The Roc City Rib Fest @ Ontario Beach Park, May 25-28
by Sue Cannon
•The 46th annual ARSC Conference is being hosted by the Eastman School of Music from May 16 thru 19. One hundred and thirty years of recorded sound history will be explored as members of the Association For Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC) attend sessions that focus on a full range of musical genres, artists and performances as well as on audio preservation, public access and copyright reform. All events are held at the Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside, 120 E. Main Street. Visit www.arsc-audio.org/conference.
•The Italian American Community Center at 150 Frank DiMino Way will host their 15th annual Women of the Year Awards Dinner on May 17. Radio personality Dee Alexander will be Mistress of Ceremony. Call (585) 594-8882.
•On May 17, a Taste of the Finger Lakes will be held at the New York Wine and Culinary Center, 800 S. Main Street in Canandaigua. For this 11th annual event, Finger Lakes area restaurants, wineries, custom brewcrafters and specialty food vendors will be on hand to offer samples; and attendees can purchase their favorites! Visit www.downtowncanandaigua.com for details.
•A Civil War Encampment, living history, and battle re-enactments featuring Union, Confederate and civilian participants will be part of the Fire on the Genesee weekend taking place in Letchworth State Park, Castile NY, on May 18 thru 20. Camps are open from 9:30 to 4:30 with battles planned at 2. Call (585) 493-3600.
•ROPEX 2012, the Rochester Philatelic Association’s stamp show, will run from May 18 thru 20 at the Sports Center of Monroe Community College, 1000 E. Henrietta Road. Twenty-five dealers from across the U.S. and Canada will be on hand – buying and selling all types of stamps, covers, postcards, supplies and related materials. Visit www.rpastamps.org.
•During Military Heritage Day on May 19 at Genesee Country Museum in Mumford, discover the story of Western New York’s involvement in the nation’s various conflicts that started in the late 17th century and continue through today. There will be displays and talks with experts. Call (585) 538-6822.
•The Finger Lakes Celtic Games and Festival on May 19 will be a gathering of sights, sounds, arts and crafts. There will be food and merchandise vendors on hand, bag pipes, Highland games, dancers, music, and plenty of fun for all ages. The event will be held at 4850 Collett Road in Farmington NY. Call (585) 753-0630; or visit www.flcelticfest.webs.com.
•Terrence Bruce & Friends, the SWAN Band, the School #16 choir and the School #44 choir will perform at the 2nd annual Ease On Down Thurston Road Festival taking place on May 19. There will also be step dancing performances and face painting, games and family activities, a sidewalk sale, tours and plenty of food. Call (585) 328-5750.
•The Rochester-Monroe Country Freedom Trail Commission’s 8th annual Tribute to Civil War Troops is scheduled for May 19. Held at Riverside Cemetery, 2650 Lake Ave.; the Monroe Country Office Building Atrium, 39 W. Main St.; and Mt. Hope Cemetery, 1133 Mt. Hope Ave.; the day’s events honor the nearly 200,000 men of color and 7,000 white officers who constituted the United States Colored Troops. Call (585) 389-5140.
•On May 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Gates Community Center at 1605 Buffalo Road will host the Gates Community Garage Sale. The popular event for area residents will be followed on May 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by the Best Left Over Sale! Call (585) 247-6100; or visit www.gatesrecparks.org.
•The 39th Upstate New York Bonsai Exhibition will be held on May 19 & 20 at Monroe Community Hospital, 435 East Henrietta Road. Over 100 Bonsai will be on exhibit – from three feet tall to ones that are only six inches high. You can view displays, browse the sales area, and take home either a finished Bonsai or a starter tree. Visit www.bonsaisocietyofupstateny.org for details.
•On May 19, 20, 26, 27 & 28, the 300-acre “Linwood” estate, at 1912 York Road in York NY, will be open to the public as part of this year’s Tree Peony Festival of Flowers; with tours, food, and hiking available. Visit www.linwoodgardens.org for details.
•Wineries and business members of the Canandaigua Wine Trail will present their 3rd annual Plant Yourself in the Finger Lakes Spring Garden Party on May 20 at Sonnenberg Gardens, 151 Charlotte Street in Canandaigua. There will be live music by Andy Hannon and Christ Easton, tastings, and rotating seminars. Visit www.canandaiguawinetrail.com.
