After a one-year break to re-organize, June Fest returned to the Village of Holley on Saturday, June 3.
The day-long event featured yard sales throughout the village, a 5K Race at the Holley Central Elementary School, a parade, St. Mary’s Chicken BBQ, Historical Society Bake Sale, Library Book Sale, a Wine Tasting and more.
Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty said he felt the day was a success. “We have learned a lot this year,” he said, and thanked volunteers including community residents, village staff, and Holley Central School District staff who gave of their time to plan and oversee the event.
“The committee that organized June Fest is the same as the one which organized the Festival of Lights (in December),” Sorochty said. He noted many village staff members volunteered during June Fest to make sure the event ran smoothly.
The weather cooperated with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.
“It’s been a great day,” Holley Village Trustee and Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputy James DeFilipps said. “There are a lot of people here.” DeFilipps was working at the informational booth set up by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department. Their display focused on summer and water safety and included a Sheriff’s Department motorboat docked in the canal.
This year, food, craft and local business vendors were set up to make a loop along the canal path in the park. Orleans County Historian Matt Ballard attended and gave two talks on Erie Canal history at the gazebo next to the canal. 2017 marks the bicentennial of the beginning of the construction of the Erie Canal and Ballard discussed the impact the canal has had on the Village of Holley.
Krista Wiley-Neale, a member of the committee which organized this year’s event, said June Fest is a great way to bring people to Holley to enjoy the village. She agreed with Mayor Sorochty that organizers learned much in the process of planning June Fest’s return. “We welcome new volunteers and ideas,” she said.
