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by Allison Deutschman
During the summer months, people crave juicy homegrown fruits and vegetables. Purchasing these goods locally rather than at your corporate grocer is a simple "feel good" way to give back to your community.
Another way to recognize the role that farmers play in our society is by attending the Sanborn Area Historical Society-sponsored Sanborn-Lewiston Farm Museum Festival.
There is a great deal to learn about the wide range of farming industry-related equipment, entertainment and more, so clear your schedule for Saturday, July 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, July 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There promises to be something to interest everyone.
This 10th annual event, held at the Sanborn Farm Museum, 2660 Saunders Settlement Road - free of charge - is one that locals look forward to every year.
With a jam-packed schedule beginning with an 8 a.m. - and, a $7 pancake or $8 French toast breakfast on both days - you will not start the day on an empty stomach.
The opening ceremony will follow on Saturday at 10 a.m.
One of the popular attractions on both Saturday and Sunday will be a performance by the Native American Niagara River Dancers from 11:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.
Bonnie Haskell, co-curator alongside Glenn Wienke at the Farm Museum, mentioned the financial difficulties the museum faces without donations and grants. The River Dancers and raised beadwork exhibit with jitterbug making are results of a grant.
"Rosemary Hill is an expert jitterbug maker, which is an Indian craft that they do," Haskell said. "She sits down with the children and they get to make it and keep it."
Cultural activities at the Farm Museum Festival, such as jitterbug making, face the possibly of not being part of this event in future years without monetary donations and grants. Organizers note those financial burdens are being felt this year, making it that much more important the 2014 festival is a success.
Unlike previous years, the Farm Museum Festival will not continue into the evening. Organizers note the aforementioned lack of funding and a concern for the safety of attendees (there is no parking availability on the premises) has resulted in an executive decision to end at 6 p.m. Saturday.
"We'll see what happens. It could change down the road, who knows? Every year we change a little here and a little there," Haskell said. "Unfortunately, our budget was cut drastically."
Regardless of these changes, the weekend is guaranteed to be fun-filled and is expected to draw between 6,000 and 8,000 people.
A large crowd pleaser is the tractor parade that begins at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
For your musical pleasure, fife and drum entertainers, steel guitarist Bill Easton (from Las Vegas), the Colt 45 band, the Symmetrical Band and the Sanborn Fire Co. Band will perform at various times throughout the weekend.
Re-enactors and a classic car cruise will also be present.
Artisans will sell crafts alongside baked goods, produce, basket auctions and flea market items at the festival.
With more than 15 sponsors of the event, co-curators Haskell and Wienke, their spouses and many other volunteers are working diligently to make the Sanborn-Lewiston Farm Festival a success this year. For more information, visit www.sanbornhistory.org.