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Monster Maze In West Winfield Perfect for Halloween Scare

2007-10-29T00:49:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for a scare this Halloween Season, the Monster Maze is the perfect place. It is located on a two acre wooded plot of land off of Meeting House Road in West Winfield. People young and old say it is like reliving the scariest horror movie you have ever watched, only in real life.

Don Shipman and Andrea Bullard went through the maze on Saturday night along with some NEWSChannel 2 staff such as Meterologist Bill Kardas, Reporter Evan White, Web Producer Andrew Donovan and Photographer Tom Geise. We brough along some students from Whitesboro High School as well.

CLICK HERE For Complete Story

REMEMBER TO TUNE INTO NEWSCHANNEL 2 AT DAYBREAK AND SUNRISE THIS HALLOWEEN FOR ALL OF THEIR SCARY ADVENTURES.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL!

PGA Golf May Be The Main Ticket, But Nongolfers Have A Beautiful & Busy Weekend, Too

2007-09-21T17:41:00.000-04:00

The big ticket item for this weekend is the Turning Stone Resort Championship, an official PGA Tournament that brings some fine professional golfers into the area and lots of sports media attention, too. Comments from golfers and media alike have been complimentary to a beautiful golf course and a well-planned event. Kudos to Turning Stone for giving this area yet another sporting event to be proud of.

Yet, we know there are lots of you out there that are yearning for another way to enjoy the great outdoors other than watching some great golf shots. The weather is perfect for some outdoor fun and there's great Festivals in every direction. Here's just a few:

Remsen Barn Festival Built on Welsh Traditions

Don't let the title fool you. The Remsen Barn Festival of the Arts has nothing to do with a barn.
The Remsen Barn Festival is always held the fourth full weekend in September along Main Street in the Village of Remsen. It features acoustic music, street entertainment, traditional hand crafts and authentic foods & artwork. This is the 28th year for the Festival that is based on the rural Welsh traditions of Remsen, NY. This year boasts 300 vendors and, as always, wil be open rain or shine. Luckily for festival goers, this year the weather looks like plenty of sunshine. There really are few better ways to spend a glorious fall afternoon than strolling the Main Street, browsing through the unique vendors and sampling the foods you smell along the way. Be prepared to spend at least a few hours because there's plenty to see. This year's festival is Saturday, September 22nd from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, September 23rd from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, but please leave your pets home. The Festival is pretty easy to find .There are plenty of signs along the way and parking lots with shuttle buses that run regularly. There's even a train from Union Station in Utica.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ABOUT THE REMSEN BARN FEST

Applefest 2007

New York’s peak apple harvest time has begun and the Cooperstown Rotary Club is celebrating by sponsoring the annual AppleFest at the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard September 22 and 23. This long-standing, well-attended festival is a fall family fun event that includes plenty of apple and cider sampling, a large display of antique tractors, a variety of children’s games, a dunking booth, inflatables, and live musical entertainment. The event is the Club’s annual effort to raise thousands of dollars to benefit local charities and Rotary supported programs. Last year Rotary raised over $10,000 through business and individual sponsorships and contributions with 100% of the revenues returning to the local community. There will be a daily build-your-own scarecrow contest with Fall decorations available at a nominal fee.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ABOUT APPLEFEST

Adirondack Balloonfest

If a "colorful" weekend is just what you're looking for, start out with a drive up north to the Lake George area. The foliage on route should be pretty enough, but the colors at the end of the road are certainly a rainbow to behold. The 35th Annual Adirondack Balloonfest began Thursday, September 20th and continues through the end of this weekend. The skies will be light up with the colors of over 90 balloons, including some formed into unique shapes. The gates open at 5am both Saturday and Sunday for early risers who want to see all the preparation involved with launching these giant balloons and breakfast is available. The days continue with more food, as well as music. Other entertainment includes a Rock Climbing Wall, kids fun activities, Balloon Festival Art Show, kite flying, military aircraft display and a tourism tent. Saturday night concludes with a Balloon Moonglow (weather permitting) at 8pm followed by fireworks over Lake George. There are several observation points to enjoy the view, so check the Balloonfest website for more information. Bring your cameras because the Balloonfest is having a photo contest. Admission is free, but leave your pets at home.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE BALLOONFEST INFORMATION

Share some of your pictures from these and other events to us at close2home@wktv.com.

