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picnic in the park

Schedule announced for Picnic in the Park

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) presents the 36th annual “Picnic in the Park” this Independence Day. The festivities run from noon until 5 p.m. on Friday, July 4th, in historic Centennial Park on Richmond Avenue in Batavia. As is tradition, this year’s “Picnic in the Park” is a free, family-friendly event that will once again include all-day live musical entertainment, an arts and crafts show, folk arts programs, food vendors, children’s activities, and much more!

Introduced just last year to great response, the event will be preceded by a “Kiddie Parade” kicking off the day. Harkening back to earlier times, families with children ages 12 and under are invited to bring their bikes, scooters or strollers to the northwest corner of Centennial Park – between the Main Stage and Richmond Avenue -- at 11 a.m. to decorate them for an old time “Kiddie Parade.” Decorations will be provided, and the parade will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Ellicott and Park avenues.

Live entertainment is presented on two separate stages, the Main Stage and “Stage 2,” which has traditionally featured performances that engage kids and families. MAIN STAGE entertainment commences at noon with the “Picnic” staple Batavia Concert Band playing its traditional mix of Sousa-style marches and Big Band numbers.

Founded in 1924, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during World War II. The Concert Band itself consists of 40 - 50 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from advanced high school musicians to 50-year veterans. Many have professional performance experience; the rest are advanced amateurs. All love to play. The Band's musical repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, style and period, and includes marches, Broadway show tunes, favorites from hit musicals and movies, pop, jazz and even rock numbers arranged for band. Join the Band for weekly concerts during the summer on Wednesday evenings in Centennial Park.

A wide variety of bands featuring local and traditional music will follow on the Main Stage throughout the rest of the afternoon:

1 p.m. -- Stephanie Pietrzak, “America’s Polka Sweetheart,” takes the stage with her “Honky Polka Band” to perform their lively Polish polka music. Having played for more than 45 years in the polka industry, the much-heralded Pietrzak was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2010. She began her polka music career at age 7 on the accordion but soon switched to the Polish concertina, a larger, square-shaped type of accordion with a distinctive sound, loved by Polka musicians. For more than 25 years she performed as a duo with her mother, Wanda, and the two were dubbed “America’s Polka Sweethearts.” They toured extensively across the United States and Canada and performed on numerous radio and television broadcasts, and with other well-known Polka musicians such as The Versatones, Marion Lush and Li’l Wally. Sietrzak continues to perform with her own band and has recorded several albums, including her own compositions. She developed her own radio show celebrating the music she loves at Polkasonline.com and continues to win awards for her work as a concertina player, vocalist and songwriter.

2:30 p.m. – “Trilogy” is a four piece classic rock and roll band that has been playing family-oriented music in the Western New York area for the past 26 years. The band features Dana Hurlburt on lead guitar and vocals; Guy Macaluso on bass, guitar, keyboards and vocals; Eric Kelly on guitar, keyboards and vocals; and Tom Kwiecien on drums. Be prepared to sing along and have fun!

4 p.m. -- Gan Ainm (pron.: gahn ahn'-um) performs Irish and Irish American traditional music, led by John Ryan. Meaning “without a name,” Gan Ainm recognizes the innumerable tunes that are passed on from one musician to the next, known as a "reel," "jig," "polka," or "hornpipe" that may be nameless, or ascribed to a person or event that fits the moment. The group includes players who have grown up in the active Irish music and dance community of the Rochester area, performing on button accordion, concertina, fiddle, guitar, tin whistle, bodhran, as well as vocals. They will invite you into the high energy dance tunes, soulful ballads, and easy camaraderie of an Irish session.

THROUGHOUT THE DAY in Centennial Park, other activities include horse-drawn wagon rides by Hartland Carriages, pony rides and petting zoo by North Forty Pony Express and the Wildlife Educators Coalition returning with its wide assortment of animals. Geoffrey Clough offers his popular interactive program of children’s songs called “Cookie Songwriting,” and of course juggling and other roving entertainment in the park. The GLOW Area YMCA will have its bounce house and inflatable obstacle course on site, and the Explore Art! Tent invites kids and families to do their own hands-on art activity, all materials provided, and free face painting will be available at the tent. Also, Stage II, the “family stage,” features interactive programs for kids and families, including family entertainer Janice Spagnola’s “The Extra Fun Balloon Show,” magic and puppet entertainment with a twist…a balloon twist that is! Balloon puppets will come to life along with amazing balloon magic. And finally, a surprise performance written and performed by the audience itself in a classic “choose your own adventure” style finale.

