Filling the streets with music; Owego’s Porchfest set for October 1

On Oct. 1, Porchfest will return to downtown Owego and will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Postponed in the planning from earlier this year, many village residents and downtown merchants are gearing up to fill the air with music in Owego’s Historic downtown district. Hosted by the Historic Owego Marketplace, the event is open to the community and beyond.

According to this year’s Porchfest organizer, Carol Ostrander, from Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar on Front Street, there are over 40 hosts signed up and over 100 musicians are arriving to perform. There will also be entertainment at Glen Park Vineyards, located at 633 Allen Glen Rd. in Owego, for those that want to venture outside the venue.

With only a short time to organize things, and once HOM decided to move forward, Ostrander went to work and found the reception overwhelming.

This year organizers included local merchants in the festivities, a move that will highlight the shops and restaurants within the Village, while celebrating the talented local performers Tioga County has to offer.  

“We’re excited for the return of Owego Porchfest,” said Pat Hansen, president of the HOM, adding, “It will be a celebration of local music, local businesses, and the community of Owego.”

A popular logo, designed by Mary McPherson and Katie Chandler, will be sold on t-shirts and hoodies that are available to order now at www.owego.org, or you can find these during the event, along with other merchandise, at 173 Front St. in Owego.

“We will have artwork, hoodies and more,” said Ostrander.

As for the musicians, a fall performance wraps up a busy summer for most, as the music will begin to move inside when the snow begins to fly.

One band in particular, Gary Glenmary and the Sournote Kid, are performing for a cause. Set up at 65 Front St. in downtown Owego, Gary will perform originals with some covers from Jimmy Buffet, Bob Dylan, and others, to benefit the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park in Owego.

Gary takes his dogs, The Ripper and Miss Molly, to the park almost daily, and is grateful to have this amenity in Owego for his use – one that is run completely by volunteers.

Gary will entertain with his 100-year old Parlor guitar along with the other musicians that will find their hosts and provide entertainment for guests in downtown Owego.

Others are joining in too. At 169 Main St., and during Porchfest, there will a plant swap organized by PlantSwap.org from 1-2 p.m. Guests can bring seeds, bulbs, or houseplants to share and swap.

Be sure to check out the restaurants and shops, too, and take a stroll on the riverwalk. For more information and a scheduled lineup once posted, visit www.owego.org or follow the Historic Owego Marketplace on social media.