Back to School - Temperatures Still Say Summer!

2007-09-07T18:25:00.000-04:00

School started Thursday at most schools in the area, but the weather still says summer as temperatures hit 90 today. Lots of local fun to be had this weekend...

In the spirit of learning and back to school, check out the New Hartford Family Fun Fest to benefit the New Hartford Public Library and its current construction project. The Fun Fest will be held rain or shine on Saturday, September 8th from 10am to 5pm at the Sherrill Brook Town Park on Route 12 in New Hartford. The fun will include lots of food like pizza and funnel cakes. There will be rides and games by Main Event Amusements, as well as a magician, puppeteer, the NH Fire Dept., McGruff the Crime Dog, Finger Printing, Face Painting, Irish Dancers, Firestorm Quartet, palm reading, Astronomical Society, Pony Rides, Bubbles the Clown, chicken barbecue & More. If that didn't sound like enough, there will also be crafts, antiques and collectibles for sale by quality dealers. Admission is FREE and parking is $2.00. MORE INFO

Follow Your Nose to the Garlic Festival!
The smell of garlic may evoke dreams of Italian food for most, but the Garlic andf Herb Festival in Little Falls has something different to offer. Yes, there is plenty of food to sample. There are also demonstrations of Garlic Growing and Braiding and Medicinal Herbs. Of course, there is a Garlic Cookoff. You can eat to the beat of the music of Caribbean steel drums, the bluegrass of Stone Soup or the jazz of Monk Rowe. Peruse the wares of arts and crafts vendors and the Garlic & Herb Grower's Market Food Vendors. Applaud the crowning of the Garlic Queen.
The Garlic and Herb Festival takes place Saturday, September 8 at Canal Place in Little Falls. MORE INFO

43rd Annual Craft Days Have Historical Flair
The 43rd Annual Craft Days are organized and hosted by the Madison County Historical Society at 435 Main Street, in Oneida. The Craft Days will be held on Saturday, September 8th from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, September 9th from 10am to 4pm. This year’s Craft Days will feature over 100 juried craft vendors, food, and entertainment. Visitors will also be able to tour Cottage Lawn, the 1849 Gothic Revival Cottage, and headquarters of the Madison County Historical Society during the event. Entertainment provided by Olde Tyme Fiddlers on Saturday from 1-3 pm and Quigsy and the Bird on Sunday from 1-3 pm. Check out live demonstrations from vendors! In addition, free park and ride service will be provided. Shuttle buses will be running throughout the weekend from the Ames parking lot on Route 5 to Cottage Lawn. Tickets are $3.00 for adults and children 12 and under are free. MORE INFO

Celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro at Turning Stone
Enjoy the food and culture of the traditional Italian street festival under the roof of the Turning Stone Event Center. The Feast of San Gennaro will be held Saturday, September 8th from 10am to 8pm and Sunday, September 9th from 10am to 5pm. It wouldn't be an Italian Festival without lots of great Italian food and music. This Feast also includes LIVE cooking shows, LIVE entertainment games from Hawkins Amusements. The two day feast also features celebrity appearances by Gianni Russo ("The Godfather"), Dominic Chianese ("The Sopranos") and a LIVE Cooking Show with Rocco Dispirito, celebrity chef and star of NBC's "The Restaurant".
Admission to the Festival is free. Tickets can be purchased at the event for food, beverages and games. Family Packs are $25.00 and includes 25 food tickets, 3 free food tickets and 5 free game tickets. Single food tickets are $1.00 each. MORE INFO

Don't forget ... send your pictures from these events or any other New York style fun to close2home@wktv.com.

What To Do As The Summer Ends?

2007-08-27T18:20:00.000-04:00

As summer comes to an ending, it is time to start thinking about what to do during our nice fall weekends. One option could be visiting the Fly Creek Cider Mill. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM until December 16th.
Click here to visit their website: www.flycreekcidermill.com.

The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard
288 Goose Street

Fly Creek, NY 13337
1-800-505-6455

If you cannot go to the Cider Mill it self, you can still get the fall feeling of their products. The Fly Creek Cider Mill is proud to announce the opening of a brand new online store. Now all the delicious Fly Creek Cider Mill products will be available year round to be shipped right to your doorstep!
To visit the online store, please click here: http://www.cpostores.com/flycreekcidermill/.

