.
(July 21, 2011) – Six diverse food festivals, which regularly draw more than 100,000 people combined, are quickly approaching in Ulster County. “If you love food, you will enjoy Ulster County’s great summer festivals,” Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said. “While the delicious food is the highlight of these festivals, we are also excited about all of the other family-friendly activities being offered.”
The Shawangunk Mountain Wild Blueberry and Huckleberry Festival in Ellenville kicks off this summer’s delicious festivities on August 13. Early risers can enjoy a homemade blueberry pancake breakfast, served by Pioneer Engine Company No. 1 on Center Street, between 7:30 and 11 a.m. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Canal Street and Liberty Square, celebrating the Shawangunk Mountains, its history, lore and, of course, blueberries. Other highlights include great music and entertainment all day, an art show, crafts, games, a children’s area, a variety of great foods, a blueberry pie baking contest and blueberry pie sale.
The 31st annual Hurley Heritage Corn Festival is set for August 20 in the Town of Hurley and the Highland Rotary Club’s Hudson Valley Ribfest will be taking place on August 20-21 at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz. Guests at the Corn Festival will be treated to steamed, barbequed and raw corn along with craft vendors, food, children’s activities, craft demonstrations and cooking contests. The popular Hudson Valley Ribfest is the place to be for rib lovers and the two-day festival is actually two events in one – a food festival and a sanctioned barbeque contest where winners can advance to the national finals in Kansas City!
Festivals in Ulster County continue in September with Taste of New Paltz at the Ulster County Fairgrounds on the 18th of the month and the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival in Saugerties on September 24-25. The Hudson Valley’s renowned wine and cuisine are on display with Taste of New Paltz, the flavorful annual opportunity to sample generously portioned samples of the best mouth-watering fare from the region’s finest restaurants, caterers, farmers markets and wineries. The adventurous gourmet will find bold and appealing delicacies. For the more traditional diner, there’s still pizza, hot dogs, beer and cheesecake. While food is the primary focus of the event, Taste of New Paltz also offers a variety of fun activities, including kids’ games and music for the whole family.
More than 22,000 revelers attended last year’s Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. The event continues to grow and is now the second largest garlic festival in the U.S. This year’s festival features over 60 varieties of garlic grown and sold by farmers from the Northeast. From garlic chowder to garlic-dipped funnel cakes to garlic sausage, the festival features every garlic creation imaginable. Live music provides an excellent backdrop for the festivities all day.
The Jennie Bell Pie Festival will be September 24 at Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson. From noon to dusk it is all things pie related with the centerpiece being a pie sale and contest. The festival is named for pie maker extraordinaire Jennie Bell, locally renowned for her baking prowess. It’s a fun-filled day on the farm with you-pick items, food and craft vendors, music and fireworks and even a carnival. Children can enter a talent contest in the hopes of winning a prize or play Homegrown Mini-Golf. (And see the garden gnome, formerly known as the world’s largest!) Parking by donation will benefit a local organization.
Shawangunk Mountain Wild Blueberry and Huckleberry
When: Aug. 13 (rain or shine)
Where: Ellenville (Kicks off with pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m.; Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Admission: Free
For more information: 845-340-3010.
The 31st annual Hurley Heritage Corn Festival
When: August 13 (rain or shine)
Where: Hurley Reformed Church, 11 Main Street, Hurley (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Admission: Adults $3; children 12 and under are free
For more information: 845-338-1661; www.hurleyheritagesociety.org
Hudson Valley Ribfest
When: August 20-21 (Aug. 20: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Aug. 21: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Where: Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz
Admission: Adults $5, children 12 and under are free
For more information: www.hudsonvalleyribfest.org
Taste of New Paltz
When: September 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz
Admission: Adults $7, children 12 and under are free
For more information: 845-255-0243, e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org.
Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
When: September 25-26
Where: Cantine Field, Saugerties
Admission: Adults $7, children 12 and under free, 65 and older $3.
For more information: 845-246-3090; www.hudsonvalleygarlic.com
Jennie Bell Pie Festival
When: September 24, noon-dusk
Where: Kelder’s Farm, Kerhonkson
Admission: Free
For more information: 845-626-7137