Along the Richmond Avenue side of Centennial Park, artists and crafters representing an amazing diversity of arts and crafts are featured in an ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW AND SALE. An amazing variety of arts and crafts are represented, such as gemstone jewelry, photography, seasonal indoor/outdoor woodcrafts, puppets, hand-woven textiles, glass jewelry, clay creations, nautically inspired furniture, and much more. Additional attractions consist of booths by community nonprofit organizations, including Genesee County ARC information & recycling education, Genesee County Historians Association, Batavia Assembly of God dunk tank and sand art, Batavia Players pizza & show info, ACORNS Genesee County Park info, GO ART!’s Picnic in the Park prize giveaway and many others. “Picnic” always offers up tantalizing food by a variety of vendors, such as Abbott’s cones, sundaes, milkshakes and root beer floats, Lonsberry fresh-squeezed lemonade and soft pretzels, Kernel Cravin’ Kettle Corn, and, of course, the Batavia Jaycees famous "dog and burger stand" in its traditional location.

The event is funded, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts Folk Arts Program with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Picnic sponsors include the County of Genesee, LocalEdge and Rotary Club of Batavia. Table sponsors: Batavia Area Jaycees, CY Farms/Batavia Turf, Roger & JoAnn Triftshauser, and Turnbull Heating & Air. Contributor: Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. Flag Sponsors: Bouchard Financial Services, Bob and Linda Knipe, McGinnis Excavation & Plumbing, and Tonawanda Valley FCU. Friends include Max & Jane Mason and Paula R. Schumann. Additional support provided by City of Batavia DPW, Genesee County Chamber and the Porter Family.

Admission is free to the “Picnic in the Park.” Please call GO ART! at 585-343-9313, e-mail info@goart.org or visit www.goart.org for more information.

Photos: Picnic in the Park 2013

By Howard B. Owens

Bob Zeagler was all decked out for the 4th -- as he usually is -- at GO ART's Picnic in the Park today in Centennial Park.

The picnic was once again a successful community event.

To purchase prints, click here.

Sponsored Post: GO ART! presents the 35th Annual PICNIC IN THE PARK!

By Lisa Ace

GO ART! presents the 35th Annual PICNIC IN THE PARK • Thursday, July 4th, 2013 • Centennial Park, Batavia. Noon – 5 p.m.! A daylong celebration of art & music. Free Fun for the Whole Family!!! 

Main Stage -- 12 Noon
Batavia Concert Band. Always a crowd favorite, BCB performs Sousa-esque marches & Big Band numbers. 

1 p.m. -- The Town Pants. Irish traditional, folk and roots Americana, fusing their signature dual lead vocals to create their own unique brand of high energy "West Coast Celtic."

2:30 p.m. -- Trio Los Arpegios. Traditional Latin American music in the typical trio style of close vocal harmonies with guitar accompaniment.

4 p.m. -- The BossTones. Strongly grounded in old-time & bluegrass traditions, this fiddle trio also incorporates jazz, swing, & Celtic influences.

Explore Art!
Families are invited to join us for a FREE CREATIVE ACTIVITY at the Explore Art! Tent...decorate paper flowerpots & create paper flowers to be delivered to area nursing homes & hospitals. Also, try your hand at decorating white paper bags to be used in delivery of Meals on Wheels to senior citizens. Materials provided! AmeriCorps volunteer Beth Ely will help kids & adults alike to be creative. Face Painting will be available, too!

Kiddie Parade -- New this year! Bring your bikes, scooters or strollers…decorations will be provided! Decorating begins at 11 a.m.; Parade starts at 11:30 a.m. on Ellicott Avenue.

