By Carol Fisher-Linn
Garlic has been essential for life since 4000 BCE.
A festival is not a festival until someone has an idea. On Cuba’s webpage we find that “The Cuba Garlic Festival was inspired by Cuba residents Jim and Laurie Buzzard after attending a garlic festival held in Saugerties, NY. Upon returning home, they planted 10,000 garlic bulbs on the 100-acre grounds of Empire City Farms. Laurie spent the next five years researching how the same great climate, soil and water that makes such great cheese could also make wonderful garlic! And how the community could share this with others.” She brought the idea of a festival to the Chamber of Commerce Board and now, in its 21st year the festival attracts thousands every year. (Side note: My husband plants 130 bulbs every year and it’s enough of a job. Can’t begin to imagine planting 10,000!)
There are so many reasons to attend the festival. The grounds on which the event is held (and where you will find free parking) is home to a one-of-a-kind 1909 “Block Barn” set on 102 acres called the McKinney Stables of Empire City Farms. The 347 foot long (a standard football field is 360 feet), fifty-foot wide stable (picture a transit bus or the entire width of an official NBA basketball court) supported by an 8-foot solid concrete foundation has a terra-cotta tile roof made of tiles manufactured in Alfred, NY. It has forty stalls, a kitchen, a grand open staircase, an office and enough room in the center to work the horses and turn a sulky around.
The barn was built as home to world famous trotters, McKinney and Axworthy (find them on Wikipedia). Visitors to the garlic festival can tour the barn, which only happens during the festival. The builder from NYC, William Simpson, Jr., developed a valuable breeding line called the McKinney line. It is said that the Shah of Persia and Czar Nicholas II sent mares to be bred at the McKinney Stables in Cuba NY. Today the property is owned by Cuba local, Bonnie Blair, who is an ardent historic preservationist and equine enthusiast. Blair was successful in getting the “Block Barn” designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999. Meet her when you take a barn tour.
In a conversation with Tina Dalton, member of the Cuba Chamber Board and Cuba Library Director, she stressed that, unlike some adult-geared festivals, this one has lots of entertainment for the kiddoes. From the photos online at their website, it looks like a carnival! The little ones will enjoy a foam canon: parents are urged to bring a towel, change of clothes and dry footwear. Mr. Scribbles will be there entertaining with scribble art (kids and adults enjoy this). Pony rides, goat yoga, the Magic Jamie show will keep the kiddoes happy and occupied. Entertainment stages are placed on two ends of the venue to keep your toes tapping and your fingers snapping with live music. Twenty plus food trucks, educational and agricultural exhibits and demonstrations to show how to get the most flavor out of your garlic. There will be mountains of garlic to choose for your own kitchen and sweet old-country braids of garlic – buy one for you and three more for gifts. As a grower and giver of garlic, I can assure you that a gift of a quaint garlic braid or a few bulbs will be appreciated by the cooks in your life.
The Cuba Chamber of Commerce has produced a walking map of the grounds. It is also available online so you can just use your phone if you prefer. With almost 200 vendors and the length of a football field to cover, it will be helpful to find your favorite vendor, the blacksmith, the food alley or the locations of entertainments sites and rest rooms/porta potties.
Twenty plus food trucks, educational and agricultural exhibits and demonstrations to show how to get the most flavor out of your garlic. There will be mountains of garlic to choose for your own kitchen and sweet old-country braids of garlic – buy one for you and three more for gifts. As a grower and giver of garlic, I can assure you that a gift of a quaint garlic braid or a few bulbs will be appreciated by the cooks in your life.
The Cuba Chamber of Commerce has produced a walking map of the grounds. It is also available online so you can just use your phone if you prefer. With almost 200 vendors and the length of a football field to cover, it will be helpful to find your favorite vendor, the blacksmith, the food alley or the locations of entertainments sites and rest rooms/porta potties.
“The Cuba Garlic Festival is a celebration of community, agriculture, local businesses, and the incredible variety of garlic products available throughout our region,” said Kevin White, President of the Cuba Chamber of Commerce. “Whether you’re searching for fresh garlic, handcrafted braids, unique seasonings, cooking inspiration, live entertainment, or simply a fun day with family and friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Cuba this September.”
Free Parking on the grounds. Admission is $10, children 10 and under are free. Cash entry only – ATM’s on the grounds. Sorry, NO PETS. For more information contact the Cuba Chamber of Commerce, 585-968-5654 or email cubachamberofcommerce@gmail.com