With focus on four local themes — agriculture, transportation, historic gems and historical cemeteries — the inaugural event includes 29 locations of historical and cultural significance to deepen the appreciation of Orleans County today, tomorrow and in the years past.
“This event truly illustrates how much this area has to offer,” Derek Maxfield, GCC associate professor of history and a festival organizer said. “Each location ties into one of the four themes giving community residents of all ages a chance to appreciate our history while enjoying a fun, family-friendly, end of summer outing.”
Under the Agriculture theme, visitors are invited to explore six locations: Partyka Farms, LynOaken Farms & Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, Hurd Orchards, Watt Farms Country Market, Roberts Farm Market and Orleans Poverty Hill Farms. Visitors will be able to sample heritage recipes and tour some working farms.
The Historic Cemeteries theme includes Beechwood, Boxwood, Greenwood, Hillside and Mount Albion Cemeteries. There will be guided tours at Boxwood and Mount Albion and even a ghost walk at Hillside Cemetery.
Historic Gems includes tours of the Albion Historic District led by County Historian Matt Ballard, Clarendon Historical Society, the Cobblestone Historical Society & Museum, the Company F Memorial at the former Medina Armory, the Medina Historic District and Sandstone Hall of Fame, the Medina Historical Society and Robin Hill Nature Preserve.
The Transportation themed attractions include the East Avenue Lift Bridge (Holley), The Erie Canal Culvert, Medina Railroad Museum, Murray-Holley Historical Society Depot Museum, the Oak Orchard Lighthouse, Tillman’s Village Inn and the Vintage Aircraft Group’s “fly-in” breakfast at Pine Hill Airport.
From each of the 29 festival sites, six represent Agriculture, six Historical Cemeteries, seven Historical Gems, seven Transportation sites and three Education sites. All sites give each visitor a special Heritage Festival ribbon. Those participants who visit at least three sites during the Festival weekend will receive the limited edition, collectable button designed by local artist Kim Martillotta-Muscarella. The ribbons can be pinned onto the button, and all button recipients earn a chance to win great prizes donated by area businesses.
The Orleans County Heritage Festival continues the successful series of Civil War Initiatives including the Civil War Encampments that occurred at the Medina Campus Center in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The collaborative event is being coordinated by Genesee Community College and the Orleans County Tourism Office. For more information, including a complete listing of Festival locations and schedule, visit the Festival website at www.orleansnyheritage.com. Other Festival inquiries can be directed to the GCC Medina Campus Center at (585) 798-1688 or the GCC Albion Campus Center at (585) 589-4936.
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