Stage II
12:30 p.m.  & 2 p.m. -- The Traveling Dress Up Theatre. Family friendly dress up storytelling... Unique and great fun for kids of all ages!

1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. -- The Stringmen. A delightful mix of folk & participatory music for kids of all ages. Doug Yeomans & Judd Sunshine bring over 30 years of experience to young people across Western NY.

All Day in the Park

  • Juggling by Brian Kozody & Owen Gould
  • Horse-drawn Wagon Rides & Petting Zoo by Hartland Carriages
  • Miniature Golf by My Cowboy
  • “Cookie Songwriting” by Geoffrey Clough
  • Food Vendors & Nonprofit Organizations
  • Air Gym & Inflatable Obstacle Course by YMCA
  • Wildlife Educators Coalition
  • Recycling by Genesee County ARC
  • The Jaycees famous dog and burger stand!
  • Arts & Crafts Show & Sale

For more information: 585-343-9313 / info@GOart.org / www.GOart.org / www.facebook.com/geneseeorleansarts. This event is made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Photos: Crews ready Centennial for Picnic in the Park

By Howard B. Owens

Tomorrow is the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council’s 34th annual family event “Picnic in the Park.”

City crews were in Centennial Park this morning putting up stages and tents in preperation for the big summer party.

While rain is predicted for the morning, by the time the picnic starts, the skies should be clearing.

The Fourth of July festivities run from noon until 5 p.m. in the historic park at Richmond and Ellicott avenues in Batavia. As is tradition, the event is kicked off by the Batavia Concert Band performing on the Main Stage at noon.

This year’s Picnic in the Park includes all-day musical entertainment, arts and crafts show, folk arts programs, food vendors, children’s activities, and much more. Admission is free.

Please call GO ART! at 343-9313, email info@goart.org, or visit <http://www.goart.org> for more information.

GO ART! seeks artists, crafters, nonprofits and food vendors for 34th annual Picnic in the Park

By Billie Owens

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is seeking artists and crafters, food vendors, and nonprofit organizations to participate in the 34th annual Picnic in the Park celebration from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4.

The event takes place in Centennial Park, Richmond and Ellicott avenues, in the City of Batavia.

Application forms can be downloaded from the GO ART! Web site at <http://www.GOart.org>, by email at info@GOart.org, or by stopping by GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

Artists and crafters are invited to exhibit and sell their work – which must be made by the artist/crafter – in the Arts and Crafts Show. The non-refundable entry fee per space is $35 for non-members and $30 for members if paid by June 1. After June 1st, the fee is $40 for non-members and $35 for members. If you refer a friend, and they participate as an artist or crafter in this year's show, you will be entered in a drawing to win a refund on your booth fee!

The non-refundable entry fee per booth for food vendors is $125 if paid by June 1. After June 1, the fee is $150. As is tradition, nonprofit organizations in Genesee and Orleans counties may participate free of charge. All vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, signs, canopy, and extensions cords. The deadline to submit applications is no later than June 29.

Picnic in the Park is a free daylong event featuring activities for families and children, folk art events, entertainment and refreshment stands. Picnic in the Park is funded, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts Folk Arts Program.

For additional information, call the GO ART! office at 343-9313 or email info@GOart.org.

Many perks at GoArt!'s 'Picnic in the Park' this year, including author from Bethany

By Daniel Crofts

Abigail, age 7, showed us her cat-face Monday at GoArt!'s annual "Picnic in the Park." She had just been to the face-painting booth.

While I was there taking pictures, I ran into some, shall we say, figures of historical interest.

Jacob Richardson came dressed in the get up of a Revolutionary War soldier, complete with weapons and an old-fashioned belt (which soldiers needed to keep all their materials together, since their uniforms had no pockets).

Richardson was there to represent "Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship," a program of Batavia Assembly of God Church.

Also, a horse and carriage ride, just like the old days.

Also, Genesee County native Lynda Breckenridge Gaetano, author of the "Up South" series, was there to promote her books.

