By Dave Parker
Get ready for an unparalleled celebration of cutlery craftsmanship and history as the Village of Knives Celebration descends upon Little Valley, New York, from July 12th to 14th, 2024. Hosted at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, this event promises to be a haven for knife dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts alike.
The festivities kick off on Thursday, July 11th, with dealer set-up at the fairgrounds, allowing for private sales between enthusiasts. Then, on Friday, July 12th, the doors swing open to the general public at 1pm, offering free admission to explore the exhibits, displays, and sales until 6pm.
Saturday, July 13th, is packed with excitement, featuring a full day of exhibits, displays, and appraisals at the fairgrounds, alongside VIP tours of the Village of Knives town sites. The highlight of the day culminates in a VIP Banquet & BBQ at Andrew Jackson Case’s historic home, “Robins Roost,” also known as American Legion Post 531.
The celebration concludes on Sunday, July 14th, with another day of exploration at the fairgrounds and guided tours of the town’s cutlery history sites.
Attendees can expect a diverse array of offerings, including rare knives for viewing, buying, and trading. Special attention is given to W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery & Zippo, celebrating their 135th anniversary event the following weekend in nearby Bradford, PA.
For those looking to participate more actively, display booths are available for $50 each or $80 for two tables, with set-up beginning on Thursday, July 11th. VIP passes, priced at $150, grant early access to displays, personal town tours, and entry to the exclusive Saturday night banquet.
Visitors to Little Valley will find accommodations to suit every preference, from nearby luxurious lodging at discounted rates at Holiday Valley to RV sites at the fairgrounds. Additionally, AirBnB rentals and the Seneca Casino in Salamanca offer convenient options for out-of-town guests.
“This event was 150 years in the making, so mark your calendars and don’t miss it!” exclaimed organizers, highlighting the significance of this long-awaited celebration. Little Valley was the origin of many historic knife-making companies including Kinfolks, Case, KA-BAR, Burrell Cutlery, and many others. John Burrell, event organizer and descendent of the Case and Burrell founders, noted, “We expect over 2000 people to attend as exhibitors or guests and for this event to be one of the top knife shows in the country.”
In conjunction with Ellicottville Brewing Co., a special batch of beer brewed and canned in Little Valley will be available to toast to this historic occasion. With free admission and a jam-packed schedule of activities, The Village of Knives Celebration promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
For more information and to RSVP, contact lvknifeshow@gmail.com or visit https://www.villageofknives.com. Join us as we honor the legacy of cutlery craftsmanship and celebrate the rich history of the Village of Knives!