Lake Plains Players is honored to announce Jason Anstey as the 2024 recipient of the Lance Anderson Memorial Scholarship.
Anstey is an Albion High School senior who plans to attend Roberts Wesleyan University in the fall for Music Education. His goal to become a music educator stems from his experiences in various performing ensembles, including serving as drum major for the Albion marching band.
Through these roles, Anstey discovered an immense joy in witnessing people’s musical growth, whether through singing or playing instruments. In his essay about what role he hopes to play in society with his participation in the arts, he stated that “In a world often brimming with negativity, these lessons in empathy and creativity are more vital than ever, shaping not just musicians, but exceptional human beings.”
The scholarship is a $1,000 award established in honor of the late Lance Anderson. Lance was the President of Lake Plains Players for over 10 years, and had a passion for education as well as theatre. He was always a vocal supporter of students and a leader in the group’s Summer Theatre Program. He affected the lives and futures of countless young people who are now making their own contributions in the arts fields. Through this scholarship, the Lake Plains Players hope to continue to honor his legacy.
Find more information about the Lake Plains Players, by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 May 2024 at 3:41 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The top of a new historical marker includes artwork by Holley teacher Kayla Thrower. The marker was unveiled and dedicated today for the 9 “Holley Boys” who were killed during the Vietnam War.
Those young men include: John P. Davis, age 30: David Duane Case, 20; Ronald P. Sisson, 23; Howard L. Bowen, 20; Gary E. Bullock, 24; Gary Lee Stymus, 26; George Warren Fischer Jr., 23; Paul Scott Mandracchia, 18; and David States, 21.
Nick D’Amura, a former middle/high school history teacher at Holley, gave the keynote address. He is shown taking a photo with his phone. D’Amura now works for the Genesee Valley BOCES in Le Roy.
He taught at Holley for 10 years and his classes researched the Holley men who died in the Vietnam War.
Holley suffered one of the highest casualty rates in the country during Vietnam, and D’Amura said the losses are still felt deeply in the community.
The marker is next to the former Holley High School, where eight of the nine soldiers graduated.
“They grew up in a small town,” D’Amura said. “They played sports. They were in the marching band. They revved up cars.”
Melissa Ierlan, Clarendon town historian, hugs D’AMura after his speech.
D’Amura’s Holley students helped with the wording on the marker. In addition to listing the names of the Holley soldiers, the marker states the following:
“This marker is to commemorate the nine young men who lost their lives in service to their country during the conflict in Vietnam. The ‘Holley Boys’ attended classes here at the high school in the heart of the village before war called them to adulthood. They grew up with stories of their fathers from battlefields past, and each of them served with distinction when the great battle of their age arrived.
“Holley sent her finest when called.”
The marker ends with a quote from Abraham Lincoln: “I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”
Ierlan pushed for the monument and secured funding from the Elizabeth Dye Curtis Foundation, Clarendon Historical Society and Murray-Holley Historical Society.
Dan Mawn, president of the Murray-Holley Historical Society, was among about 150 people who attended the dedication ceremony in the rain. Mawn said he was born the same year as Mandracchia and rode the same school bus with Stymus and Bowen.
“This is long overdue,” Mawn said about the prominent display for the Holley soldiers.
Before the marker dedication, there was a Memorial Day service in the American Legion Post in Holley. Scott Galliford, the post commander, welcomes about 125 inside the hall for the service.
He noted the Legion post is named for Jewell Buckman, the first soldier from Holley to be killed in World War I about a century ago. Buckman’s life was cut short on June 7th, 1918, fifty miles northeast of Paris, at the Battle of Belleau Wood. He was 26 and a member of the Marine Corps.
Ron Ayrault, the Legion’s chaplain, shared the names of local veterans who passed away since last Memorial Day: Robert Stirk, Army; Alfred Pulcino III, Air Force; Paul Wright, Army; James Miller, Navy; James B. Coats, Navy; Garland Miller, Army; Robert Pinson, Army; Frank Mandigo, Air Force; Noel Zicari, Air Force; Neil Passarell, Army; Wayne Robinson, Navy; and Jerome “Jeff” Machamer, Army.
