Summer in Ellicottville
NOW this… by Brenda
Summer in Ellicottville
School’s out. Temps are up. Events are ON! It’s wonderful to see the return of graduation parties (you did it Class of 2021!), full attendance weddings, and concerts both big and small. Combine these special occasions with pool days, backyard BBQs and bonfires with more than 10 friends, and I’d say we’re back to celebrating the summer season in non-Covid style!
Ellicottville has already kicked off the FUN this summer with the launch of their newest themed weekend, Red Head Days, held last month. (Did anyone get a glimpse of Sam Sheehy riding the unicorn? It truly was a magical sight to see!) Holiday Valley hosted their annual Mudslide obstacle race for all ages, and all the hot spots downtown have welcomed back live music inside and out. It’s good to be back!
Speaking of live music, the first fairway of Holiday Valley’s golf course is ready for its transformation into one of the best outdoor concert venues in the region. If you’re a Journey or Boston fan, no doubt you’ll be in attendance for this year’s Summer Music Festival featuring Steve Augeri (former lead singer of Journey) with opening act Tommy Decarlo. Catch them Saturday evening at the base of Holiday Valley’s Main Lodge. (Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate.) Come back Sunday evening for the coveted Buffalo Philharmonic and fireworks extravaganza. Kids 12 and under are free; picnic baskets welcome! Check out the weekend’s full schedule on page 05, which also includes a live set by the Girls of Grosh and Ellicottville’s absolutely adorable Pet Parade.
The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, which produces the Summer Music Festival, is also gearing up to bring back the rest of their summertime events, including Jazz & Blues Weekend (July 23rd-25th), the Taste of Ellicottville (August 14th-15th), and Rock N’ Roll Weekend (Sept. 17th-19th). Keep tabs (and fingers crossed) on all of their events at ellicottvilleny.com
CHEERS!
What better way to celebrate America’s birthday than with the Winery of Ellicottville’s Red, White and Blue? The owners will tell you these flavors pair well with all American classics like hamburgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill. (Does it get any more American than that?) Stop by their Monroe St. location and pick up your RWB variety pack, and taste test some of their other iconic flavors, such as the American Pinot Noir, Bubbly Riesling, and Sweet Rosé.
On the flip side, we’d like to send out a big fat welcome to Fattey Beer Co., which opened its newest location here in Ellicottville last week. Housed in the former Groove Fitness building on Route 219 north (just past Steelbound), owner Nik Fattey invites everyone to stop in for a cold one by the fire, or shop beer, ciders, seltzers and wine to go. The best part: they are dog friendly! Now you can enjoy a fresh brew with your best friend by your side. I’d say Fattey Beer Co. is a keeper! Open daily at noon.
POTTERY AND CHICKENS AND GOATS, OH MY!
Summertime also affords the opportunity to hit up all those unique little destinations that have accumulated on your “must-visit” list over the course of winter. One location I highly recommend you put on your list is Horn Hill Pottery. And it’s right here in Ellicottville! Owner Ed Doherty and his wife, Deanna, have created a tranquil and inspiring environment in their own backyard, where you’ll often find Ed busy at the wheel in his studio/showroom, while chickens and goats and the family’s two dogs roam around the grounds.
But it is not just the beauty and craftsmanship of Ed’s pottery that is captivating (although his work is absolutely stunning) … Stories of the family’s life experiences in India and Korea, told over a cup of fresh brewed coffee (in an HH pottery mug, of course), showcase the true essence and cultural background of Ed’s trade.
Visit Ed and Dee up on the hill (6806 Horn Hill Rd., Ellicottville, use the 2nd driveway) or shop Horn Hill Pottery online and on Instagram (@hornhillpottery). You. Will. Be. Inspired.
Plus, free goat therapy is a wonderful thing.
Brenda Perks is the publisher of ellicottvilleNOW and owner of DesignPerks, a graphic design company affiliated with the local media/marketing agency, PaNDaGOAT Media. You can reach Brenda at brenda@ellicottvillenow.com.
