The Rotary Club of Ellicottville's Foundation for Youth announces the Americana Folk Art and Music Fair on July 18 and 19, 2009.  This year’s event will feature many hands-on demonstrations to capture the spirit of the artistic community that makes up the Ellicottville and the Enchanted Mountains area. 

This two day family event begins with arts, music and food in the town square on Saturday and then a music fair, with food, refreshments and artisans at Holiday Valley on Sunday. The weekend will surely instill the spirit of creativity in children and adults alike. 

Saturday's Events

Artists and Artisans of many talents will be featured in the Town Square on Saturday July 18th for this free event. They will demonstrate weaving, spinning, carving, painting, sketching, sculpting and craft candle making.  Some of the best metal artists in Western New York will demonstrate plasma cutting and smithing.  Antique metal painting along with rustic furniture making and basket weaving will give you a peek at the skills of days gone by.  There will be a caricature artist who will capture your lighter side for all to see.  The ever-popular hay rides and tractor rides will take children on a tour of the Village, passing the petting zoo and juried art show. The Antique Fair from Antiques and Interiors and McCarthy’s live auction will attract bargain hunters looking for the unique and unusual.

A homemade chicken BBQ, hot dogs and mouthwatering deserts will be available all day at reasonable prices.  The operating saw mill and beehive demonstration are back by popular demand while garden art, bentwood furniture, birdhouses and Adirondack chairs will be created on-site by the best crafters in Western N.Y.

This is a true family event with something to see and do for all ages. Proceeds will benefit the Rotary Foundation for Youth as well as the Ellicottville Historical Society and the Alley Katz.

Sunday's Events

New this year, the Bluegrass and Roots Music Fair, will be held on Sunday July 19th from noon through 6:00 PM in front of the Tannenbaum Lodge at Holiday Valley.  The gates open at 11:00 AM for this outdoor concert and interactive music fair. Holiday Valley will present a country chicken barbeque during Sunday's music festival.  

The Music Fair will feature The Doerfels - Family Bluegrass.  The band is composed of five members ranging in age from 13 through 20, and they are often joined by others from this family of 10 children.  Their upbeat bluegrass music will have the crowd on their feet for the entire performance. For more about the Doerfels visit their website, http://www.thedoerfels.com

The show will also feature one of Canada’s true musical stars, Juno Award winner, Tom Wilson. Tom’s new band, Lee Osmond, took shape when Colin Linden, lead guitarist of Wilson's other group, Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, was hired to play in Emmylou Harris' touring band. With Blackie forced to cancel dates because of Linden's temporary hiatus, Wilson called some friends -- Michael Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies, Ray Farrugia of Junkhouse, Josh Finlayson of The Skydiggers and Canadian folk icon Brent Titcomb. For more about Tom Wilson, visit his website, http://www.tomwilson.net.

Doug Yeomans, Guitarist of the Year,and Mountain Run Bluegrass will play traditional Bluegrass. “Homemade Jam” with Pete Boberg, Gene Hiltz and Liz Boberg will perform "smooth oldies and country cozies" to round out the entertainment.  More than just a concert, numerous “in the crowd” musicians and artisans will be on hand to make this day one to remember for you and your family.  Tickets are only $10 in advance and $15 at the gate and can be purchased at Holiday Valley, A Touch of Ellicottville, The Barn Restaurant or from any Ellicottville Rotarian. 

Mark your calendar as this is a date you will not want to miss. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased at Holiday Valley and throughout Ellicottville. Admission is $15 at the gate. Kids 12 and under who are accompanied by a parent are free! Don't forget your lawn chair!
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