Spencer Picnic wraps another successful year

SPENCER — The 114th Spencer Picnic, sponsored by the newly formed Spencer Picnic Committee, the Spencer-Candor Lions Club, and the Village of Spencer, has enjoyed another year; thanks to them and the many volunteers and businesses who came together to celebrate their community. Months of work goes into planning and organizing what unfolds in a few mid-summer days, all done out of love for their hometown and belief in the importance of staying connected.

The celebration kicked off this year on Thursday evening with a Spaghetti Dinner and music at Nichols Park Pond gazebo, then continued Friday evening at Nichols Park with vendors, line dancing and other activities. The big day was Saturday, which began with the annual morning parade, enthusiastically enjoyed by those waiting along the sunny streets to watch. Float winners were:

1st Place – Bast Family Farm

2nd – Spencer Library 

3rd – REMAX

Following the parade, the Mason’s held another sold-out chicken BBQ, while the car show and park festivities got under way. Car show organizer Doug Thornton said that with 80 cars, this was one of largest shows in years. “Thanks to Tioga State Bank, Choice Auto Glass, and Martins Auto Sales and Service for their generous donations… a big thank you for the Van Etten/Spencer VFW Post 8139 for running the registration,” Thornton said. “Their UTV raffle sold lots of tickets!”

The drawing for the UTV will be on Sept. 19. Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket, can email cheveefann@aol.com. 

Bingo enjoyed its usual loyal crowd, and the food booth did record business, owing at least in part to the lower than festival-average prices being charged. “We feel it’s important for people to be able to not have to spend a fortune on food for themselves and families,” said Juliana Frewin, food booth manager.

Several events and music performances went on throughout the day, as well as kids’ games and bounce houses, crafts and fair vendors, dunk tank, mechanical bull ride, wild animal exhibit and others. While some people were dismayed by the absence of rides, the kids participating in the games and in bounce houses didn’t seem to mind at all. Spencer, like many other small towns, is priced out of the ride business, at least for now. Any community members wishing to fund-raise for future picnics, especially rides, are invited to join in next year’s event organizing. Please send a note of interest to spencerpicnic2026@gmail.com. Otherwise, as expressed by many parents over the last few years Spencer did have rides, the cost of tickets is just too expensive.

Other Saturday event winners:

Firefighters’ Waterball Competition

1st Place: VanEtten Community Fire & Rescue 

2nd Place: Lockwood

3rd Place: Spencer B team 

Talent Show

Hometown folks must’ve been shy about entering this year’s talent show as there were no entrants; but thankfully counselors from Lions Camp Badger in Spencer signed up to entertain picnic attendees, and each was awarded a prize. For those who are not aware, Lions Camp Badger offers summer camp programs for individuals with special needs and diverse abilities. Counselors are young adults from throughout the United States and the world. This year’s counselors – some of whom participated in the talent show – were from England, Ireland, Egypt, China, Spain, Mexico, Bolivia and Columbia. “These amazing young people bring with them a diverse assortment of abilities and talents, each providing a unique experience for our campers,” said office manager Cynthia Reuter. “We are proud to be able to provide [them] with summer job opportunities.” For more information, visit www.lionscb.org.

Music Winners:

1st Place Music Skit: Mayur, David, Ian, Diego, Leo, Roberto, Luis, Alan, and Henry

2nd Place: Ian and Louis (guitar and singer)

3rd Place tie: singers Daniel & Serena

Later, a performance by Rebecca and the Soul Shakers was enjoyed, followed by long-time favorite Bonnie Lee and the New Country Express. And as is the tradition, the Spencer Picnic closed the night with a spectacular fireworks show put on by Young’s Explosives, with Bob Hollenbeck and Alan Smith.

Finally, while Spencer Picnic may be over, there are three as-yet unclaimed ticket prizes. Be sure to check your numbers, as you may be a winner of one of the following:

3rd Prize – $100 Wegman’s GC:  63696-399

10th Prize – $50 ACE Hardware GC:  63696-073

11th Prize – Oaks Lawn Mower Service Gift Certificate for Mower Servicing:  63696-412

Any prize remaining unclaimed will have a new winner drawn on September 1, 2026. Be sure to check “Spencer Picnic 2026” for the new winning numbers. Also see that site for photos and more Spencer Picnic information.