New ‘Shakesbeer Steampunk Festival’ planned for Orleans County Fairgrounds on Oct. 17

Photo by Tom Rivers: Artisan vendors are along the Erie Canal in Albion on Sept. 26, 2025. There were about 10 different vendors in Albion for the debut Erie Canal Artisan Festival.

Press Release, The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council

Call for Vendors for our upcoming 2026 festival season. There are multiple opportunities to share your craft with the region.

One of the goals of our festivals is to promote artists and artisans. Therefore, all items sold by vendors must be handcrafted. Third-party resale vendors are not permitted. Vendors are also welcome and encouraged to demonstrate their craft at their booths.

Saturday, June 20, 2026: The Just Kings Juneteenth Community Festival is a celebration for the community to come together to recognize an important moment in American history and celebrate community, culture and freedom.

We’re looking for local artisans, food vendors, small businesses, and community organizations to help make this celebration meaningful and vibrant. This is a wonderful opportunity to share what you offer, connect with the community, and take part in an event that highlights unity, culture and progress.

This year’s celebration will be on June 20 at Williams Park in Batavia. Please visit https://goart.org/juneteenth/

Saturday, July 11, 2026: The Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival is a family-friendly music & arts festival located in downtown Batavia. With multiple stages, 30+ bands, vendors, artists, performances, food and children’s activities, there is truly something for everyone at this unique hometown event.

It draws in on average 1,000 to 1,500 attendees from the county and across the region. This year, it will take place Saturday, July 11, on Jackson Street between Main Street and School Street. For more information and to apply please visit https://goart.org/batavia-ramble-explore-art-and-music-festival-vendor-information/

Friday, August 28 – Sunday, August 30, 2026: The Erie Canal Artisan Festival will celebrate the rich heritage, arts, and culture of the canal and Orleans County, with artisan vendors as the main attraction. The festival will take place at the Holley Canal Park in Holley, spanning over 2 1/2 days from August 28-30.  For more information and to apply please visit https://goart.org/erie-canal-artisan-festival-information/

Saturday, October 17, 2026: The Shakesbeer Steampunk Festival is a one-day immersive event celebrating Victorian-inspired creativity, innovation, and culture. The festival features artisan and food vendors, live performances, specialty drinks, costume competitions, and interactive activities, appealing to Shakespear enthusiasts, steampunk enthusiasts, families, and cultural explorers alike.

This festival will take place on the Orleans County Fairgrounds in Albion, NY on Saturday, October 17. For more information and to apply please visit https://goart.org/steampunk-festival-vendor-information/

A discount will be given to those vendors who register for multiple festivals (not including Juneteenth).

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Once approved, vendors will receive a notification and payment link.  Spaces are limited, once capacity is reached we will no longer accept applications, so we encourage you to apply early.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We hope you will consider joining us for another exciting festival season!

These events are supported through a Market New York grant awarded by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism.

Funding for GO ART! is made possible in part with support from the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional funding for GO ART! comes from the Genesee and Orleans County governments, foundations, private donors, and members.

Photo courtesy of Marsha Rivers: The Big Dipper constellation is shown this evening at 8:17 over the Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze.

A high wind warning ended at 5 a.m. today in Orleans County, but more gusty winds are headed our way.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory fom 5 p.m. on Sunday until 8 p.m. on Monday. South winds from 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 mph are expected Sunday night. The winds become southwest Monday with a few gusts up to 50 mph, the Weather Service said.

The advisory includes Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Oswego, northern Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

The high temperatures in the coming days include 51 on Sunday, 61 on Monday, 25 on Tuesday and 35 on Wednesday.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Crosby’s in Holley at the former JP’s shows the gas prices for today, including the diesel price at $5.19 a gallon.

Gas prices have risen throughout the week in Orleans County, up 27 cents in four days since Monday.

On Monday, AAA reported the average price for regular unleaded was at $3.306 in Orleans County. Today, the average was at $3.576.

Here are the average daily prices in the county since Monday:

• March 9: $3.306
• March 10: $3.376
• March 11: $3.482
• March 12: $3.536
• March 13: $3.576

AAA reports the average price in New York State was at $3.538 today, up 31 cents in past seven days and 54 cents in past month. The average price nationally was at $3.630 today, according to AAA.

Diesel at $5.024 today, up from $4.39 a week ago and $4.993 a day ago. A year ago it was at $3.959.

Gas prices have jumped since Feb. 28 as the war and conflict in Iran and the Middle East have pushed crude oil prices to about $100 per barrel.

Here are the average prices in Western New York counties, with Orleans County currently the highest among all those counties:

• Orleans, $3.576
• Genesee, $3.479
• Wyoming, $3.546
• Livingston, $3.504
• Monroe, $3.541
• Niagara, $3.492
• Erie, $3.525
• Chautauqua, $3.484
• Cattaraugus, $3.395
• Allegany, $3.457

File photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters responded to a grass fire in Clarendon on April 21, 2018 on Holley Byron Road.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14.

Since 2009, DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires.

“Many of us are looking forward to spring weather after a very cold winter, but with the warming temperatures comes increased fire risk,” Commissioner Lefton said. “That’s why we’re once again asking all New Yorkers to abide by the two-month-long burn ban. The more careful you are with fire, the better we can protect our communities and natural resources as well as our Forest Rangers and firefighters across the state.”

Even though some areas of the state are damp or remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise.

Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.

Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often must leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur.

Backyard fire pits and campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State.

Photos and information courtesy of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

ALBION – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. is proud to announce the success of its first-ever “Miles for Smiles” Bowling Tournament, which was held at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

There were payouts awarded to the top eight teams. The event brought together sponsors, community members, bowlers, and volunteers for a fun-filled day while supporting an important cause.

Thanks to the generosity and support of the community, the event raised over $3,200, which will go directly toward supporting transportation services in Orleans County, helping ensure individuals and families have access to the transportation they need.

The organization would like to extend a special thank you to Randy Hanks and Curtis Foss of Oak Orchard Bowl for their outstanding support in hosting the event. From coordinating the lanes to ensuring every last bowler finished their game, their dedication played a key role in the success of the tournament.

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. would also like to recognize the generous sponsors and supporters who helped make the tournament possible: Info Advantage, Human Energies, Dunham Family Farms, Breese & Associates, LLC / DBA Subway, Orleans Community Health, Board member donation, and a community member donation.

In addition, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. extends its appreciation to the staff members, directors, and Board of Directors who volunteered their time throughout the event. Their efforts included organizing and selling basket raffle tickets, managing the 50/50 drawing, assisting with event setup and cleanup, and even putting together bowling teams in support of the cause.

A special acknowledgment goes to Melinda D. and Alishia F., who helped organize and build this fundraiser from the ground up. Their passion and commitment to addressing the needs within the community helped turn this idea into a successful and impactful event.

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. is grateful to everyone who participated, donated baskets or gift cards, volunteered, and supported the Miles for Smiles Bowling Tournament. The organization looks forward to continuing efforts that strengthen and support the Orleans and Genesee County communities.