Sign up to the e-mail list for exclusive promotions, e-news and coupons!

For State Fair Happenings - WE HAVE YOU COVERED

2007-08-26T13:43:00.000-04:00

NEWSChannel 2 has developed a section of Close 2 Home dedicated to keeping you informed on all State Fair Events. This is the 161st Great New York State Fair and you can find THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE HERE.

Admission to the Fair is $10 at any gate. Children 12 and under are admitted free every day of the Fair. Seniors 60 and over are admitted free on Monday and Tuesday, August 27 and 28. Students 16 and under are admitted free on Friday, August 31. Parking costs $5 each day.

BE SURE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES OF THE FAIR TO OUR PHOTO GALLERY.

Busy, Busy Weekend

2007-08-18T13:13:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder....another weekend with a tough choice of events.

The king of all central NY antique shows, the Madison Bouckville Antiques Show is Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5. More Info

For outdoor men and women, the Woodsmen's Field Days is Saturday & Sunday at the Oneida County Fairgrounds in Boonville from 8 to 5. There's an open lumberjack contest for the adventurous.

Guess Where? Week Three Winner

2007-08-17T18:17:00.000-04:00

This week's picture is just one of many area tributes to veterans. Jeffrey Madden of New Hartford correctly identified our mystery picture as the Veterans Park at American Legion Post #1113 on Main Street in Whitesboro. All you other observant viewers get another try though. Check out this week's picture and give it a guess again at close2home@wktv.com. Good luck.

Herkimer County Fair To Begin Today

2007-08-14T11:25:00.000-04:00

The well-known Herkimer County Fair begins today in Frankfort and runs through August 19. NEWSChannel 2 will broadcast the Live and Five Newshour and NEWSChannel 2 at 6:00 LIVE from the fairgrounds on Wednesday evening.

The fair has a full schedule of events each and every day.
CLICK HERE For The Full Schedule of Events

This year's fair includes Herkimer County Idol, a karaoke contest. There is a demolition derby, nightly entertainment, a hoop shoot and kiddie firematics, as well as rides and lots of food. A couple of interesting features we noticed were and animal costume class and an agricultural scavenger hunt.

Here's few pictures we took along the way. Click here for the Close 2 Home Photo Gallery.

Let us know what you like about the fair and send us some of your pictures.

Guess Where? Week Two Winner

2007-08-10T14:05:00.000-04:00

Some area runners literally ran through the right answer this summer, but only one can win. Ken Smith of Utica correctly identified our mystery picture as the Boilermaker Finish Line at Matts Brewery. All you other observant viewers get another try though. Check out this week's picture and give it a guess again at close2home@wktv.com. Good luck.

Music! Music! Music!

2007-08-06T18:32:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that it's Utica Monday Nite! CHECK HERE FOR COMPLETE SCHEDULE

This week also offers another Music on Main Street Concert in Oneonta for your listening pleasure..."Aged in the Hills" ....Tuesday, August 7th at 7:00pm on the front lawn of NBT Bank. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERIES

The Frankfort Summer Concert Series fills the week with the sound of the most popular groups around. All shows are 7pm at the St. Francis property:
Monday 8/6: Nik and the NIce Guys
Wednesday 8/8: Atlas
Thursday 8/9: Classified
Friday 8/10: Joey Thomas Big Band

Can't forget ... Two musical choices at Saranac this week. Saranac Presents "Dropkick Murphy's" on Saturday, August 11 at 7pm at the FX Matt Tour Center Courtyard. TICKET INFO Also, Saranac Thursdays rocks out to Battle of the Bands from 5 to 8. COMPLETE SCHEDULE

NY Canals Make A Splash

2007-08-06T17:57:00.000-04:00

One of our contributors, Chris McNicholl, is canoeing in the Adirondacks this week and it made me start thinking WATER. Water in this part of Central New York can often mean Erie Canal.

Coincidentally, this week is the date for ANOTHER Canalfest, this time in Sylvan Beach, on August 11th & 12th. There will be FREE entertainment throughout the weekend, as well as crafters, vendors, entertainment in the village Bandstand and Classic Cars in the Village Park. There's even a Boati Gras with a boat parade on the 11th. MORE INFO

The Little Falls Canal Celebration lasts from August 6th 'til August 12th and the activities are far too numerous to mention here. This is truly a full community affair with sidewalk sales, canoe races, fireworks, kiddie rides, a parade, food fair, picnic, numerous food sales, craft fairs, flea markets, even a commemorative stamp. CHECK HERE FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE.

