By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 July 2026 at 11:54 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: The band Bad Sign closed out the lineup of performers during last year’s festival on Friday night last festival. Bad Sign stepped in at the last second when there was a cancellation. Bad Sign plays blues, rock and southern rock. The band includes lead singer Erika Horning of Batavia, guitarist Erick Horning of Batavia, bass player Clint Worthington of Holley, drummer Joe Maino of Pembroke, and keyboardist Ron Bordinaro of Batavia.
ALBION – There are six bands ready to rock the amphitheater on Saturday for the 11th annual Albion Summer Music Festival.
The bands play from 1 p.m. until about 11 p.m. There also will be two acoustic acts performing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The festival was originally known as “Rock the Park” and started under a pavilion at Bullard. Organizers wanted to bring music to the park and raise money for upgrades. That goal has been met with Bullard seeing many improvements, including an amphitheater stage, spray park, new bathrooms and pavilion, new basketball courts, a walking trail and disc golf course. A concession stand is currently under construction.
“Everybody loves the improvements,” said Ron Albertson, chairman of the event.
The non-profit organization, Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, runs the festival.
The music event typically draws about 1,000 people with a $5 entry fee for the beer tent. It’s free to sit outside on the grounds and listen the music.
“The whole idea is to provide an event for the community,” Albertson said. “We want to keep it as inexpensive as possible.”
The band, V3, performed at Bullard Park for the 10th Rock the Park/Summer Music Festival on Aug. 1, 2025. From left in photo include Jesse Neely on bass, lead singer Kole Moore and Alex Fitzak on guitar.
Bullard has become very popular in recent years, hosting a summer concert series on Wednesday evenings and a big July 3rd celebration, as well as other community events.
The all-day music fest on Saturday will include six food vendors and about 25 arts and crafts vendors.
The featured performers include
1 p.m.: V3
2 p.m.: Bad Sign
3 p.m.: Mixed Experience
4 p.m.: Who Dats
6:30 p.m.: Songbirds: a Fleetwood Mac tribute act
Closing: Knight Patrol: a cover band that performs the greatest hits from the ’80s
The Songbirds and Knight Patrol are both new to the Albion Summer Music Festival.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 July 2026 at 10:16 am
Asher Dix, 9, of Albion wins title with his mother in the top 5
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Asher Dix (left), 9, of Albion gave a high-energy performance on Thursday night at the karaoke finals, and won first place and a $500 prize. Asher sang “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5. He had the crowd cheering with his spin moves, exclamation points with his hands, and high-pitched notes.
His mother Brittany Dix (right) sang “Looking Out” by Brandi Carlile and won fourth place and $75. Brittany said her children all enjoy singing. Asher made his karaoke public debut on Monday and embraced the role as a showman.
Gideon Pask of Barre sings “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash. Gideon worked the stage and won second place for $250.
Olivia Manfredi (left) of Kendall won fifth place and $50 for her performance of “(If You’re Not in It For Love) I’m Outta Here” by Shania Twain. Manfredi, 31, has been performing in karaoke at the fair since she was a teen-ager, frequently placing in the top 5.
Tiana Mortensen, right, of Medina sings “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims. Mortensen, 33, works as the manager of the Dunkin’ Donuts in Medina. She said she hadn’t sung publicly for years until this week’s fair.
“It was a lot of fun,” she said about karaoke and seeing the audience’s enthusiastic reaction to her singing.
The competition is a popular event each night from the fair from Monday through Thursday. The top singers the first three nights advance to Thursday’s championship. Brad London serves as the deejay for the event.
Neil Samborski wore face paint while singing, “Monster Mash.” He was among 18 singers who advanced to Thursday nights finale.
Abby Pratt of Middleport sings “I’d Rather Be Me” from Mean Girls The Musical.
Madelyn Elliott (left) of Medina performs “Wide Open Spaces” by the Dixie Chicks. Colette Ruest sings “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus.
Phoebe Allen sings “At Last” by Etta James.
