-By Jessica Schultz-
Fall is officially arriving, but that doesn’t mean the fun ends with summer. Now is the time for pumpkins, apples, hayrides and harvest festivals. The fall fun is only just beginning and what better way to celebrate a fabulous fall weekend? Drive on out to the Village of Bemus Point, NY and join in on the return of the Bemus Point Fall Festival from September 16th through 18th. The Villager spoke with Executive Director of the Bemus Point Business Association, Kelley Marker about this year’s festival and what guests can expect during their visit.
The Villager (V): Bemus Point Fall Fest is back, what’s new for 2022?
Kelley (K): “We’re so excited to bring Fall Fest back to Bemus Point! Fall Fest is a great event for all ages, there’s something for everyone! This year we’ll have more vendors in our street market than ever before, a petting zoo and face painting for the kids, open houses at our local nonprofits, entertainment, sales and special events at our local businesses.”
V: How do the “Draw-a-Leaf” Discounts work at the stores?
K: “A highlight of this event is the “Draw-a-Leaf” Discounts at Bemus Point’s stores…this annual sale is a customer favorite! Customers draw from a jar of leaves when they check-out, each marked with a discount between 5% and 50%. Items that are almost never discounted are included in this Fall Fest special. It’s the perfect time for customers to save on that special something they’ve had their eye on. Shop at all participating stores (Bemus Point Pottery, G.I. Threads, Lakeside Arts & Furniture, Petals & Twigs Gifts and Children’s Shoppe, Skillmans, The Ugly Peacock, Treasures on Main) and you might find yourself on a lucky streak! *Some exceptions may apply, see individual stores for details.”
V: Who are your vendors and what will they be offering?
K: “The Fall Fest Street Market is located along Main Street and will have 50 vendors this year, making it our biggest yet! The market will be open from 10am-5pm each day; all of our vendors will be attending Saturday and Sunday, with many vendors attending on Friday as well. Visitors will find locally made goods, delicious fall treats, woodworking, décor, artwork and more. You’ll find our friends from Alpacaville, Ace Kettle Corn, Killa Kookies & Kream, Brigiotta’s Farmland Produce & Flowers, Studio Julep, Crown Street Roasting, Little Creek Maple Syrup, Red’s Clay Co, Stone & Outdoor Living Center, Tom’s Place, Sew Stinkin’ Cute, and many more!”
V: What types of fall food specials will be available?
K: “You’ll find delicious seasonal fall specials for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks at Bemus Point’s dining establishments. Start with breakfast at the Bemus Point Inn, serving up pumpkin waffles topped with whipped cream cheese, sliced banana, and pecan praline sauce. They’ll also have a booth at the street market with their mini-cinis and some delicious lunch options! Stop by Lake Life Café and try a pumpkin spice latte (served hot, iced or frozen) or hot caramel apple cider with a pumpkin spice or maple cinnamon donut. You can even get a pumpkin cake pop to enjoy! Get into the fall spirit at the Village Casino with their tasty apple pecan salad or pumpkin cheesecake. Their Fall Fest special will include ½ off select draft beer! Coppola’s Pizzeria will be serving up pizza by the slice for Fall Fest, and hosting a cornhole contest…the winner gets a free pizza! Savor dishes like Guppy’s Tavern’s spätzle topped with creamy mushroom gravy followed by a dessert of pumpkin bread pudding. Visitors that head to The Green Door Tavern can play some yard games (like Yardzee) and try one of these specialty cocktails: apple cider mimosa, pumpkin spice white Russian, and boozy caramel hot chocolate. For dessert enjoy Perry’s ice cream from the Bemus Point Market, or the brown butter bourbon cake at Ellicottville Brewing on Chautauqua.”
V: This is a family friendly event, what do you have specifically for the younger attendees?
K: “Fall Fest isn’t complete without a visit to the petting zoo! A staple during Bemus Point events, the petting zoo features animals that people of all ages can enjoy. The petting zoo will be located across the street from the Bemus Point Fire Hall on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm. Children will also be able to get their faces painted right next door at Lakeside Arts & Furniture, one of Bemus Point’s newest businesses!”
V: Will there be live entertainment or other events?
K: “There will be a Classic Car and Motorcycle Cruise-In at the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House on Saturday, beginning at 1pm. Bring your classic car or bike and meet some new friends and auto enthusiasts while enjoying music and Mikey’s Famous Chicken BBQ. Our friends at The Lawson Center and at the Bemus Point Historical Society will be hosting open houses on Saturday (11am-3pm), visitors can stop by and see their newest exhibits. It will also be the last weekend that the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry will be running, so be sure to catch a ride! You’ll also find live music around the village kicking off on Friday with Shaky Ray, playing at the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House (6pm), followed by the XOXO Pop Band at The Fish (7pm). On Saturday, The Untouchables will perform at The Fish (7pm), with DJ Carmello (1-5pm) and Porcelain Bus Drivers (5-9pm) at the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House. The Green Door Tavern will also be hosting live music on Saturday from 3-6pm. Stop by on Sunday afternoon and enjoy Only Human playing at The Fish (1pm).”
V: What are the association’s plans for the winter season?
K: “We’re working on a fun event for Small Business Saturday (November 26th) encouraging customers to think of Bemus Point this holiday season. Many of our businesses are staying open later in the season. We’ll also begin working on plans for our 2023 event and project schedule. We encourage everyone to follow us on facebook (@visitbemuspoint) for updates.”
V: Anything else you would like to add?
K: “We’d like to thank Shults Auto Group for partnering with the Bemus Point Business Association to put together this fun fall event!”
Thank you, Kelley, for taking the time to share all this great info on the upcoming Bemus Point Fall Festival event. And a huge thank you to the whole Bemus Point Business Association for all their hard work in putting the festival together. More information on the event can be found at visitbemuspoint.com.