NOW this… by Brenda
NOW this… by Brenda
What’s a few extra calories?
Do yourself a favor … take advantage of what’s left of summer and #GetOutside! The season will soon start to wind down and fall is literally just around the corner. Soak up that sun while you can! If you’re looking for outdoor events, August is packed with options. Here are two of my top picks, and both are happening this weekend!
THE FLAVORS OF ELLICOTTVILLE
What better way to sample all the flavors of our town than at the annual Taste? And when I say all, I mean 19 different restaurants! Our town has such a diverse selection of flavors - from American cuisine and gourmet pizza to Irish fare, authentic Italian and al pastor tacos that taste like they came straight out of Mexico City … not to mention all the sweet treats! Each of our restaurants are excited to dish out their signature creations for your tasting pleasure this weekend, Aug. 14th-15th.
Think you can hit all 19 stations? (Hmm… Is that a challenge?) In total, there are close to 60 menu items and certainly something for everyone. I’ll be hitting the sidewalks early on Saturday, feeding my sweet tooth with any and every dessert available, as I’ve been asked to be the official “Sweetest Sweet” judge. I’m looking forward to indulging in the good stuff … Yep, it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!
For more on the Taste of Ellicottville, read Elijah’s feature article on page 04. To view this year’s Taste Map and Menu, open up to the centerspread and start planning your course of attack.
ART AND MUSIC COMBINE
If you’re hitting up the Taste on Sunday, opt to make it a double header. Fill your belly, then head out to Griffis Sculpture Park (a 15-minute drive north of Ellicottville) where you can easily work off all those extra calories by hiking, climbing and dancing at their 8th annual Summer Music Festival. (Oh yeah, there will be a food truck there, too, in case you’re still hungry, or you get hungry again.)
Mom Said No is headlining this year’s stage with their alternative power-pop sound. Did you know? They were voted Buffalo’s Best Original Rock Band by Buffalo Night-Life Magazine. And … the group recorded their debut album, Welcome To The Loser’s Club, at Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac’s GCR Audio Studio in Buffalo with Takac himself producing the album. Pretty cool, right?!!
Other bands on the ticket for Aug. 15th include a Japanese drum group called JGB Shibuki, Qwister (known for their “Rustbelt Reggae” sound), multi-instrumentalists Lucawilla, and Isaac Spaeth (he’ll be performing on top of the “Castle Tower” sculpture). You’ll want to bring your blankets or chairs and stay awhile. There’s a lot of great music to look forward to!
Catch the Griffis Sculpture Park Summer Music Festival from 1:00-6:00pm. As event organizers describe it, “It’s a day filled with music, creativity, exploration and much more. The event not only celebrates our local creative community, but it helps fund keeping the park open.”
Tickets are $20; Children 12 and under are FREE! There will also be craft vendors, a kids craft area and other surprises. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon - eating good food, listening to good tunes and exploring one of the coolest outdoor parks in our area! See you this weekend!
