By Kate Bartlett
Saturday July 20th marks the second annual Lakefest at Long Point State Park in Bemus Point. The festival celebrates Chautauqua Lake, its community, and intends to raise awareness of the associations involved in its preservation. The festival is free and family-friendly, with events all day at the park.
Kourtney Shuman and Micky Curtician started the festival last year and are excited to bring it back for a second year. Last year, the festival was pulled together in less than 3 ½ weeks, but was a huge success featuring food trucks, lawn games, 50/50 raffle and music by DJ Mike Horvatits Jr. “The success in our first year was better than expected,” remarks Kourtney. “We were pressed for time but managed to pull everything together for a decent festival. Many thanks to everyone involved our first year for helping make it such a success.”
The event was well received in the community and attracted a substantial crowd. Kourtney and Miky are looking to build upon the momentum started last year and make this year better than the last. “We’re grateful to have has such great support in our first year. We had an amazing group of high school girls who volunteered their time to help make the event such a success. Now that we’ve caught the attention of the community, we are off to a great start. With more time to plan this year, we’re hoping to expand upon what we’ve started for this annual event.”
This year, the event will be held on July 20th 12-7pm (rain date July 21) and will feature lawn games, cornhole tournament, 50/50 raffle and family fun activities at Long Point State Park. DJ Mike pro sounds is returning with special guests Goldirocks band. Food trucks include Big Melch’s Smokin Barbecue, Best of Buffalo by Byron and Weiners on the Water. There will be a corn hole tournament, scavenger hunt for kids, yard games, 50/50 raffle and more. Guests are invited to come by bike, boat or car (park entry fee is $7 by car).
In addition to bringing the community together on the lake, the festival intends to raise awareness of the role and purpose of the associations involved with Chautauqua Lake. Chautauqua Lake Association, Chautauqua Lake Partnership and Chautauqua Watershed Conservatory will have booths on site for guests to learn their involvement in the lake. “All these agencies have similar goals and the goal is to work together for the sake of the lake.”
As a Bemus Point resident who was born and raised here, Kourtney is invested in the community and the lake. Kourtney owns Modern Expressions Hair Salon in Bemus and has been active in the community with her 2 children, who are now 17 and 19. “I was born and raised on Chautauqua Lake. Throughout my life I’ve had the privilege to enjoy every aspect our beautiful lake has to offer. From riding bikes down to topsy landing, to swimming with friends, enjoying the Mayville Park summer program and Camp CLCL for poplar Bear swimming sail lessons at Chautauqua Institution. As an adult I’ve come to appreciate the restaurants on the water, water toy rentals and a peaceful ride down the canal on the boat. I have countless fond memories on the lake, and I understand the importance of it to locals and visitors alike. We attract many visitors to Chautauqua Lake and we’re all looking to appreciate and enjoy the lake.”
Kourtney feels strongly about keeping the lake beautiful and using the resources and knowledge we have from every association possible. “It’s important to be open minded,” says Kourtney. “We should learn all the facts about each association and the roles they play to keep our lake maintained for all to enjoy. We must all work together to keep every town and village surrounding Chautauqua Lake thriving. We’ve lost it all if we can’t have an understanding of balance and see all sides and facts of each association.”
Long Point State Park is the ideal location for the festival, as it is situated beautifully on Lake Chautauqua, with beaches, greenspace and ample parking. The $7 state park fee will apply, but Kourtney reminds us these funds are necessary for park upkeep. “Long Point will soon be receiving a bath bouse and updated concession stand. These fees help with necessary park maintenance and towards updating facilities.”
The event will host a variety of vendors, but are still looking for more. Kourtney is working on a boat taxi lineup to assist those coming in by boat. The event is sponsored by Chautauqua Brick, 14 Main, Rock Marina and Camp Chautauqua. “We are so grateful for these sponsorships and want to thank everyone involved who have helped keep this unique festival growing. We are looking forward to seeing this grow and the community as a whole enjoying this event.
Join Kourtney and Micky at the second annual Lake Festival on Long Point State Park on Saturday July 20th from 12-7pm (rain date July 21). Anyone interested in participating in the event can contact Kourtney: modernexpressionssalonandspa@gmail.com. Follow Lakefest in Chautauqua Lake on Facebook for updates leading up to the event. See you at the point!