Festivities on the water don't stop there in upstate New York either. Check a little further and you'll find that the Little Falls Canal Celebration is just one stop in Canal Splash weekend. Canal Splash is a statewide signature event. 2007 Canal Splash will consist of a coordinated series of locally organized events and activities, including nature and history walks, museum and gallery exhibits, rowing regattas, kayak and canoe outings, musical performances, boat tours and more. FULL SCHEDULE HERE

Something To Do On A Rainy Day

2007-08-05T15:18:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for something fun to do on either a rainy day or an overly oppressive hot day, THE GOLF SHACK in New Hartford is a great place to go.

This is an indoor miniature golf activity with 18 holes full of fun. The decor is all neon lights and decorations with arcade games to play after you finish golfing. Also, when you are finished there are snacks and candy available.

When I was there, a birthday party was taking place and everyone seemed to be having a great time. It is a unique activity that anybody of any age can enjoy on day where its just not fun to be outside.

Visit their website for more: http://cnygolfshack.com/

Guess Where? Week One Winner

2007-08-03T17:41:00.000-04:00

There were several viewers with an eagle eye that guessed last week's picture, but only one can win. Dan Salvo of Whitesboro correctly identified our mystery picture as a cider press at Fly Creek Cider Mill. All you other clever guessers get another try though. Check out this week's picture and give it a guess again at close2home@wktv.com. Good luck.

August Starts With Plenty To Do

2007-08-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

The hot, hot weather of this past week is supposed to break just in time for some weekend fun.

The city of Rome takes the spotlight again with the Rome Canalfest August 3, 4 & 5 presented by the Rome Rotary. The festival is family oriented with non-stop music and entertainment, karaoke contests, bread and cookie baking contests, youth bands, a kayak race, a duck race, a classic car exhibition, cotton candy, thrilling rides for children of all ages. FULL SCHEDULE HERE

The Utica Zoo promises great music, great food and great beer at the Brewfest on Saturday starting at 6pm. Beer tasting from 30 microbreweries will keep you busy sampling and don't forget the silent auction (never too early to start that holiday shopping!) I attended the Zoo's Wine in the Wilderness event and had a great time, so I'm sure this will be just as fun. No one under 21 allowed. MORE INFO

Another area highlight is the City of the Hills Festival Saturday, August 4 in Oneonta. City of the Hills is a juried art exhibition and sale, featuring artist demonstrations and workshops, musical performances and an awards ceremony. It all benefits the ARC Otsego. MORE INFO If we've missed an event you want to add, tel us in your comment to this story. Click here for a complete Community Calendar listing.

Send us your pictures from these or any other events to close2home@wktv.com. Check out our Close 2 Home Photo Gallery here. Don't forget to enter our new "Guess Where?"contest for this week too.

2007 GravityFest

2007-07-31T19:20:00.000-04:00

We received some great pictures from Frank and Penny Roberts in Hubbardsville of the 2007 Gravityfest in Munnsville.

Frank tells us this is the 6th annual event held in Munnsville. They get participants from all over the U.S. and as far away as France. There are several different competitions.... Road Luge, Street Boards, Gravity Bikes (No pedals, just brakes!) and Skull Luge, where you go head first... Reaching speeds up to 65MPH! These guys are NUTS!

For Gravityfest pictures, checkout the Close 2 Home Photo Gallery.

Weekend Well Spent

2007-07-31T19:14:00.000-04:00

The weather was not an issue at all for enjoying the past weekend's festivities at all three of our spotlight events. Record attendance levels were recorded at both the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend and the Great American Irish Festival. Oswego Harborfest also finished with about 300,000 people strolling the streets and the best fireworks ever. We encourage anyone with photos of these events to share them with us at close2home@wktv.com

Here's a picture from Harborfest:

For more pictures, check out our Close 2 Home Photo Gallery. You can also upload your own pictures there.

You can also check out the Baseball Hall of Fame Section & Gallery.

LIVE From The Great American Irish Fest

2007-07-27T17:08:00.000-04:00

NEWSChannel 2 is live from the Great American Irish Fest. This event is a full-blown festival with music, food and tons of people. This relentless weather is certainly not damping the spirits or people coming to enjoy some Irish culture.