Frank “Boomer” Buell of Medina enjoyed interacting with the crowd while he performed “Slide” by the Goo Goo Dolls of Buffalo. Buell said he is from the Black Rock neighborhood of Buffalo and has long been a Goo Goo Dolls fan.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 July 2026 at 8:37 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair has added new events and challenges, and a race among inflatable costumed characters proved a big hit on Thursday night.
There were 17 characters in the first race with adults and older teens.
Rachel Livingston of Albion, who was dressed as a French Bulldog, was the first to dash across the horse arena.
The youth division was won by Isabella Tompkins, 6, of Olcott who wore an axolotl costume. Three adults joined her so she wasn’t by herself. One of those was her grandmother, Michelle Tompkins of Lockport, a former Medina resident. She raced as dairy cow.
Michelle Tompkins was speedy in the inflatable cow costume.
The participants make their way to the west side of the horse arena. They all brought their own costumes, and there was quite a variety of characters.
Peggy-Jo Gabalski lines up the characters and urges they to spread out by arm’s length.
These characters enjoy some pre-race banter before their sprint. There were people lined up around the fence at the horse arena.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 July 2026 at 8:06 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: A group of 17 inflatable costumed characters take off in the horse arena in a race that was won by Rachel Livingston of Albion, who was dressed as a French Bulldog. ‘I just ran as a fast as I could,” said Livingston, 31. She won 25 fair bucks.
8 a.m. – 4-H Ranch and Western Rail Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. – Ag Olympics-4-H Members at east end of Swine Barn
9 to 11 a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand
10 a.m. – 4-H Dog Show Agility and Fun Classes at Dog Show Tent
10:30 a.m. – 4-H Fry Stand Opens at Fry Stand
11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks at 4-H Senior Council Stand. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs.
12 p.m. – Paid public admission begins at Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots. Buildings open to the public
These three sportsmen are in the log cabin at the fairgrounds. The log cabin is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It is a project of the Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. From left include Jeff Atwell, Mike Elam and Chris Rice. They are shown next to Stella the Sturgeon, a fiberglass model of a 100-pound sturgeon. Elam said the sturgeon are making a comeback and he believes there are some again in Orleans County. The mounts of the Chinook salmon include a 35-pounder that Elam caught in September 1987 to win the Niagara County Derby and a 46-pound, 4-ounce Chinook caught in the Oak orchard Creek in October 1984. Elam said at the time it was the third largest Chinook caught in New York State.
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Blacksmith Demo at Beadle Building
1:30 to 2:15 p.m. – Public Contest – Register at Event: Dunk Bucket by the Junior Fair Committee featuring Tom Rivers, editor of the Orleans Hub, and from 2:15 to 2:30 will feature Robertt Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County. Located at Tram Stop by the bathrooms.
2 p.m. – Goat Obstacle, costume, and other fun classes at Knights Indoor Arena
2 p.m. – Sheep Obstacle, costume, and other fun classes at Livestock Show Arena
3 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $35 Unlimited Ride Wristband at Midway
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
4 p.m. – Royalty questionnaires due at Fair Office
Darren Roberts was 2 for 2 in hitting the target and getting Craig Basinait wet with a dunk bucket on Thursday evening.
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ homemade pie stand opens
4:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! at Knights Lawn
5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
5:30 p.m. – Market Auction Preview at Livestock Areas
5:30 to 8 p.m. – Cruisin’ in Medina @ the fair. Classic and show car cruise in at Education Center Parking Lot. Enter off Wood Road.
6 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Pickle Eating Contest at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
Craig Basinait, a Fair Board member, was a popular draw in the dunk bucket challenge. His wife Dawn eagerly solicited participants to pay $1 a ball in the fundraiser for the Junior Fair Committee.
6 p.m. – 4-H Market Auction at Livestock Areas
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
6:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! at Knights Lawn
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Dunk Tank by the Junior Fair Committee featuring Kristin McAdoo, deputy fire chief of Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company.
6:30 p.m. – Small fry pedal tractor pull- registration ends 15 minutes before event starts at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
7 to 10 p.m. – Live music with Bad Kitty at Orleans Hub Stage
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
Grace Masterson, 4, and her brother Luke, 5, of Fairport head down the giant slide at the Midway. They are the children of the former Chrissy Keeler of Albion.