Kevin Foley, a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, received a Purple Heart and two Distinguished Flying Cross medals after being shot down and being determined to help his fellow soldiers.
He spoke to about 125 people inside the Legion hall. The service moved indoors because of the rain.
Mark James Morreall reads a poem he wrote, “The Cost of Freedom.”
Some of the poem’s lines include:
“He gave his life at Little Round Top,
At Valley Forge and Normandy,
In Flanders Fields and Iwo Jima,
At Pork Chop Hill and in Quang Tri.
“Sometimes we take this life for granted,
Do we forget the price they paid?
They say the freedom wasn’t free my friend,
It’s been paid for by the brave!”
Joyce Foley, a retired teacher and Kevin Foley’s wife, said she attended church with Ron Sisson, one of the nine from Holley killed in Vietnam. That United Methodist Church was in the Public Square and still stands, although it’s now used for apartments.
“He made everyone feel special,” Foley said about Sisson. “He had a smile that lit up a room.”
She recalled being on her senior trip with her classmates. They went to Gettysburg. They were having a great time, when news came that Gary Stymus had been killed. Two of his family members were on the senior trip.
She said the historical marker is ideally located next to the old high school.
“How fitting that they will be honored in front of the high school where they lived, loved, laughed and learned,” Foley said.
Foley said many of the Vietnam vets who came home suffered with missing limbs, PTSD, brain injuries, exposure to Agent Orange and other hardships.
She said the vets served “for love of family, for love of God and for love of country. It was their sense of duty.”
Before the service and rain these scouts stand in front of a 5-ton military dump truck from 1991. The truck is now used by Howard Farms. Todd Klatt brought it from the farm for its first parade. Klatt is a mechanic in the National Guard.
Mark Morreall rides his motorcycle in the parade followed by several fire trucks.
Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts ride in the parade to Hillside Cemetery. Scouts and veterans laid wreaths at Hillside and Holy Cross Cemetery. The Scouts are in Pack 62, and Troops 62 and 59.
Photo courtesy of Erin Anheier: Alvin Anheier, 97, of Brockport. sits in the passenger seat of his 1928 Ford Model AA. Anheier, a World War II veteran, wanted to be at the parade. Ross Sceusa is driving, Sandy Moy is in the second row seat and Kevin Bedard and Wally Sanford are in the top back seats.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 May 2024 at 1:00 pm
Photo courtesy of Scott Goetze
LYNDONVILLE – The impending inclement weather this morning forced the cancellation of the Memorial Day parade and ceremony for the safety of all involved, said Steve Goodrich, the Legion commander.
“That does not mean the day went unmarked,” he said.
At 8:30 a.m. members of Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 placed a wreath at the Memorial Stone in Veterans Park and lowered the flag to half staff to honor the fallen.
Pictured: Commander Steve Goodrich lowers the flag as members (left to right) Scott Goetze, John Follman and Kathy Kage render honors. Delbert Young, a Legion member, also was present.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 May 2024 at 12:35 pm
Photo courtesy of Isaac Robinson
ALBION – The honor guard is shown at Mount Albion Cemetery by the Civil War veterans’ section this morning.
The rain may have forced organizers to cancel the Memorial Day parade and an outdoor service, but the honor guard still went to 10 different sites – at cemeteries and monuments – to pay their respects to veterans.
The Honor Guard includes members of the American Legion and VFW in Albion. They went to the VFW Post, the monument at Veterans Park (at Linwood and Brown), old St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Brown Road, new St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Route 31, Mount Albion Cemetery, the Fancher War Memorial, Otter Creek Cemetery, Waterport Cemetery, Carlton Cemetery and concluded at the American Legion.
Albion has canceled their Memorial Day parade and service scheduled for 10 a.m. today due to rain and the chance of severe weather in the area. Albion joins Lyndonville and Medina in canceling their parades and services due to the weather.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 May 2024 at 7:42 am
LYNDONVILLE – Lyndonville won’t be having a Memoiral Day parade due to the threat of thunderstorms and lighting.
The parade was going to start at 9 with a service to follow at Veterans’ Memorial Park by Yates Community Library.
The Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post 1603 issued this statement:
“Out of concern for inclement weather forecast and possible lightening, the parade and Memorial Day ceremony in the Village of Lyndonville is cancelled today.
“On this Memorial Day, let us take time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women who have selflessly given their lives to protect the freedoms our country provides.
“May we always remember them, may they rest in peace.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 May 2024 at 7:07 am
It will likely be a wet Memorial Day, and the rain could hit during the parades and community observances.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo said showers and thunderstorms will be before 1 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1 and 2 p.m. There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. with the new rainfall totaling a quarter to half inch. The high will be near 75.
The Memorial Day observances in Orleans County include the following:
ALBION – The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Main Street near the Park Street intersection. From there the processional goes to East Avenue, and then to the middle school.
A service will be held in front of the middle school at approximately 11 a.m.
HOLLEY – There will be a service outside the American Legion at 9 p.m. and then a new historical marker will be dedicated for the nine young men from Holley who were killed during the Vietnam War.
Holley will unveil the marker in front of the former Holley High School. After the marker is dedicated, a parade will follow to Hillside Cemetery.
The marker for the “Holley Boys” recognizes the nine from Holley who were killed during the Vietnam War: John P. Davis, David D. Case, Ronnie P. Sisson, David P. States, Howard Bowen, Gary E. Bullock, Gary L. Stymus, George W. Fischer Jr. and Paul S. Mandracchia. Holley had one of the highest per capita casualty rates in the country during the Vietnam War.
KENDALL – A ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, at the Kendall Community Park where there is a war memorial and gazebo. It is located on Kendall Road, across from the Kendall Elementary School. Kendall observes the holiday on May 30, which was the original day of Memorial Day. It was changed to the be the last Monday of May in 1968 to have a three-day weekend for federal employees.
LYNDONVILLE – A parade will start at 9 a.m. from the parking lot at the former St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Lake Avenue and participants will march to the library for the ceremony which follows. (Lyndonville announced this morning the parade and service have been cancelled due to the anticipated rough weather.)
MEDINA – The parade will start at 11 a.m. at the Olde Pickle Factory building on Park Avenue and proceed to the State Street Park where a ceremony will be held at about noon. (Editor’s Note: Medina’s parade and service have been cancelled due to the inclimate weather.)
BATAVIA – Batavia Pride is celebrating its sixth year in 2024. The celebration of LGBTQ+ love and resilience has grown each year since 2019 with the support of communities and allies.
“We’re very excited about Pride this year,” said GLOW OUT! President John Couri.
GLOW OUT! provides trainings, youth support, and community events to raise awareness and celebrate those in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties who are LGBTQ+ – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning. Many allies – straight people who support and advocate for their loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community – also attend Pride each year.
“We know that having fun events like Pride are empowering, especially for young people,” Couri said. “It’s important for people to connect and celebrate one another – especially for a young person, who might go to a small school and feel isolated.”
Batavia Pride begins Friday, June 1, with opening remarks and raising of the pride flag at 5:30 p.m. at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church at 300 East Main Street. Afterward, all are welcome for a Block Party from 6 – 8 p.m., also at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church. The Block Party will include raffles, refreshments, and the coronation of Batavia Pride 2024’s Rainbow Court – honoring local youth who will be given a prominent spot in the parade.
Events continue on Friday, June 7, when GO ART! will host a professional happy hour for those 21 and over from 4 – 6 p.m. at GO ART!, 201 Main Street in Batavia. Also on Friday, June 7, all are welcome at Eden Café’s First Friday art exhibition from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at 242 Ellicott Street.
The parade and festival will be on Saturday, June 8, beginning with a Story Hour event for families in Jackson Square at 3 p.m. The Pride Parade will line up at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, with marchers assembling at 4 p.m. and stepping off at 5 p.m. The route will cross Main Street, turn left onto Washington Avenue and left again onto Bank Street, finishing back at Jackson Square where the Pride Festival (including vendors, food trucks, and multiple drag shows) will go from 6 – 10 p.m.
