If you’re thinking there’s nothing doing in a small town, think again. Things will really be hopping again this year in Newark Valley on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7 and 8.
Plan to catch the high energy of Dixieland Jazz when the Dixie Kats hit the scene at the Train Depot from 7 to 9 p.m. The Depot opens at 6 p.m. Food and drink will also be on sale. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the warm summer evening listening to this popular band.
But ease in on the action beforehand by taking in the Art Show in the Rollie Noble Room next to the post office, from 4 to 7 p.m. This event is sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union and the prize-winning artwork will be announced at the reception that begins at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
There will also be a large display of beautiful quilts draped across the pews just down the street at the United Church of Christ, also from 4 to 7 p.m. That’s the white church with the steeple.
On Saturday, visit the expanded craft sale on the Green. Vendors from all over the area will entice you with their wares from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time enjoy music from Tom and Marie, the Lovesick Boys, DnT, and the Kirby Band as they entertain you with both new music and old favorites throughout the day. The art show and quilt show will also run again from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Tappan Spaulding Library will also be selling lots of used books in front of the library from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The annual parade has been growing each year and this year is no exception. It begins at 11 a.m., running along Main Street, Water Street and Whig Street. But at some point you must catch the action at the Train Depot to include food, games, activities, pony rides and dogs. Catch the dog costume contest at 1 p.m. with prizes for apple theme, creativity, funniest and dog / owner look alike. Also come and be amazed by the 4-H dog agility demonstration.
The Newark Valley Fire Department will be serving up their delicious chicken BBQ on Water Street starting at 11:30 a.m. Plan on getting there early as they always sell out.
After all this action winds down, head on over to the Trout Ponds. The annual 5K run will begin with a kid’s run at 3:30 p.m. At 4:30 p.m. the 5K run starts, ending back at the Trout Ponds in time to listen to Watts on Tap who will be playing until dark.
At the same time watch a flock of rubber ducks bob down the creek as part of the Chamber of Commerce Rubber Duck Race, starting at 4:30 p.m. There will also be a bounce house, more demonstrations and more food, along with your favorite music. It all leads up to an exciting fireworks display after dark.
Learn about the history of the area by visiting the Bement-Billings Farmstead living history museum on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The Farmstead is one mile north of the traffic light, and on this particular weekend, all tours will be free.
So mark your calendar and gear up for several days filled with fun and activities for the whole family. Newark Valley Days is sponsored by the Newark Valley Historical Society.
