By Darlene Brace
Join the Village of Bemus Point as they celebrate the summer season at this year’s Summer Fest next Saturday, August 1 from 4-9pm and Sunday, August 2 from 11am-4pm. This festival will feature a variety of activities and entertainment. Most of the events will take place in the Village Park on Lakeside Drive, adjacent to the Village Casino, with additional activities occurring throughout the village.
The park will be bustling with activity and will feature live music on both days. On Saturday, Taylor Remaid will perform from 5-9pm, playing a fun mix of rock, pop, and country music that is sure to please the crowd. Later that night, you can enjoy more live music as Two for Flinching takes the stage inside the Village Casino starting at 10pm. Then, on Sunday afternoon, Goldirocks will play in the park, performing a selection of classic rock tunes from 1-4pm.
While you are in the park, you may want to indulge in some of the tasty chicken wings supplied by the Village Casino. In recent years, the Village Casino was involved in trying to break the Guinness World Record by selling over 50,000 chicken wings in just 24 hours. The Casino still holds the title, so this time they will just be focused on serving their wonderful wings for you in the park and inside the Casino.
A beer tent set up in the park offering a variety of beer and NÜTRL Seltzers. Proceeds from sales in the beer tent will go toward supporting the Bemus Point Fire Department. You will also find some tasty adult beverages at the Merritt Winery Slush Bus, serving their Sangria Wine Slush and XTC Wine Slush.
Additional activities in the park will include a pickleball tournament that is happening Saturday, August 1 at 8am, with registration starting at 7:30am. There is a 32-person limit, with a chance to win cash prizes. There will also be face painting for kids on Sunday from 12-4pm.
The historic Stow Ferry, located next to the Village Casino, has undergone some updates and repairs and continues to sail across Chautauqua Lake. This cherished fixture in Bemus Point has been in operation since the early 1800s. It will be available for rides on both Saturday and Sunday from 12-9pm.
Additionally, the Bemus Point Historical Society Museum on Alburtus Avenue is holding its annual lawn sale fundraiser on Saturday from 9am-3pm. If you are interested in the history of Bemus Point, the museum will also be open during these hours for those who would like to tour the exhibits.
Just around the corner, the Bemus Point Library on Main Street is hosting their annual sale on Saturday as well. This year’s theme is an “Everything Sale,” featuring books and a variety of other items. Be sure to stop by and see what treasures you may find.
You can also explore the rest of the village businesses that are open for shopping. Most of Bemus Point’s restaurants and bars will be open and some may have specials. If you don’t feel like a sit-down dinner at the restaurants, you may want to get some made-to-order subs at the Bemus Point Market. If you are in the mood for a sweet treat, you may want to try their ice cream flights or ice cream nachos that are new items this season.
While in Bemus Point for Summer Fest, check out Bemus Point Water Toys for fun on the lake. They offer fishing boats, small catamarans, pontoon boats, hydro bikes, kayaks, and water mats. Additionally, they provide tiki boat tours for private party experiences. They are located at 64 Lakeside Drive. For more information you can call 716-490-5757 or visit bemusbaywatertoys.com.
Parking near the park can sometimes be challenging during a busy Summer Fest weekend, and you may need to park quite a distance away. Miss Joanie will be providing rides around the village in her 8-person stretch golf cart. You can try to flag her down or call her at 716-338-5095.
Bemus Point is a great location along the banks of beautiful Chautauqua Lake that is ideal for celebrating summer. Join the Bemus Point community for Summer Fest activities in the park and throughout the village on August 1st and 2nd. There is live music, great food, and a variety of activities that await you while supporting local businesses. You will have lots of fun at this year’s Summer Fest.