“We look forward to a great turnout again this year,” Couri said. “On top of Batavia Pride, we are in conversation with other groups to do more Pride events in Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties this summer – stay tuned!”
To contribute to Batavia Pride, or inquire about planning additional events, contact Couri at President@glowout.org.
GLOW OUT! provides education and awareness of and around the LGBTQ+ community; creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. More information is available at www.glowout.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2024 at 5:04 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jane Holland, left, and her sister-in-law Carol Bergeman were in Albion this afternoon, delivering geraniums at Waterman Park where there is a bronze statue in the likeness of Charles Howard in a Santa suit.
Holland of Williamsville is Howard’s granddaughter. Carol of Lewiston is the wife of Holland’s late brother, Charles Bergeman.
Holland said her grandfather, who ran a school for Santas in Albion from 1937 to 1966, loved having red geraniums around his Albion home.
Holland and Bergeman wanted to bring the flowers today in memory of Charles Howard and also Charles Bergeman. The younger Charles was in Albion on June 10 last year when the bronze statue was dedicated in honor of Charles Howard. Bergeman was a model for artist Brian Porter to create the cheeks for the face of the statue.
Bergeman later that month was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away at age 64 on Oct. 31.
Carol Bergeman chats with Gary Derwick of the Albion Betterment Committee while they planting geraniums at the park with a Santa theme on Main Street in Albion.
“We wanted to add some color and help make it pretty for the summer months,” Bergeman said. “The elves left the flowers.”
Albion Betterment Committee directors, from left, Gary Kent, Joe Gehl and Gary Derwick helped Holland and Bergeman get the flowers ready today.
The site includes a large mural of Santa in sleigh flying over downtown Albion and the Courthouse Square. Stacey Kirby Steward created that 24-foot-long mural in 2018.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 26 May 2024 at 4:02 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: These members of Medina Lions are looking forward to annual community yard sale and chicken barbecue on June 1. From left include Chris Keller, food tent chairman; Tim Moriarty, in charge of maps; and Jim Hancock, chicken barbecue chairman. The fundraiser takes place Saturday and includes a giant flea market at the Olde Pickle Factory.
MEDINA – An annual fundraiser sponsored by Medina Lions is scheduled for June 1 in and around the village of Medina.
The community yard sale and chicken barbecue have taken place the first Saturday in June for 16 years, and continues to grow in popularity. Highlighting the event is a giant flea market at the Olde Pickle Factory, this year with 40 vendors.
Residents who elect to have a yard sale that weekend can place a special ad in the Lake Country Pennysaver. To further advertise their sales, Lions are on the four corners downtown from 8:30 to 11 a.m. handing out maps listing the location of all the sales. Maps are free, but donations are welcome and support the Lions many projects in the community.
“Some people just grab a map and go and others give us a very generous donation,” said Tim Moriarty, who takes care of distributing the maps.
The chicken barbecue is available from 11 a.m. until sold out, said Jim Hancock, chair of that feature.
The flea market will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chris Keller heads the food tent, where hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages are sold.
Another popular feature of the sale is the Lions’ Weinermobile, run by Pete Kaiser and a crew of two. The idea is to be on the streets where people are shopping so they can grab a bite and run and not have to miss any sales.
“One year, the Weinermobile sold out on Beach Avenue, before it reached West Center Street,” Kaiser said. “They had to come back and restock before they could continue.”
Kaiser said Medina has one of the largest Lions clubs in Western New York, with 60 members. Two new ones will be inducted at their next meeting.
“And the majority of them are involved in this fundraiser,” he said.
Eight are signed up for the food tent, five to sell maps and 15 to help with the chicken barbecue,” Keller said.
This is a major fundraiser for the Medina Lions, and last year enabled them to give nearly $12,000 to charitable causes, such as Camp Badger, eye screening, the New York State School for the Blind and scholarships, to name a few.
