By Darlene Brace
The Hamlet of Findley Lake is located approximately thirty miles west of Jamestown. This small community sits on the northern shore of a man-made lake named after Alexander Findley. The lake was created in 1815 when Findley constructed a dam to power his mill, which led to the formation of the lake and, consequently, the naming of the hamlet in his honor.
Although Findley Lake is a small hamlet community, they are big on fun. It has a lively spirit and hosts several festivals each year. The Findley Lake-Lake Fest, which is a music and art festival taking place on July 12th from 11am-8pm and July13th from 11am-7pm. It will be held along Main Street, between Our Own Candle Company and Alexanders on the Lake.
Live music is one of the main highlights of this festival, featuring music at three different locations each day. At the Pine Junction Poundtune Stage, located in the Our Own Candle Company parking lot, Brian Gray kicks off the live music at 11am. Then Duke Sherman will play his rockin’ blues from 2pm-5pm. Later, Eric Brewer and Friends will take the stage from 6pm-9pm. On Sunday, the music continues at the Poundtune Stage with Mayflower Hill, who will get you moving with their country rock from 12pm to 3pm. Then, The Jeff Fetterman Band will perform bluesy rock from 4pm-7pm.
Just down the street near the center of town is the Our Own Candle Company’s Gazebo stage. On Saturday, Savage Daughter is a trio that will perform older classic tunes from 1pm-3pm, followed by alternative rock band The Fractures from 4pm-6pm. On Sunday, a special performance by a Beatles tribute band called Abbey Road will perform on this same stage from 3pm-5pm.
When looking for more music in the evenings, head down to Alexander’s on the Lake. Here you can sit back and relax while you listen to Chip and Angelo who will play from 8pm-11pm on Saturday night. On Sunday evening, Alexander’s will host Brian Joseph, that will entertain the crowd 6pm-8pm.
Another highlight of the festival is the artwork that will be showcased. An art show will be held in the banquet room of the Findley Lake Fire Hall, from 11am-7pm on Saturday and from 11am-5pm on Sunday. It will feature a slideshow displaying various pieces created by Sherman Central School students. Additionally, local artists from the area will be showcasing their artwork in various mediums at the show.
Throughout the festival area, you will see wine barrels decorated by students from Sherman and Clymer schools and from some community members. These wine barrels have been artistically painted with outdoor themes and are used as planters throughout the Findley Lake.
On the day of the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to contribute artistically to a mural. Participants can decorate a 3×3 inch card in any way they wish. They can decorate their card on the day of the festival or take it home and return it at a later time. These small cards will be used to create an abstract representation of an anchor, set against the backdrop of Findley Lake. This mural will be a replica of the anchor that stands near the lake at the entrance to the community that welcomes visitors.
In addition to the music and art, there will be vendors set up along Main Street that will be showcasing artisan crafts, including items such as candles, handmade jewelry, home décor, and much more. This area will include food vendors offering BBQ and other typical festival foods, as well as specialty sweet treats.
Another food option includes Twin Docks Gourmet Food and Deli which offers a menu featuring delicious subs, wraps, and sandwiches, along with Ashby’s ice cream. Just down the street, Alexander’s is a fantastic full-service bar and restaurant. They offer a wide variety of food choices, including tasty appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, wings, and much more.
Findley Lake is often considered by many as “The Coolest Little Town Around” that promotes entertainment and encourages community involvement. Join them for Findley Lake’s- Lake Fest on July 12th and 13th, to soak up all of the live music and art as well as enjoying delicious food and drinks. Also make sure that you mark August 29th-31st on your calendar for Findley Lake’s Harvest Festival. For more details about these events and other fun happenings, go to visitfindleylake.com.