By Carol Fisher-Linn & Doug Sitler
Griffis Sculpture Park Summer Festival returns for its 14th year.
Buffalo power pop band Letter to Elise will headline the event on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026.
Some of us have been around long enough to remember when the gigantic, other-worldly steel sculptures created by Larry Griffis first began appearing in Ashford. It was the 60’s. Griffis Park, aka Ashford Hollow Park, is an enchanting place with something for everyone. It’s difficult to imagine that over the decades I took both my children and my grandchildren to the park to enjoy the fantasy and the daring climbs. Over time, other international artists have contributed 250 works to the fantasy in the vast 450 acres of woods, fields and ponds. One might think serpents reside in those ponds, but indeed not; the ponds give refuge and playtime to giant naked maidens. Imagine hiking over the park’s many trails and coming face to face with a coronation or wedding entourage of a 25 foot-tall king, queen and bishop! It’s perfectly normal in Griffis Park. The park is not only a tremendous regional attraction but holds the distinction of being one of America’s largest and oldest sculpture parks.
The park is so large it is split into two: Rohr Hill where the sculptures can be discovered in the fields and woods, and the Mill Valley Road Site featuring miles of walking trails in a mixture of terrain. There is always something going on at Griffis. On Sunday, August 16 from noon to 6pm, the Park will be hosting its annual Summer Festival. Since its first festival in 2013, it has become a Western New York tradition, held again this year on the Mill Valley Road portion of the park. Once supported by the Griffis family, the Ashford Hollow Foundation is now the nonprofit that owns and operates the park. Festivalgoers can enjoy a full afternoon of entertainment and activities, including a vibrant vendor village, kid’s craft area, food vendors, beer and wine service, and more. Tickets are $25, and children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased here.
This event comes our way thanks to the efforts of Doug Stiler, a 21-year volunteer and board member of the Griffis Sculpture Park. Since 2013, he has served as the event producer of the six-hour event. “Arts and music festivals have always been a part of the park since it first opened,” said Sitler. “This particular festival has been happening for 14 years. It’s a major fundraiser for the park.”
“We’re excited to bring back the pop rock band Letter to Elise as our headlining act,” said Sitler. “The band received a lot of attention last year when two of the members competed on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ television show.” Sitler is particularly excited about the Latin dance band LaKrema playing the festival. “They will definitely get people up and dancing.”
Sitler said that the music line up of the festival features an array of local, original musical performers. “We believe in supporting the local creative community and presenting several different musical styles during the event. It keeps the day exciting and not boring.”
Guests are invited to bring their own chairs and coolers filled with their favorites. Parking will take place at the Mill Valley Parking lot and guests will be shuttled to the concert site by school bus. Although guests will be here for the concerts, they are invited to explore the park as well. Sitler reminds us that there will be arts and crafts vendors, crafts for the kids to make, and the park will also have its own merchandise booth on the grounds.
Who doesn’t love a fresh quesadilla? Hamburg’s Coyote Café food truck will be on the grounds with both regular and vegetarian options.
“If you love Griffis Sculpture Park and want to see it maintained for years to come, attending this show is a great way to support the organization,” said Sitler. “It’s certainly a fun way to lend a hand to a well-deserved organization.”
Griffis Sculpture Park is owned and operated by the Ashford Hollow Foundation, which also oversees the Essex Arts Center. The foundation’s mission is to promote the visual and performing arts while fostering meaningful connections between the arts, education, and community throughout Western New York.
Find them at 6902 Mill Valley Road, East Otto NY. 716-667-2808. Facebook: Griffis Sculpture Park & The Essex Arts Center