First annual Owkill Festival is a huge success
The opening of the outdoor Cambridge Valley Farmers Market is always a cause for celebration, and this year the celebration was expanded to include a full blown festival of spring.
Co-Chairs Debby Jaffe from the Farmers Market and Sara Kelly from the Community Partnership planned for months, coming up with ideas and implementing those concepts into the very successful event. Thank goodness the weather was also on our side.
Thank you to everyone who participated. There were many not-for-profit booths sharing information, an extremely busy farmers market, open studios in VARAK Park plus local musicians who donated their time to entertain us. Many thanks to Erik and Cheri Vandenberg for bringing their lovely horse and carriage into town to offer rides to festival patrons.
The Duck Derby was the highlight of the day, with nearly 100 ducks floating down the Owl Kill, through the obstacle courses, to be wrangled by a dedicated team of Duck Wranglers at the finish line. Look for more exciting races next year, possibly including locally grown “Myco Fish” to float down the Owl Kill.
Funds raised will support the stream stabilization project.
Contact owkillfest@cambridgecommunitypartnership.org for information or to volunteer your time
New Community Celebration in Cambridge
The Owlkill Festival, May 19 2024
Cambridge NY
Mark your calendars for the Owlkill Festival on Sunday, May 19th! Sponsored by the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market and the Cambridge Valley Community Development and Preservation Partnership ( aka Community Partnership), the festival will take place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the park at Owlkill Commons by the green pedestrian bridge at 17 West Main Street.
The day will begin with the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market selling produce, plants, and pastries, along with many other locally sourced and produced items, including seafood, meats, eggs and bread. Hubbard Hall Ballet Dancers will perform, followed by a musical performance from the Hubbard Hall Cabaret. The Irish Step Dancers from Hubbard Hall will demonstrate their skills a little later in the day.
Live music on the lawn begins at 10:30 with the Creekside Sinners, a local duet with lots of heart and soul. The Drum with Joy Ensemble will add rhythm to the day, beginning at noon. The last performance of the day (approximately 1:30-3:30) will be The Hill Hollow Quintet, a bluegrass/folk/Americana band with Barry Hyman and friends. Bring chairs and blankets, and plan on staying all day!
We are thrilled to have three food trucks on site for the afternoon. Casa Reyes, Cut the Pie, and Lorraine’s Nachos will be serving delicious fare. Finish up your lunch with ice cream from Farmers Cone Creamery and a cookie or scone from Moon Scones.
We are hosting a Duck Derby along the Owl Kill. Adopt a rubber duck for the afternoon and watch it race down the Owl Kill. It will be more of a sprint than a marathon, but it should be exciting. For $5 a duck, you can cheer on your bright yellow friend. Winners will receive prizes generously donated by Argyle Brewing, Battenkill Books, Black Dog Wines & Spirits, Country Gals Cafe, and Over the Moon. There will be 2 races; starting time is approximately 2:30. The first race is for ages under 21, and the second for ages 21 and over. The whole family can get involved! All proceeds from the race will be used to help restore the Owl Kill stream bed and park, along with the Commons area.
Community groups from the area will have information booths, demonstrations, and plants. The local FFA chapter will bring animals! Find out more about our local Cambridge Historical Society, Rescue Squad, Hubbard Hall and more.
Get involved, make donations, and enjoy all the community has to offer.