A Fall Tradition

Fall is the best season! (Prove me wrong.) The leaves are changing from green to pretty colors, the air is crisp and perfect for a comfy sweater, pumpkin spice, apples and cinnamon are the go-to flavor profiles, and there is no better way to enjoy all of those things than with a fun fall outing. Head down to Jefferson Park in Salamanca, NY October 4th through the 6th and take part in the annual Salamanca Seneca Falling Leaves Festival.

This event is always a really good time with plenty of entertainment, food and fun for the whole family. EllicottvilleNOW spoke with Salamanca Mayor Sandra Magiera about what’s new and what to expect at this year’s festival.

eNOW: Falling Leaves is a hugely anticipated event. What’s new for 2024?

SANDRA: A scarecrow contest is new this year. We have about 10 groups that are participating. They have to bring everything and then have 2 hours to build their scarecrow, which will be judged and the winner will win a $500 prize.

eNOW: What about rides and games?

SANDRA: Although we will not have the carnival rides this year, we will have 5 inflatable games/rides. A 27 foot slide, a Bungee Run, a 4-person Wrecking Ball, and a 27 foot Slam and Jam basketball game. Also, back after several years are “I Got It” Bingo and wrestling on Sunday afternoon. Pony rides, face painting, mechanical bull rides, and a balloon man will be on-site and are all free. We will also have the favorite “Minute to Win it” game where you can win money prizes. The kids really like this and it’s fun to watch.

eNOW: So even though the midway is out this year, there are still plenty of great activities for kids to do. Now we can’t forget the reason a lot of people head down to the festival, which is for the food. (Okay, it's why I go anyway.) What will be on offer this year?

SANDRA: Food featured this year are some of the usual favorites and some new options as well. There will be steak sandwiches, curly fries, BBQ ribs, Special T’s pizza, Greek food, Polish food, Indian Tacos, Abuela’s Kitchen will be serving up their Puerto Rican dishes, fresh squeezed lemonade, snow cones, candy apples, and more. Truly something to fit everyone’s tastes.

eNOW: How about live entertainment?

SANDRA: Friday from 12:00-6:00pm, J.D. Gardner will be the DJ with his “Rez Road Sounds,” then from 6:00-10:00pm, Band “XIII” will be performing under the tent. Saturday is full of live performances. From 2:00-2:30pm, the Seneca Dancers will be with Hoops of Hope, then from 2:30-5:30 pm, Wasted Whiskey will be under the tent, and to round out the evening, there will be a Bon Jovi tribute band sponsored by the Seneca Gaming and Entertainment from 6:00pm until 9:00pm. Sunday of course boasts the Grand Parade at 1:00pm, followed by the Seneca Dancers from 2:30-4:30pm. Then from 3:00-3:30pm, Down Beat Percussion will be jamming and the evening will end with the Xcite Wrestling show from 3:30-5:30pm.

eNOW: And will there be vendors this year? What are some of the products they’ll be selling?

SANDRA: We have 75 spots for craft vendors and we had to turn people away, because we are filled up this year. We definitely need more space for next year. There will be a variety of items. Tumblers seem to be popular right now, t-shirts, Christmas ornaments, Native crafts, wood crafts, and a bunch more. Most are returning from last year, but we do have a few new vendors this year that you’ll have to come down and see yourself!

eNOW: Falling Leaves is an important time of year for the community. What do you feel makes the event so special?

SANDRA: I feel this event is special for the community because it gives us all a chance to see people we don’t see all the time, and it’s fair to all because all the activities are free, except the food and crafts. There isn’t a lot to do in the city so this is usually the one big event (next to the Powwow) where people can come out and enjoy time with friends and family that isn’t going to break the bank. It’s just a positive for us.

eNOW: Are you working on any events heading into the winter season?

SANDRA: Coming up next is the October 31st community Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat, also the Christmas Parade and the arrival of Santa at Jefferson Street Park, closer to the Christmas season, which is put on by the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce.

eNOW: What would you like to share with the community in closing?

SANDRA: I just want everyone to come and enjoy all the entertainment and support the vendors who have chosen to come to our city to show their crafts. We have a group of about 9 people who have worked hard on this festival since May. This is not just a city event, it’s co-sponsored by the city and the Seneca Nation and it is organized by volunteers not all from Salamanca. So if you want to participate in the planning of next year’s event, we are always open for new ideas. See you at the Park!

So if you want to get out and enjoy a little fall scenery and fun, there is no better place than the annual Salamanca Seneca Falling Leaves Festival in downtown Salamanca, NY at Jefferson Park on October 4th through the 6th. Follow along on their Facebook page for updates or at salamancasenecafallingleaves.com.

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