7:30 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Stick Pony Rodeo at Knights Building
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! at Knights Lawn
9 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
10 p.m. – Laser Light Show! at Education Center Parking Lot
10 p.m. – Building close-goodnight fair
10:15 p.m. – Hay bale rolling contest – teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:50 p.m. Located at Byron’s Bale Rolling Barnyard
Austin Seefeldt and Brennan Allen team to move an 800-pound hay bale through an obstacle course on Thursday night. They completed the challenge in 2 minutes and advanced to Saturday night’s championship.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2026 at 4:00 pm
County accepts $1.5 million electrical bid for project after $4.8 million in bids approved in April
File photo by Tom Rivers: The current emergency management office was built as an early 1960s bomb shelter. It has a leaking roof and a shortage of space.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has accepted a $1.5 million electrical bid, the last piece for a new Emergency Management Office.
The Legislature on April 28 accepted three bids for nearly $5 million for the project: $3,931,000 for general construction by the Watson Construction Group Inc. of Albion; $360,000 for plumbing/fire protection by McGrain Mechanical of Rochester; and $547,500 to McGrain Mechanical of Rochester for HVAC.
An electrical bid was approved on Tuesday for $1,525,000 from the Watson Construction Group Inc. of Albion.
That puts the total construction expense at $6,363,500.
The new building will be one-story and 7,700 square feet. It was downsized from a proposal for a 17,000-square-foot building. Initially county officials sought a new building that was 11,000 square feet for offices and classrooms, and another 5,600 square feet for equipment storage. That complex would have topped $12 million.
The county has been awarded a $2 million federal grant secured by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.
The new building will be west of the current structure that is about 3,000 square feet. Most of the current EMO building is underground and is prone to flooding after heavy rains. It isn’t handicapped accessible and is tight on space. County officials eventually want to have that building demolished but that isn’t part of the construction bids.
The new building will include offices for the EMO’s three full-time staff, a classroom for training for firefighters and other first responders, and space to have the backup 911 dispatch system.
BROCKPORT – Oak Orchard Health, a leading healthcare provider in rural, upstate New York, is celebrating National Health Center Week across their ten locations from Aug. 3 to Aug. 7.
The annual observance recognizes the vital role community health centers play in expanding access to high-quality care and strengthening the health of the communities they serve.
Oak Orchard Health is one of 80 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in New York State. FQHCs are community-based providers that offer comprehensive primary and preventative care to patients regardless of their ability to pay, helping reduce barriers such as cost, transportation, insurance status, access and language barriers.
“We are proud to provide high-quality accessible care to our neighbors, we remain committed to ensuring that all people have access to the care they deserve close to home,” said Marco Altieri, CEO.
Oak Orchard Health provides medical, dental, behavioral health, optical and patient engagement services to nearly 45,000 patients annually across Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Steuben counties.
National Health Center Week highlights the significant contributions health centers make in improving health outcomes and increasing access to care in underserved communities. For Oak Orchard Health, it is also an opportunity to recognize and thank the providers, care teams and staff whose dedication ensures patients receive the care and support they need close to home. Oak Orchard Health employs nearly 300 providers and staff members across their five-county footprint.
By bringing comprehensive care close to home, Oak Orchard Health helps patients build lasting relationships with providers, manage chronic conditions, access preventative screenings and connect with resources that support overall health and well-being.
In many rural communities, health centers serve as a critical access point for comprehensive care, reducing the need for long-distance travel and helping patients receive timely care before symptoms worsen. Through their commitment to accessible patient-centered care, Oak Orchard Health continues to improve the health and quality of life for the communities they serve.
ALBION – Orleans County is now accepting applications for New York State Office of Children and Family Services grant funds related to Youth Development Programming (YDP), Youth Team Sports (YTS) and Youth Sports and Education Funding (YSEF). Funding for the new program year runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Kelly Kiebala, Orleans County Youth Bureau administrator, said there are separate applications and required documents for each funding source which can be found on the Youth Bureau website at https://www.orleanscountyny.gov/youth.
