NOW this… by Brenda
NOW this… by Brenda
Just when you think things are starting to slow down…
Back-to-back events, special celebrations and many school functions have already consumed our family’s September and most of October. In my opinion, Fall is the best time of year to busy up your calendar with fun and adventure. Cooler, more comfortable temps, the transition of colors across the landscape, and the crunchy, rustling sound of walking through a blanket of leaves with the sun on your back should be enough motivation to get anyone outside. Welcome to Fall!
If you’re looking for fun ways to fill up your autumn calendar, there’s no shortage of options in our neck of the woods. For its sixth year running, athletes of all ages and skill levels will huddle up in Ellicottville for the 2022 Lacrosse Festival. Spanning over a three-day period (September 23-25) across two venues, the celebration will see the region’s top players come together for the love of playing lacrosse. Make some time to come out and spectate - it’s non-stop, high-energy action and no doubt the players would love for you to cheer them on.
To help our visiting lacrosse players and their families navigate Ellicottville and the downtown area, we’ve published a map showing the locations of the playing fields and restaurants. After all, fuel for the body is extra important when it comes to a sport like this! Check out the map and restaurant directory on pages 08-09. For additional information about this year’s Lacrosse Festival, including a complete schedule of games, search ‘Ellicottville Fall Lacrosse Festival’ on Facebook or go to upstatelacrosse.com.
Speaking of outdoor sports, another exciting event coming to Ellicottville is the EA2EVL Fondo - this one with a dual purpose. Not only are bicyclists invited to ride 42 miles from East Aurora to Ellicottville on Saturday, October 1 (talk about a great workout!), but their participation will help raise funds for the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. The proposed multi-use trail, once completed, will run along the Buffalo-Pittsburgh rail corridor and will stretch a total of 27 miles, connecting Orchard Park to Ashford, NY.
Registration to ride in the EA2EVL Fondo is still open, and all cyclists of all skill levels are welcome to sign up. The ride will take off from 42 North Brewery in East Aurora, traveling south down scenic Route 240 and finishing at Holiday Valley, where a post-ride party (open to the public) will feature food, craft beer, a vendor village, and live music by Davey and The Goliaths. Learn more or register at www.givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo.
Are lacrosse and cycling not your thing? Are you more of a festival wanderer? The Salamanca Seneca Falling Leaves Festival Sept. 30-Oct. 2 has a plethora of sights to take in and activities for all ages. Ellicottville’s Fall Festival will consume the downtown business district Oct. 8-9 and W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear Weekend is set for Oct. 15-16 in Little Valley. An acronym for ‘We Invite Local Manufacturers & Artisans’, W.I.L.M.A. is a vendor showcase featuring handmade and locally manufactured items available for sale - it’s the perfect opportunity to support local / shop local and get a jumpstart on your holiday gift giving list. Head to ccbizhelp.com/events/wilma-1298 for a sneak peak at some of this year’s vendors.
Top off your Fall with a chairlift ride at Holiday Valley (holidayvalley.com) apple blasting at Pumpkinville (pumpkinville.com), and a spooky, scary thrill at Nightmare Hayrides (nightmarehayride.com) and I’d say you’re doing Fall right! Find other autumn adventures just a short drive from Ellicottville, including the Kinzua Sky Walk in the Allegheny National Forest Region of PA (visitANF.com), and a number of harvest festivals and seasonal attractions in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region (read all about them on page 10).
Brenda Perks is the publisher of ellicottvilleNOW and owner of DesignPerks, a graphic design company affiliated with the local media/marketing agency, PaNDaGOAT Media. Reach Brenda directly at brenda@ellicottvillenow.com.