State wants to stop spread of round goby, other invasive species
File photo by Tom Rivers: A boater heads east in Albion after passing under the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in this photo from Oct. 2, 2019.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Canal Corporation joined together to remind those planning to visit New York’s waters to “Clean, Drain, Dry” their boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment before recreating in New York’s waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Starting Friday, May 24, watercraft inspection stewards, also known as boat stewards, will be stationed at more than 220 boat launches and decontamination stations throughout the state to educate and assist the public in cleaning their equipment. Identified by their blue vests, boat stewards can provide a refresher on how to inspect boats and gear and offer information on AIS in New York.
“Since the Watercraft Inspection Steward Program began, boat stewards statewide have conducted more than one million inspections, playing a crucial role in protecting thousands of lakes, ponds, and rivers throughout New York State from invasive pests,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “In 2023, boat stewards intercepted more than 11,000 aquatic invasives at boat launches statewide. DEC asks that all boaters Clean, Drain, and Dry before launching to support sustained efforts to protect New York’s waters.”
DEC and the State Canal Corporation continue to implement a comprehensive effort, including a rapid response plan, to combat the potential spread of the invasive round goby to the Lake Champlain Basin following the discovery of the fish in the Hudson River near Troy in July 2021. Aquatic invasive species can out-compete native fish species, disrupting ecosystems and damaging local economies dependent on water recreation and related activities.
Through WISP, a new mobile boat wash decontamination unit will be deployed at launches along the Canal system in the Capital Region this season. The Canal Corporation purchased the unit which contains a hot water pressure washer with a wastewater recovery and filtration system.
Operated by boat stewards, the hot pressurized water will remove AIS from the trailer, hull, anchors, and vessel motor. Internal components of the watercraft (bilge, ballast, lower unit of the motor, and live wells) may also be decontaminated.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we enter this year’s navigation season, we remain committed to collaborating with DEC and our Canal users to mitigate the potential spread of the round goby and other aquatic invasive species. The new decontamination unit being deployed to Canal system boat launches is one tool in our toolbox to ensure the Canal is resilient for the future. We ask everyone, boaters, anglers, and other water recreational users, to do their part to protect New York’s waterways.”
All water recreationists are advised to follow these steps to help prevent the spread of AIS:
Clean mud, plants, and animals off boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment (trailer bunks, axles, rollers, lights, transducers, and license plates; motor props; waders; diving gear; anchors; etc.) and discard the material in a trash can or at a disposal station;
Drain all water-holding compartments, including ballast tanks, live wells, and bilge areas, before leaving an access site;
Dry everything thoroughly before using boats or equipment in another waterbody. Drying times can vary, but five to seven days in dry, warm conditions is recommended;
When there’s no time to dry between uses, disinfect boats and equipment with hot water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit or visit a decontamination site;
Use certified bait that is non-invasive and disease free; and
Do not dump aquarium contents in any waterbodies, drainage ditches, or sewers.
To this day, a reference to the Civil War Confederate Prison at Andersonville, is synonymous with overcrowding, starvation, suffering and wanton cruelty.
Originally intended to house 10,000 people, some 35,000 prisoners were packed in the site. In its fifteen months of operation, 29% of those interned there died while survivors suffered from years of ill health due to the conditions they endured. Prison commander, Captain Henry Wirz, was the only Confederate soldier executed for war crimes at the end of the War.
The Historical Album of Orleans County (1879) noted that the following Orleans County soldiers were held there:
Carlton
Anderson, George W. sgt. – (Discharged)
Hall, John Bentley, corp. 27th inf., Co. K – (4 months, discharged)
McCarthy, John E., pr. Co. 6, ind. Sharpshooters – (7 months, discharged)
Macomber, Otis, pr. 76th inf., Co. B – (1 year, discharged)
Parkinson, Alfred H., 4th art. – (Died)
Reid, Ambrosall, pr. 76th inf. Co. B – (1 year, discharged)
Willett, Frank E., pr. 8th cav., Co. A – (10 months, discharged)
Gaines
Doyle, Hugh Sgt., 114th inf., Co. B – (Died)
Kendall
Cowell, Charles Jr. Pr. 8th art. Co. K – (Died)
Murray
Flanders, O’Neil, pr. 22nd cav., Co. F – (Died)
Ridgeway
Burch, Philo, pr. 8th cav. – (1 year, discharged)
Hawkins, Isaac, pr. 54th cav. – (Discharged)
Shelby
Ross, Jacob, pr. 151st reg., Co. A – (Died)
Yates
Coleman, James K., Sgt., 3rd Cav., Co. C – (Discharged)
A remarkable depiction of conditions at Andersonville as they appeared on August 1, 1864, was created from memory some years later by Thomas O’Dea. An Irish immigrant, O’Dea enlisted in the 16th Maine Regiment in 1863 at the age of 15. Captured in May 1864, he was sent to Andersonville Prison where he spent nine months.