Gaetano now resides in Austin, Texas, but was raised on a dairy farm in Bethany. Her books are set in Genesee County and, all total, span a time frame ranging from the early 1800s, when pioneers first came to the "woody wilds" (as worded in a promotional pamphlet produced by the publisher, Blue Stocking Press) of Genesee County, up until the time of the World War II years.

They include a mixture of folk tales, real life stories and local history, all told from the perspective of a wizened sugar maple tree.

Gaetano has published her work in three volumes: "Spring," "Summer" and "Autumn." She hopes to publish the "Winter" volume soon.

The title, according to Gaetano, is based on a phrase her uncle and brother used whenever they would go to the Southern Tier to pick up goods.

"A lot of people don't know that in Genesee County, the Southern Tier is higher (in elevation) than the Northern Tier," Gaetano said.

Water from these high elevations goes south to form the Genesee River, which flows north into Lake Ontario. Hence, whenever you're travelling southward in the Genesee region, you are going "up South."

Gaetano said she was happy to be back in Genesee County promoting her books. While she has lived down South for many years, she still considers Genesee County home.

"You meet good people wherever you go," she said, "but there's something special about this place."

Her "Up-South" books are available for purchase at the Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia. Two of them -- "Spring" and "Summer" -- are available at the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia, and the "Spring" volume is on the shelves of the Corfu Free Library, Le Roy's Woodward Memorial Library and Oakfield's Haxton Memorial Library.

Here are some other photos of the Fourth of July festivities and attractions:

Mariachi music and dance.

The Batavia Players performed selections from their recent musical, "On Broadway Too!"

 

Elle Fronckowiak and Beth Ryan were there representing Genesee County Right to Life.

April Meier, dressed in a bridal gown, represented Susan Meier Photography.

Dick Lawrence, a prevention educator who works with senior citizens on medicine safety and related topics, was there to represent Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse (GCASA).

We hope everyone had a pleasant Fourth of July and enjoyed the fireworks!

Photos: Picnic in the Park

By Howard B. Owens

Billie and I didn't get a chance to stop by Picnic in the Park at Centennial Park until later afternoon, but there was still plenty going on with live music, food and arts and crafts.

More pictures after the jump:

'Up-South' and

By Daniel Crofts

Abigail, age seven, shows us her cat-face at GoArt!'s annual "Picnic in the Park." She had just been to the face painting booth.

While I was there taking pictures, I ran into Genesee County native Lynda Breckenridge Gaetano, author of the "Up-South series."

Gaetano now resides in Austin, TX, but was raised on a dairy farm in Bethany.

Chats with Calliope- An Artistic Week

By Joseph Langen


Fraterrigo Family- Batavia Ramble

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe, You must be busy lately.
JOE: You guessed right. I feel like I have been on the run for the past week.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: I told you about our upcoming activities. They all happened this week. First was the Ramble last Saturday with two stages of music going all day long. I tried to get people to add to our story “Ramble On..”  started by Joanne Beck, one of the reporters at the Daily News. Not too many people are interested in writing these days.
CALLIOPE: What else.
JOE: On Sunday, GO ART! held its Picnic in the Park. I was in charge of the Explore Art tent, introducing children to creative art efforts. That went better than the writing.
CALLIOPE: Is there more?
JOE: Indeed. On Thursday, I helped the Genesee Veterans Support Network award the prize for a Logo Contest which has been underway since May.
CALLIOPE: And now?
JOE: A little time to relax this weekend.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like you earned it.
JOE: I think so.  Later.

GoArt!'s 'Picnic in the Park'

By Daniel Crofts

GoArt!'s annual 4th of July "Picnic in the Park" got a pretty good turnout this year, with families and people of all ages coming over to enjoy the food, shows and activities.

For those who missed it, here are some photos:

Andrew Richardson, a pastoral intern at Batavia Assembly of God Church, gets "dunked."

Fencing competition sponsored by Batavia's new En Garde Fencing Academy.

Pictured the Fraterrigo Family, who came to play some bluegrass for the folks in Batavia.

Members of the group Diaspora Drumming play some Latin American drumbeats.

A spectator "jigs" to Irish tunes.

ANIMALS IN THE PARK:

 

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