You can define the area knows as upstate New York as anywhere outside of New York City, but usually it refers to the regions around the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley. The area is much more rural than the big city it shares its name with, dominated by farming communities, small towns, mountain ranges and forests. Most annual events in upstate New York celebrate local culture and produce.
The annual Adirondack Balloon Festival is held at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport near the town of Glens Falls. Usually held in the fall over one weekend, the festival features displays by hot air balloon enthusiasts and the opportunity to take a balloon ride. The main two flights take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings, each involving over 90 balloons, including novelty-shaped ones. On the ground, entertainment includes a classic car display, kite flying for children, and live music and dancing at night. Entrance is free, but balloon flights cannot be guaranteed in the case of poor weather.
Adirondack Balloon Festival
PO Box 883
Glens Falls, NY 12801-0883
adirondackballoonfest.org
An annual block party has been held for the last eight years in the town of Saranac Lake, featuring live entertainment by local performers, kids' activities, and local businesses and farmers selling their products, as well as non-profit organizations handing out information. Games and an obstacle course competition keep the children entertained, while parents enjoy the live music and outdoor refreshments, and can even relax with a massage. Traditionally held in early August, the block party runs all afternoon until the early evening.
Saranac Lake Block Party
Main Street and Broadway
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
518-891-3542
communityspiritfestival.com
The long-running Belleayre Fall Festival celebrates its 31st year in 2010 and offers plenty of entertainment, activities and local food. Adrenaline junkies can try out the zip-line slide or take an organized tour of the town's new mountain bike trail. Local musical performers provide entertainment throughout the two-day event, while a farmer's market offers visitors the chance to sample local produce. You can buy cheap lift passes for the Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort and either save them for the winter months or take a ride on the day of the festival to enjoy the view from the top.
Belleayre Fall Festival
Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort
181 Galli Curci Rd.
PO Box 313
Highmount, NY 12441
845-254-5600
belleayre.com
Memorial Day weekend each year sees an annual Civil War reenactment by the local historical society at the Delaware County Fairground in Walton. Troops arrive and set up camp on Friday night, and parade through the town on Saturday morning on their way to the battle reenactment at the fairground. Children are entertained with authentic 19th-century games and crafts, while learning a little about history at the same time. Admission and parking is free, while 21st-century refreshments are available for visitors who don't want to suffer the diet of a Civil War soldier.
Civil War Reenactment
Walton Historical Society
9 Townsend St.
Walton, NY 13856
607-865-5895
waltonhistoricalsociety.org
Each spring, Hunter Mountain in the Catskills plays host to the Tap New York Craft Beer and Fine Food Festival. The event celebrates microbreweries from all over the state, offering visitors the chance to sample and buy the products, as well as awarding prizes for the best beers. In 2010, 30 breweries producing over 100 different beers participated. The festival also celebrates local food with cooking demonstrations and stalls for local farmers and stores. Tickets for the event can be purchased online.
TAP New York Craft Beer and Fine Food Festival
Hunter Mountain Base Lodge
PO Box 295
Hunter, NY 12442
518-263-4223
www.tap-ny.com