Kiebala said the Youth Bureau will be holding a workshop on Wednesday, August 12th from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Orleans County Administration Building in Albion for anyone interested in applying. To register for the workshop or for assistance in filling out the application and any related questions, please call 585-589-2767 or email OrleansCountyYouthBureau@orleanscountyny.gov.
“We want to ensure that youth organizations across the county that provide such valuable services to our young people pursue this funding, and we particularly encourage groups that have never applied before to do so,” said Kiebala. “If you are considering submitting a grant application, I hope you give strong consideration to attending our workshop so we can help you through the process.”
MEDINA – The Medina High Class of 1986 recently held its 40th reunion at the Knights of Columbus in Medina.
Over 60 classmates attended the event traveling from 13 different states. The class also donated over $600 to the Richard Knights-Sue Kaderli Memorial Fund in memory of classmates who have passed away. The Knights-Kaderli Fund provides financial assistance to people in Orleans County who are battling cancer.
Cuddle Buddies can provide comfort for people suffering emergency or traumatic event
Photos courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: The Rev Cuddle Buddies are shown inside a Kendall fire truck and response vehicle.
Press Release, Kendall Fire Department
KENDALL – In an effort to make emergency situations a little less frightening for community members, the Kendall Fire Department has partnered with Healthy Highway to receive a donation of ten Rev Cuddle Buddies comfort items.
The stuffed dinosaur companions will be carried on department apparatus and given to community members during emergencies, providing comfort and reassurance during what can often be one of the most stressful moments of their lives.
Assistant Chief James Fox said the donation is about much more than a stuffed animal, it’s about showing compassion when people need it most.
“As first responders, we often meet people on one of the worst days of their lives,” Fox said. “Whether it’s a house fire, motor vehicle accident, medical emergency, or another traumatic event, everything around them can seem overwhelming. Something as simple as handing them a Rev Cuddle Buddies gives them something to hold onto, something that helps them feel safe and reminds them that someone cares.”
Assistant Chief James Fox and Deputy Chief Mike Cole hold the donated Rev Cuddle Buddies, which are intended as comfort items for people stressed from an emergency.
Fox explained that he reached out to Healthy Highway after learning about the organization’s mission of supporting first responders and helping people cope with emergencies.
“When I saw what Healthy Highway was doing for communities across the country, I knew this was something that could make a real difference here in Kendall,” he said. “Our firefighters and EMTs are committed to taking care of people, and that includes caring for their emotional well-being. Children and adults with developmental disabilities process emergencies differently than adults, and having a comfort item can help reduce fear and anxiety while we focus on helping them and their families.”
The ten donated Rev Cuddle Buddies will be distributed by firefighters and EMS personnel whenever they encounter individuals involved in emergency incidents. While they are especially helpful for children, they are also beneficial for people with developmental disabilities or elderly patients experiencing dementia, who may find comfort in a familiar, calming object during stressful or confusing situations. The department hopes the program will bring comfort during difficult moments while helping build trust between first responders and the community.
“This is an incredible addition to the services we provide,” Fox added. “We’re grateful to Healthy Highway for recognizing the importance of supporting people during emergencies. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on families in our community, and we can’t thank them enough for partnering with us.”
The Kendall Fire Department says the donation reflects its ongoing commitment to serving the community beyond emergency response. While firefighters and EMS personnel are trained to save lives and protect property, they also recognize the importance of compassion and emotional support for all patients, regardless of age or ability.
Through this partnership with Healthy Highway, Kendall firefighters will now have another tool available, one that doesn’t fight fire or treat injuries, but instead helps bring comfort, courage, and a sense of calm when it’s needed most.
Programs like this are only possible because of the generosity of volunteers and donors who support Healthy Highway’s mission. Every donation helps place comfort items like Rev into the hands of first responders, allowing them to provide emotional support to those in crisis. If you would like to support this program and help bring comfort to people in communities like Kendall, please consider volunteering or making a donation through Healthy Highway.
