The Brockport Summer Art Festival has become a tradition which has been made an important listing on the summer calendars of many people. BISCO President Gary Zimmer said that when the Art Fest first started out it was a novelty attraction but as it keeps growing and drawing new vendors with more unique crafts, the two-day event is the "place to be." Brockport Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs originally formed BISCO to take on community service projects that no one club could handle on its own. The group has successfully raised more than $100,000 that has been used to purchase playground equipment, sponsor programs for youth and various other projects. The Art Festival is the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year. The Brockport Fire Department and Lakeside Hospital were the recipients of more than $8,000 each from proceeds raised during the festival. The recipient of the proceeds from the festival and the annual Duck Derby has not been determined yet. "We're still going through the applications," Zimmer said. "When we first started the festival nine years ago, we really tried to do it right," Zimmer said. "Our plan worked; people enjoyed themselves and they keep coming back every year to experience the festival and to see what new offerings we have for them." In addition to a variety of food vendors, it is the artisans and merchants that draw the crowds. Zimmer said organizers anticipate more than two dozen new vendors. Live music, activities for the children and the opportunity to wander the village's historic streets is part of the lure of the festival. The Brockport Symphony Orchestra is scheduled to perform at the Morgan Manning House at noon on Sunday. "Everyone should come and experience not only what the festival has to offer, but what Brockport itself has to offer," Zimmer said. The festival, which drew an estimated 50,000 last year, features more than 100 artists and craftspeople. The event offers only juried, handmade crafts. Mayor Josephine Matela said she and other village board members are looking forward to hosting the annual event with BISCO. "We're pleased to work with BISCO to make sure we provide a high quality festival where people can come and have fun, all while showcasing our historic downtown and village," she said. Brockport's Summer Art Festival will run on August 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, August 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. One of the highlights of Sunday will be the "duck derby" and that takes place at 4 p.m. on the canal bridge. Crafters, musicians and tasty treats all part of the Art Fest Organizer Jeff Springut of the Springut Group said more than 25 percent of the artists who will be participating are new to the festival. "We have so many new, exciting artists on hand this year," he said. "The quality and diversity of the artisans and craftsmen continues to grow each year." From leather to wearable fiber art to photography, handmade soaps and metal arts, the Brockport Art Fest will have something to cater to every shopper's vision. When shoppers want to take a break from looking at the many unique booths, entertainment will be running on three stages and will offer selections from big band sounds to country, pop and acoustic to clowns and jugglers. The Brockport Symphony Orchestra will also be performing at the Morgan Manning House during the event. Springut said that the food at the festival is second to none when it comes to variety and tempting treats. "We have the turkey drumstick man coming back," he said. "And there will also be old favorites like Red Osier to exotic food like Thai and Caribbean inspired cuisine."
The annual Duck Derby is the highlight of the Brockport Summer Arts Festival, organizers say. The race begins at the Main Street drawbridge when thousands of plastic ducks will splash down at random and make their way along the Erie Canal to the finish line. The Duck Derby is sponsored by the Brockport Integrated Service and Community Organization (BISCO) and Lakeside Foundation. Proceeds from the derby will be used to benefit Brockport community projects. Ducks are on sale in advance or may be purchased the day of the event for: $5 for one duck; $20 for a junior flock of five ducks; $40 for a family flock of 10; $100 for the 25 that make up the corporate flock; and $500 for an executive flock of 125 ducks. The race takes place at 4 p.m. and as in the past, crowds will gather along the canal paths to hopefully catch a glimpse of their duck as it makes its way toward the finish line. Volunteer swimmers pick out the lucky duck and sometimes help keep the flock moving forward. Winning duck numbers are announced at the end of the race and winners need not be present to win. Prizes will be awarded for the first five and the last five ducks that cross the finish line. Some of this year's prizes include: an above ground pool package; a table for 10 at Lakeside's Annual Gala Dinner; three separate design your own vacation packages; a Queen and a King for a day package; sports packages; a car care package; and a $600 shopping spree at Bon Ton.
The waters of the historic Erie Canal will see a lot of action as part of the Brockport Arts Festival when colorful dragons and humans who propel them navigate the waters. The Dragon Boat race has long been a favorite event at the festival. This year's Dragon Boat race holds a bit of a surprise with the first ever all woman team. Tami Mungenast, who was part of one of the co-ed Dragon Boat teams last year, said that since it seemed to be a male dominated sport that required at least six women to be part of the team, she wanted to see a team of all women take to the oars. "I posted a sign up sheet and within a week it was full and we have a waiting list," she said. "Our team is made up of women who range in age from 15 to 50." The team members, Mungenast said, are from the MOMs Club of Brockport and from S&S Fitness Club in Hamlin. "Last year was my first year competing and it was fun," she said. One of the 21 team members she is the only one with experience in being on a Dragon Boat. "There is some time to practice before the race begins that day," she said. "Strength is important but the timing of the people working together on the boat sets the pace and as long as everyone follows suit, we'll do great." The race, which Mungenast said takes less than a minute and a half to complete, is scheduled for Saturday, August 14. Team prizes are awarded and the races are being billed as a great experience for families, groups of friends or co-workers. Team prizes are awarded to first, second and third place with the first place prize being free entry into next year's boating event. "Of course we hope to win," Mungenast said. "We just want to be the all woman team who beats the boys' butts." |