•A Bird Watcher Tour of Mt. Hope Cemetery will be conducted on May 20. Meet at the North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive at 8 a.m. Call (585) 4461-3394.
•Temple Beth El at 1398 Winton Rd. South will host a huge Garage Sale on May 20 featuring children’s goods, household items and more. Visit www.tberochester.org.
•At the Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1499 St. Rt. 444 in Victor, a traditional Native Arts Cordage Workshop is planned on May 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For details, call (585) 742-1690.
•An Auction Fundraiser, led by Mike Shaffer, is scheduled for May 20 at the historic Morgan-Manning House, 151 Main Street in Brockport. The event, named “Our Old House,” will raise money to make repairs and improvements on the house. Call (585) 637-3645.
•Opening Day of Trolley and Diesel Ride Season at the New York Museum of Transportation and Rochester/Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in Rush is planned for May 20. Visitors can enjoy a two-mile round trip excursion. Call (585) 533-1113.
•On May 20, the Town of Henrietta’s Memorial Day Parade will start at 1 p.m., heading from Rush-Henrietta High to Veterans Memorial Park with a Memorial Service planned following the parade. Visit www.henrietta.org for details.
•Flower City Days at the Market are planned on May 20 & 27 and June 3 at the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union Street. The Sunday sales attract some 20,000 shoppers each week as area growers bring plants directly to gardeners. Call (585) 428-6907.
•New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will be the featured speaker at the 63rd annual Rochester Press-Radio Club Day of Champions Children’s Charity Dinner. The event will take place on May 23 at the Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main Street. For tickets, call (585) 340-1460.
•A sure sign that summer is at hand is the celebration of Memorial Day Weekend at the Sterling Stage Ampitheater, 274 Kent Road in Sterling NY. This 8th annual Sterling Stage Folkfest 2012 on May 24 thru 27 will feature the Ryan Montbleau Band, Cabinet, Sarah Lee Guthree & Johnny and a host of others. The venue boasts not only three stages, but beautiful evergreens and a cozy campground. Grills and coolers are permitted – and dogs, with a special pass. For full details, visit www.sterlingstage.com or call (818) 212-9489.
•During the William Pryor Letchworth Birthday Celebration, May 25 at Letchworth State Park in Castile NY, the public can visit ten stations focusing on such topics as flintknapping, Civil War camp life, wool spinning, and more. Re-enactors will portray Mr. Letchworth and Caroline Bishop; and cake will be available! Call (585) 493-3616.
•The 2012 season of ZooBrews at the Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul St., will open on May 25 with music from Steve Grills and the Roadmasters. The adult happy hour offers great beverages and great food. Call (585) 336-7200.
•You’ve been waiting for this – the annual Roc City Rib Fest is scheduled for May 25 thru 28 at Ontario Beach Park. The BBQ and Music Festival is an annual favorite, drawing 30,000 fans in 2011. This year, the event will include a YMCA Kids Fun Zone, multiple Cook-offs, competitions in such categories as chicken breast, bacon, meatball, Zweigle white hots, pork ribs, brisket, pork shoulder and more. And, don’t forget the Music! The stage will host top regional acts from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday; from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Watch for appearances by all your favorites – the Park Ave. Band, Chris Beard, Thunder Body, Sophistafunk, Andre Foxes and the Psychedelic Ghetto, and more. Visit www.roccityribfest.com for details.
•A Red, White and Blue Balloon Rally at Letchworth State Park in Castile NY will feature six massed balloon flights – at 6:30 p.m. on Friday; at 6 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and at 6 a.m. on Monday. Launches will be from The Archer Field on May 25 thru 28. Call (585) 493-3616.
•The 50th Anniversary Bike Show and Competition sponsored by Harv’s Harley-Davidson, will be held on May 27 at the Firemens Field on Canandaigua Road in Macedon Center NY. There will be food and refreshments and live music from Ebb Tide and 50/50. Check out the “Wall of Death” – vertical board wall trick riding; and “Ill Conduct” – a full production Sportster and Buell stunt show. Call (585) 377-0711.
