There’s a sleepy little village with a big, noisy history

Back in 1947, Clark’s Seed Farms held the first Potato Festival in the hills of Richford, N.Y. Planes flew in from all over and manufacturer representatives, like Farmall Tractor Supply, had tents showing their wares. You could pick up a new tractor, plow, or an ice cream cone. 

It was a huge celebration and a grand time for all who went, and the tradition continues. Thanks to the efforts of Bill Sherwood, the past Richford Historical Society president – now gone but never forgotten, the festivities continue today. The Richford Historical Society has taken on the responsibility of continuing the tradition, in his honor.

This year the traditional Annual Potato Festival will be held in Richford on the third Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Richford Historical Society sponsors the event with free contests and activities for the kids, and plenty of good food available for the adults. There’s even Potato ice cream. 

There will be potato-sack races, mashed potato eating contests, and give out prizes. There are free exhibits of Raptors and Zoo animals, and free balloon creatures – even a magician to keep the little ones entertained. This year there will be souvenirs and a huge raffle of beautiful donated baskets, as well as the 50/50 raffle. 

The whole town gets into the spirit, with a BBQ at the fire station, soup to salad at the Congregational church, and a quilt show. Neighbors will hold garage sales, and the Amish sometimes sell their specialties. The main events are in front of the Graded School House on Route 38, located near the intersection of Route 38 and 79. There will be crafters, contests, and loads of old fashioned family fun.

The Graded School House has been a project the Richford Historical Society has been working on for years. Saving the historic structure has involved more than a paint-job. The old school house needs the foundation refurbished, among many other future plans. The front steps, the rear fire escape and the water supply, all are on the to-do list. Funds raised from events like the Potato Festival and the Rummage Sales go directly toward these needs. 

No one takes a salary or benefits financially from the monies collected by the Richford Historical Society. Ring the huge, old school bell for a dollar, and that dollar goes directly into the foundation funds.

The potato was instrumental in getting Richford on the map. 

This year’s Potato Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keep tradition alive and have a good time at the Potato Festival in Richford, N.Y.