CHECK BACK TO THIS POSTING FOR MORE DETAILS AND INFORMATION.

Really Big Weekend

2007-07-26T22:26:00.000-04:00

This is one of those summer weekends that it's hard to decide what to do.

NEWSChannel 2 will be broadcasting our 5:00 and 6:00 newscasts with Steve McMurray and Kristen Copeland on Friday from the The Great American Irish Festival at the Herkimer Fairgrounds. The Irish Festival is returning for its third year and is growing bigger each year. The 2007 Festival is Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29, adding a third day to the merriment. NEWSChannel 2 will be wearin' their green at the CW Teen tent, a new attraction. Other new events include a Gaelic Mass on Sunday morning with FREE admission for those attending. There will also be artists merchandise available and Irish food. MORE DETAILS HERE

NEWSChannel 2 will also be proud to bring you extended coverage of the Induction Weekend at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Activities for baseball fans stretch out over 4 days, Friday, July 27 through Monday, July 30. Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken are inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, but there's plenty more to do. This weekend packs in fans from across the country, resulting in hotels being booked up throughout the Central New York area. MORE NEWSCHANNEL 2 COVERAGE

A couple of us from WKTV have wandered a little further from home this weekend and made our annual trek to Oswego Harborfest. Harborfest lasts four days, Thursday, July 26 through Sunday, July 29. For those of you that have never been here, that's four days of food, midway rides, an arts and crafts fair, flea market, free music, giant fireworks on Saturday and a Country music concert on Sunday. This all takes places in various parks surrounding the River. This year, Friday evening will introduce the Harboritaville Lighted Boat Parade. This should be a treat with the dozens of boats that dock up to three deep on each side of the canal lit up with a tropical theme. Tonight's opening act is Blood, Sweat and Tears. MORE HARBORFEST INFO

Enjoy your weekend, wherever you may be. We'll be sharing a few pictures throughout the weekend with you, so be sure to return the favor and let us know how you're spending your weekend.

Honor America Days

2007-07-24T00:40:00.000-04:00

Coming up this weekend it the 24th Annual Honor America Days Celebration in Rome. It is presented by the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce.

The kick-off takes place this weekend with the Honor America Days Parade and Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert taking place at Fort Stanwix National Monument.

Returning this year is Carl Eilenberg who will be The Voice of Honor America Days during the parade and concert. Eilenberg and his wife, Susan, are visiting Rome just in time for Honor America Days.

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE

The County Fair Circuit

2007-07-24T00:37:00.000-04:00

The County Fair has to be one of the staples of a close to home summer.

The season includes the Oneida County Fair in Boonville, NY July 23 - July 29. The Oneida County Fair is an old fashioned county fair-rides, games, truck pull, demolition derbies and a world of agriculture and exhibits. Grandstand headliner Tommy Cash will perform a tribute to his brother Johnny Cash and the midway is one of the area's largest, Coleman Brothers. MORE HERE.

More County Fairs (if you just can't get enough):
Otsego County Fair July 31 - August 5
Chenango County Fair August 7 – 12
Delaware County Fair August 13 - 18
Herkimer County Fair August 14 - 19, 2007
and the really Big Show - The Great New York State Fair August 23 - September 3

Send us some pictures or stories of your day at the fair.

Welcome to Close 2 Home

2007-07-23T17:46:00.001-04:00

The staff here at WKTV are Central New York residents, just like you. We all have our favorite festivals, restaurants, parks and getaways that are pretty close to home. We plan to share a few of our favorite Upstate New York places with you, but this blog and wktv.com section is really about you.

Send us YOUR tips about how to enjoy an upstate summer, fall, or spring. Share how you survive winter here and even have fun.

Drop us a line about your favorite places. Send us pictures of your vacations close to home or maybe your favorite bistro or band. We want to know how you spend your weekends close to home.

Add your pictures and experiences about our featured events and places in the comment section of each post. If you've traveled some roads and found some treasures that we've missed, e-mail us at close2home@wktv.com. If you have pictures of your vacation or your favorite spot you want to share, you can also e-mail them to close2home@wktv.com or upload them from your computer to our Close 2 Home Picture Gallery at WKTV.COM.

After all, Central New York is a great place to work and relax because of folks just like you. See you soon.