•Irondequoit celebrates the holiday with a Memorial Day Parade along Titus Avenue from Irondequoit Plaza to Town Hall on May 27; and with a Flag Raising in Town Hall and a Memorial Service at Irondequoit Cemetery on May 28. Call (585) 336-6070.
•The Memorial Day Ceremony of Remembrance in Veterans Memorial Park, Penfield, will include patriotic music by the Penfield Pops Band, a guest speaker, a presentation of roses and more on May 28. Call (585) 340-8655.
•In the City of Rochester, a Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for May 28 – starting at East Avenue and Alexander St., moving onto Main Street, and ending at Plymouth Avenue. Call (585) 544-2839.
•The Town of Pittsford has also planned a traditional patriotic parade through the village center on May 28, featuring marching bands and community groups. The Memorial Day Parade will be followed by a Memorial Service at Pittsford Cemetery, honoring our veterans. Visit www.townofpittsford.org.
LILAC FESTIVAL CONTINUES
by Sue Cannon
It’s been a blast so far, but the fun is hardly over yet! The 2012 Lilac Festival runs all the way through Sunday, May 20 in Highland Park. The flowers are blooming, the food is simmering, children are smiling, and the stage is rocking – all is well with the world! Remember that parking on site (regular and handicapped) can be found on a limited basis on Goodman St., south of Highland and on Elmwood, east of South Ave. On Saturday and Sunday you should plan to park at Monroe Community College, 1000 E. Henrietta Road; where shuttle buses (regular & lift) will take you to the Festival for a $1 adult fee. Visit www.lilacfestival.com.
Highlights of the remaining events are listed below, day-by-day…Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 16…
•Children’s Acts for today feature Tiger Tom who entertains at 12:30 and 6 p.m.
•Entertainment starts at 10:30 a.m. on the Lilac Stage and runs continuously. Paradigm Shift Jazz opens for Melissa Manchester who takes the stage at 7 p.m. See our Coming to Town section for details.
Thursday, May 17…
•A Farmer’s Market and Wine Tasting event offers you the opportunity to sample and purchase beverages from local wineries; and to enjoy great food as well. For one fee, you can have unlimited wine samples! The event starts at noon.
•Children’s Acts for today feature Mike Kornrich who entertains at 12:30 and 6 p.m.
•Entertainment starts at 10:30 a.m. on the Lilac Stage and runs continuously. Travis Rocco opens for Lou Gramm who takes the stage at 7 p.m. See our Coming to Town section for details.
Friday, May 18…
•Children’s Acts for today feature Tiger Tom who entertains at 12:30 and 6 p.m.
•Entertainment starts at 10:30 a.m. on the Lilac Stage and runs continuously. Driftwood opens for Steel Magnolia who take the stage at 7 p.m. See our Coming to Town section for details.
Saturday, May 19…
•The Annual Art In The Park Show runs from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; near the corner of South Ave. and Highland. National and local artists will be featured offering paintings, photography, ceramics, wood and metal art, jewelry and more.
•Children’s Acts for today feature The Dinner Dogs, Gary The Happy Pirate, and Matt Episcopo; with shows from 1 to 6 p.m.
•Entertainment, today brought to you by WBEE, starts at noon on the Lilac Stage and runs continuously. Ransomville and Gwen Sebastian open for The Farm who take the stage at 7 p.m. See our Coming to Town section for details.
Sunday, May 20…
•The Medved Lilac 10K & 5K Family Fun Run finds runners of all ages and abilities gathering in Highland Park. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. with competitive categories coded by relationship (ie: husband/wife, father/daughter, brother/sister); and the 10K starts at 9 a.m. with age groupings for everything from under 14 to over 80!
•The Annual Art In The Park Show continues at the corner of South and Highland, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with artists offering paintings, photography, ceramics, wood and metal art, jewelry and more.
•Children’s Acts for today feature The Dinner Dogs, Matt Episcopo, and Mike Kornrich; with shows from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
•Entertainment starts at 11:30 a.m. on the Lilac Stage and runs continuously. Aztec Two-Step will perform at 2 p.m.; and The Coupe DeVilles open for Southside Johnny who takes the stage at 7 p.m. See our Coming to Town section for details.
