By Darlene Brace
Along the eastern shores of Chautauqua Lake, the quaint village of Bemus Point will be celebrating the changing of the seasons with its annual Fall Festival on September 13th-15th. This is an all-ages community festival with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The streets of the village will become a thriving street market with over seventy-five vendors lining Main Street from 10am-5pm each day. It will begin near the Bemus Point Golf and Tap House and continue down Main Street all the way to Lakeside Drive. You can stroll at your leisure finding a variety of artisan vendors selling artworks, home decor, candles, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and much more.
Also, on Main Street, there will be a Book Sale on Saturday from 10am-3pm at the Bemus Point Library. It will be outside weather permitting. They have plenty of books for adults and children. People wanting books can give a reasonable donation. The library will accept books until September 11th.
As part of the festival, many area merchants are having a Draw-a- Leaf discount. When checking out at participating stores, customers draw a leaf, revealing a discount, ranging from 5% to 50% off their purchase. Some of the participating stores include Bemus Point Pottery. G.I. Threads, Lakeside Arts and Furniture, Petals & and Twigs Gifts, Skillman’s, The Ugly Peacock, and Treasures on Main.
If you work up an appetite, there will be a plenty of food vendors at a food court area next to the Tap House. You will find an array of delicious foods and treats. While in the food court area, you may want to venture over to the Bemus Point Golf and Tap House. They will be featuring a beer tent with a nice selection of beer for you to choose from as well as having live music throughout the festival. Also, many other Bemus Point restaurants are on board with the fall theme and may include seasonal food and drink specials throughout the festival. Many of these venues will be having live music as well. With your favorite Bemus restaurants participating, you are sure to find whatever dining you are in the mood for.
There will be plenty of activities for kids to enjoy. To get your children in the fall spirit, children can show their creative talents at the Village Casino’s pumpkin painting activity. On Alburtus Avenue near the fire hall, there will be a free petting zoo on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm as well as face painting at Lakeside Arts and Furniture. Just down the street, the Bemus Point Historical Society will have an open house where you can explore the exhibits and learn about Bemus Point’s fascinating history.
Another fun activity taking place during this festival is the Classic Car and Motorcycle Cruise-In. The cruise-in will take place on Saturday the 14th at the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House. This is open to any type of vehicle, so shine up that ride and bring it there for all to admire. If you don’t have a car that you want to show, come as a spectator and enjoy seeing all of the amazing classic cars and motorcycles.
It should be noted that parking is free in the village, but because of the number of attendees expected, you may have to park a bit of a distance away. Miss Joanie will be providing rides around the village in her golf cart limousine. You can flag her down or call 716-338-5085 if you need a ride. For a special treat, you can also take a ride on the ferry as it is the last week of the ferry running this season.
The Bemus Point Business Association and the Village of Bemus Point have coordinated this great Fall Festival. This year they are launching “Bemus Gives Back” by partnering with United Ways of Chautauqua County. Through this partnership, they are encouraging the community to support the United Way by making donations at participating venues where you see signs and tent cards with QR codes. The United Way will also have a booth set up at the festival where you can find out more information on how your donations stay in Chautauqua County assisting our community.
Bemus Point would like to thank their sponsors that have given support. They want to give thanks to Shults Auto Group, UBS Auer & Associates, Dave Warren Golf Carts, and the Bemus Point Business Association. Their support is vital in making the festival possible and in helping the community prosper.
All the details of merchant and restaurant specials as well as live entertainment are still being finalized. For a complete updated listing of scheduled activities, go to Visit Bemus Point on Facebook.
The Bemus Point Fall Festival is a great community wide event celebrating the end of summer and welcoming our beautiful fall season we have here in Western New York. There are activities for young and old alike, with plenty of shopping, food, and entertainment. It’s a perfect way to spend a beautiful fall day in scenic Bemus Point. See you there!