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Mayor, Community Leaders Announce Details for July Fest 2008
6/26/2008

Mayor Matt Ryan joined community leaders to announce the details of July Fest 2008 at a news conference this morning at Sall-Stearns Inc. in downtown Binghamton.

                                    

“Each year, thousands of residents and visitors enjoy July Fest’s broad range of activities – including music, art, and culture,” said Mayor Ryan. “I encourage everyone to take part in this wonderful community event.”

Now in its 46th year, July Fest will take place on Friday July 11th, from 10am-9pm, and on Saturday July 12th, from 10am-8pm. In past years, the event has been held on Court Street, between the Court House Lawn and Washington Street. Due to the demolition of the Ross Building, this year’s July Fest will shift one block west on Court Street, taking place between Water Street and State Street.

“We’ve been working closely with the City in planning this year’s July Fest, and the change from prior years should not affect the event experience,” said Ron Sall, a July Fest Organizer. “With more than 35 craft vendors, 15 artists, and 12 food vendors, this event has something for everyone.”

July Fest boasts both longstanding traditions and several new features. Below are some of the main events:

The Children’s Area, presented by Southern Tier Celebrates! (STC!), will be open both days. There, the Magic Paintbrush Project will give children of all ages and abilities an opportunity to practice their artistic skills, and the First Tee Golf Program will help beginning youth golfers develop their playing abilities.

The Antique Road Show, hosted by Bob and Sallie Connelly, will be held both days as well. Attendees can have their antiques appraised.

Artists in Action will be held both days in front of the Metro Center. There, 15 local artists will display their works, while also practicing their craft on site.

Live musical performances will be featured on both days, as well. On Friday at noon, the Hylands will perform at the Farmer’s Market Brown Bag Lunch on Collier Street. At 5pm that evening, Splash will play at Live at Five on State Street, between Court and Hawley Streets. On Saturday at 6pm, STC! will present a swing concert on the corner of State Street and Court Street.

July Fest will host the first ever Parlor City 5K Run on Saturday at 10am in the intersection of Court Street and Water Street. Registration  on or before July 3rd is $20 for those who want an event shirt, and $12 for those who do not. Registration after July 3rd is $17 (no shirt received). All entry fees will go towards the Binghamton Police Department’s purchase of a cardiac defibrillator. Click here for a registration form.

Following the run, the inaugural Pirohi Day will begin on the corner of State and Court Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to eat pirohies, listen to the music of Scranton’s Joe Stanky and the Cadets, and sign the petition to help Binghamton repeat as the Pierogy Pocket Capital of America – a title awarded by Mrs. T’s last fall, and which came with a $10,000 donation to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW).

July Fest enjoys the support of several sponsors. The Magic Paintbrush Project is sponsored by NBT Bank, M&T Bank is sponsoring the swing concert, Artists in Action is sponsored by Newman Development Group, Chemung Canal Trust is sponsoring the Parlor City 5K Run, and Giant Markets is the official sponsor of Pirohi Day.

St. Michael’s Greek Catholic Church will be selling the pirohies and kielbasa. All proceeds will go to CHOW.

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