The Kendall Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to Healthy Highway, its volunteers, and its donors for making this partnership possible. Together, they are helping ensure that even during life’s most difficult moments, members of the community know they are not facing them alone.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2026 at 8:11 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Connor Miller, 26, of Medina throws a rubber chicken on Wednesday in a contest at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Miller took a break from doing blacksmith demos to compete in the rubber chicken throwing event. He came in third, throwing the chicken 93 feet, 10 inches. Austin Seefeldt won with a throw of 102 feet.
8 a.m. – 4-H Western/Western Dressage/ Western Trail Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 to 11 a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand
10 a.m. – 4-H Dairy Goat Show at Knights Indoor Arena
10 a.m. – I.D. Contest at Log Cabin
10:30 a.m. – 4-H Fry Stand Opens at Fry Stand
Arian Cayea gets ready for his turn in the rubber chicken throwing contest. He came in second, heaving the chicken 98 feet, 3 inches.
11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks at 4-H Senior Council Stand. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs.
12 p.m. – Paid public admission begins at Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots. Buildings open to the public
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Blacksmith Demo at Beadle Building
1 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
1:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! At Knights Lawn
2 p.m. – 4-H Dog Agility Demo at Dog Show Tent
2 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Trivia by the Junior Fair Committee at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
Shelby Patterson shows an alpaca during the 4-H Camelid Show in the livestock show arena on Wednesday evening. The Camelid Show included alpacas and llamas.
2 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
3 to 5 p.m. – Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl at Trolley Building
3 to 10 p.m. – Midway Rides by Main Event Amusements $35 Unlimited Ride Wristband at Midway
3 p.m. – Alpaca and Llama Meet and Greet at Show Arena
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Homemade Pie Stand Opens at Pie Stand
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
4:30 p.m. – Cornell Recipe Chicken BBQ by Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension $15 at Curtis Pavilion
5 p.m. – 4-H Sheep Show at Livestock Show Arena
Patti Beadle, the judge, speaks with the 4-H members in the novice showmanship competition for alpacas and llamas. The 4-Hers include Micah Anderson, Thessaly Anderson, Urvi Cornell, Lily Moore, Shelby Patterson and Claire Streicher.
5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
5:30 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Mom Calling Contest at Orleans Hub Stage
5:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! at Knights Lawn
6 p.m. – 4-H Cat Show at Trolley Building
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
6:30 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Dunk Bucket by the Junior Fair featuring Fair Board member Craig Basinait from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Location by the Tram Stop near the bathrooms.
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull- Registration ends 15 minutes before event. Located at JCH of Buffalo Tent
The Agri-Puppets sing songs with facts and tidbits about farming and agriculture.
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
7 p.m. – Hot Country Liners Dance Group at Orleans Hub Stage
7 p.m. – Small Animal Grand Master Information Session at Wachob Pavilion
8 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Inflatable Costume Race at Carlos Marcello Arena
8 to 10 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge Finals (No Qualifying Round) at Orleans Hub Stage
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! at Knights Lawn
9 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:50 p.m. Located at Byron’s Bale Rolling Barnyard
10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair
The midway, and an inflatable doughboy, are shown on Tuesday evening.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2026 at 3:48 pm
File photo by Ginny Kropf: Danielle and Gatlen Ernst four years ago opened Gilligan’s Galley at the end of Route 98 in Point Breeze.
POINT BREEZE – Gilligan’s Galley, a Point Breeze restaurant that opened nearly four years ago, will be closing on Aug. 29.
The establishment is owned by Danielle and Gatlen Ernst. The business announced the closing today on its Facebook page.
“It wasn’t an easy decision by any means, but one we feel is the right one for us,” the post states. “While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to our customers who have become like family, our hearts our full of gratitude for every person who has walked through our doors, every family who stopped in for a meal, and every person who supported us along the way.”
The Ernst family also owns and operates Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina.
They thanked their “incredible staff” at making Gilligan’s Galley a very special place. The restaurant has a tiki theme with thatching and bamboo in the ceiling.
“While this chapter is coming to an end, we don’t necessarily see it as goodbye,” states the post from Gilligan’s. “We hope that someday, when the time is right, we’ll have the opportunity to bring something new to our community. Until then, we’ll cherish the memories we’ve made together.”