The scenes depicted by O’Dea teem with detail. Measuring 40×60 in., it is an imposing piece. It takes a few moments to adjust one’s perspective, to focus closely on the center panel where tiny stick figures are crowded in an area bounded by a tall fence.
“The scene of indescribable confusion among the prisoners presents them in every imaginable position, standing, walking, running, arguing, gambling, going to or coming from the Branch with cups, dippers, canteens, or rude pails with water, lying down, dying, praying, giving water or food to the sick, crawling on hands and knees, or hunkers, making fires and cooking rations, splitting pieces of wood almost as fine as matches, the sick being assisted by friends, others “skirmishing for graybacks”, washing clothes and bodies in the Branch, trading in dead bodies, fighting, snaring, shouting …”. Excerpt from History of O’Dea’s Famous Picture of Andersonville Prison by Thomas O’Dea, 1887
Smaller vignettes along the top and sides depict equally grim scenes of a prison which was described by survivors as “Hell on Earth.” O’Dea completed the nine-foot work in 1887 and had 10,000 lithographs made which he sold for $5 each and at a discounted price to G.A.R. posts.
This memorable work, a gift from the family of Philo Burch, an Andersonville survivor, is on display at the Medina Historical Society Museum. It was originally donated to the Armory by his grandson, Bruce Burch and great-granddaughter, Mrs. Fern Corrieri, and was transferred to the Museum in 1977 when the Armory closed.
Born in 1838, Burch enrolled in Hartland on Dec. 19, 1861. According to the Civil War Muster Roll abstracts, he had blue eyes, auburn hair, a light complexion, and his height was 5’4 ¾. He served as a private with the 8th Cavalry, Co. E, was taken prisoner at the Battle of Blackwater on July 28, 1864, and was sent to Andersonville.
He managed to survive there for almost a year and was mustered out on July 27, 1865. His Army Invalid record noted that he later suffered from “disease of the mouth and loss of teeth as a result of scurvy, rheumatism, catarrh, disease of the heart and lungs.” Upon his return, he farmed in the Town of Yates and later lived in the Town of Carlton. He died on June 16, 1918, and is buried at Lynhaven Cemetery.
Located at 406 West Ave., the Medina Historical Society Museum is open to the public on the first Saturday of the month (May – Sept.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tours can also be scheduled by appointment: call English Rose Tea Shoppe (585) 798-4410.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2024 at 9:12 am
CARLTON – The town last year celebrated its bicentennial with the first parade in Carlton since the 1970s.
Afterward there was a party at the Town Park and Carlton Rec Center. The fun at the town park included music, bounce houses, and many other games and activities.
The event went over so well the town is looking to make it an annual tradition.
The next parade will be at noon on June 1 going down Route 98 from Park Avenue to Waterport-Carlton Road.
“We were so overwhelmed with the response during and after the event last year that we decided to try and make this an annual celebration for the Town of Carlton,” said Kurt Van Wyke, the Carlton highway superintendent.
Parade participants are urged to show up by 11:30 on Park Avenue. They can bring a classic car, tractor, boat on a trailer, decorated float, or even walk their dog on the route.
There will be activities at the park from noon to 4 p.m. with bounce houses, a saw dust pile, horse-drawn rides, fire trucks, and other events including two bands from 1 to 7 p.m. Coupe de Ville will play first followed Stoney Creek at 5 p.m. There will be a beer tent behind the Carlton Rec Hall.
BATAVIA – Batavia Pride is celebrating its sixth year in 2024. The celebration of LGBTQ+ love and resilience has grown each year since 2019 with the support of communities and allies.
