By Kate Bartlett
The annual Cuba Dairy Days event takes place this weekend, June 12-14 in celebration of the area’s rich dairy farming heritage and its history as a renowned cheese-producing region. The multi-day summer event takes place during National Dairy Month and transforms Main Street into a pedestrian-only festival with food trucks, live music, craft shows, and a beer and wine garden.
The festival has evolved as a community event hosted by the Cuba Chamber of Commerce for more than half a decade. The festival’s roots run deep into the late-1800s when the region was considered the “Cheese Center of the World” and set the national cheddar price at the historic Kinney Hotel.
Sarah Bradley of the Cuba Cheese Shop has been involved in the festival since it’s inception and is proud of how the festival has grown over the years. “It’s evolved over the years to become a beloved summer tradition,” remarks Sarah. The location has moved from Fireman’s Park to downtown Cuba to showcase local businesses, including restaurants, gift shops, pizza and ice cream shops. “It’s great to bring the community together and showcase what Cuba has to offer.”
The festival kicks off on Friday, June 12 with a day/afternoon/evening full of festivities including children’s activities (make and take crafts, sweet treats, face painting, sidewalk games, bubble machine) and a wide variety of food vendors (Yardie’s Kitchen, Biggies Burritos, Kopper Keg, Lake Effect Nutrition, Center Street Pizza, Scoops & Crumbs, Genesee’s Pizzeria, Charilie’s, Six South, The Perfect Blend, China Sea, and more). West Main Street will be closed featuring a beer garden for adults 21+ with an incredible music lineup.
Friday night’s music kicks off at 4pm with Brian Ash & Peter Gilroy until 6pm, Keepin’ it Country from 6:30-8:30pm and Heading Act Gold Dush Woman and Tribute to Fleetwood Mac from 9-11pm.
Saturday brings a second day of events with more children’s activities, including Balloon Art at the Cuba Library, Chad Edwards “Reptile Man”, Craft Making with Cuba Art Station and more. Live music continues through the streets all day with pop-up bands including CRCS Pop Group & Jazz Band, Generations, Miss Hoshi’s Trio and The Chumps. Adults and children alike can enjoy the variety of food truck and craft vendors, Chicken BBQ and extensive car show, with over 40+ cars on display.
The parade on Saturday has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. “It’s my favorite event during Dairy Days,” explains Sarah. “It’s one of the best in the area, with a wide variety of participants, including firefighters, color guard, vintage cars, Shriners, bands and floats made by businesses in the community. It’s a great celebration with fun, festive energy for all ages. It’s great to see everyone gathered along our streets.”
Sunday, the final day, celebrates Flag Day along with the area’s heritage with a Chicken BBQ in Gallmann Brothers’ Parking Lot starting at 11am with proceeds to benefit the Mural Fund and Cuba Drift Busters.
The Cuba Cheese Shop invites visitors and locals alike to the shop during Dairy Days to help celebrate 50 years in business. The Shop regularly stocks over 450 varieties of cheese from around the world, including their most popular NYS Extra Sharp Cheddar, as well as fresh cheese curd, cheese spreads, salt rising breads and more.
Sarah invites everyone out to this family-friendly festival with a weekend full of events in the village of Cuba. “It’s a great way for visitors to come discover our area and for the locals to celebrate our heritage and for everyone to support local businesses.”
For more information visit cubanewyork.us, follow @ Cuba Dairy Days on Facebook for updates on the event or email cubachamberofcommerce@gmail.com.