By Darlene Brace
When you are looking for some outdoor fall fun with family and friends, don’t miss the Panama Rocks Fall Foliage Festival. Be sure to mark your calendars for October 4th and 5th from 10am-5pm at 11 Rock Hill Road in Panama, NY. This beautiful park is famous for its gigantic rock formations, rock climbing, and hiking trails, all of which will be open for you to explore during the festival. Get ready to celebrate the fall season and Halloween-themed activities, and enjoy a variety of vendors, delicious food, live music, and much more.
Over eighty art and craft vendors will be set up for you to explore their variety of artisan goods. Some of the items you’ll find will be artworks, seasonal and home décor, candles, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and more. Additionally, there will be specialty items sold from businesses such as Eden Valley Creamery that will offer a selection of cheeses, sauces from Burning Asphalt, and honey from Panama Bee Farm just to name a few. A farmer’s market will be available, filled with fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables.
As you wander through the festival grounds, make sure to take some time to view the unique demonstrations taking place throughout the event. Lisa Barr will showcase chainsaw carvings, turning ordinary pieces of wood into stunning animal sculptures and other works of art. John Stow will demonstrate blacksmithing, while Grant Robinson from Liquid Monkey will present an engaging glassblowing demonstration. Additionally, Paul Jackino from Paul’s Rocket Stoves will be there showcasing his rocket stove. The Harmony Historic Society will also conduct a quilting demonstration.
Live music will entertain the crowd during the festival. The talented duo, Davis & Eng will perform their unique style of tunes at 11am and again at 3pm both days. Drew & Lena will also perform on Saturday at 1pm. This talented duo plays jazz as well as other genres.
When you have worked up an appetite, you’ll find a variety of delicious food options available. The Lab Press Co. will be serving hot soups and sandwiches, while Ramsey’s Food Truck will feature cheesesteaks, sausages, and fries. Local favorites from WNY, such as wings and beef on wick, will be provided by Best of Byron, along with fresh-cut fries and more from Another Guy’s Fries.
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, there will be an assortment of treats available, including Fowler’s taffy and candy apples, ice cream from Everyday’s a Sundae, and Italian ice will also be available from Gelati’s Italian Ice. You’ll also find baked goods from Killa Kookies & Kream, kettle corn from Ace Kettle Corn, and fudge from Wow’s Fudge.
To help you get into the Halloween spirit, you can join in the fun at this year’s Halloween costume contest that will likely be the first costume contest of the season. The contests will take place on both days. The children’s contest is for anyone 12 yrs. old and younger and will take place on the Main Stage at 2:30pm. Anyone 13yrs. and older can take part in the adult costume contest at 2:45pm. The winners of the costume contest each day will receive $100 Panama Rocks credit.
There will also be trick-or-treating for children, as they can make their way from vendor to vendor collecting their treats. There will be other activities for children that will include face painting, pumpkin painting, and they can make their own stuffed animal. You and your family can enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride and admire the colors of the season from 11am-3pm, weather permitting.
For more information about the Panama Rocks Fall Foliage Festival, or any other Panama Rocks details, you can look at their Facebook page, go to panamarocks.com, or call 716-703-0021.
Western New York offers a stunning kaleidoscope of colors as we approach the peak of the fall foliage season, providing a beautiful backdrop for celebrating autumn and embracing the spirit of Halloween. Join Panama Rocks for their annual Fall Foliage Festival, which promises a weekend full of fantastic vendors, live music, and delicious food and treats for you and your family. Come out and enjoy the festivities!