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New York’s Top Family Friendly Outdoor Music Event

Perched in the foothills of the Allegany Mountains, Ellicottville is a naturally beautiful destination perfect for your next getaway. Nature enthusiasts will love the town's abundant outdoor activities and proximity to the Allegany State Park, McCarty Hill State Forest, and Rock City State Forest. From unique events like the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival to dining at top-notch establishments such as Villaggio, this village has something for you.

 

The Ellicottville Summer Music Festival is one of the top family-friendly music festivals in New York. It will take place June 30 - July 2 at the Double Black Diamond Golf Course at Holiday Valley Resort, and on the streets of the village area. The free to attend event features a variety of musicians playing music on two stages at the golf course, including headliners Grand Funk Railroad and the Buffalo Philharmonic. Attendees can also head to the village to partake in an art and craft show, which will feature around 50 different artisans selling various pieces of art. Vendors will also line the streets of the village selling everything from clothing to festival fare. Attendees can see a variety of pets at the Ellicott Pet Parade which winds through the streets of the village. We got the chance to interview Chris Chapman, Media and Communications Manager for the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, to learn more about this great music event.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

CC: The event started as the Ellicottville Summer Festival of the Arts and has morphed into what it is today.

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

CC: The concerts bring a couple thousand people into town a piece. Attendance for village events is a bit harder to account for as we do not truly keep numbers on them.

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?

CC: All of our events are family friendly. We focus our Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performance (this year on July 1) on having a theme that will be entertaining for children as well as adults. Admission to the concerts is free for children 12 and under. All of our events have a full spectrum demographic. We want people to come out and enjoy Ellicottville as a family, and to come back and explore more while spending that quality time together.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

CC: We are one of very few outdoor concert venues that allow people to bring in blankets and light refreshments. We do have the great staff at Holiday Valley food and beverage services on site for all of the food and beverage needs of our guests, but we want everyone to feel comfortable. The shows are on the first fairway at the Double Black Diamond Golf Course at Holiday Valley Resort. You can rest assured that the course is well manicured and comfortable.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event.

CC: The weekend is laid out at the event page on our website. Aside from the shows up at Holiday Valley, Friday night is the kickoff of the Stroll the Streets Friday night celebration. It's the first Friday night event of the 12-week series planned for 2017. Come out and see what’s going on with Stroll the Streets! On Saturday, July 1, Jefferson Street (between the post office and the Village Hall) tents will go up, and arts and crafts will be on display from 50 vendors. The show runs both Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

 

The world famous Ellicottville Pet Parade begins at 11:00 am, starting at Katy’s Café (formerly Coffee Culture) and working its way up to the gazebo. The parade features dogs, cats, and has even had more exotic animals taking part! One year even saw a Bantha from Tatooine, with their Tusken owners, of course. Come out to Katy’s to register around 10:00 am as the parade starts to line up at 10:30 for the 11:00 start.

 

RAL: What will attendees find for dining options?  

CC: We have dining to fit every palate, from American Pub Cuisine to fine dining, pizza, even bistro. It’s all here, and all walking distance to the Village. (Holiday Valley is about a mile south of the village.)

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

CC: We have several lodging options, including B&B’s, condos, and other accommodations. Follow the link for more information.  

 

RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?

CC: Each place has a variety of specials and packages that are available on their websites.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

CC: The event drives a tremendous amount of business to not only the village merchants, but to lodging and retail in the surrounding areas.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

CC: We offer a memorable and family-friendly outdoor concert experience. We have the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on July 1 and Grand Funk Railroad on July 2. Come out and enjoy a great summer weekend in Ellicottville.

 

For more information about the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival, please visit the event website.