kid-friendly

We are all familiar with the main events at the CNY Maple Festival; pancake eating contest, maple museum tours, the Maple Queen Parade, carnival rides, talent show, pioneer village and Sugar Shack demos. As wonderful as that all is, the Maple Fest is full of oft-overlooked gems. Let this Marathon local dish out the insider scoop. Below is a list of 5 not to be missed CNY Maple Fest favorites,…

It's officially maple season here in Cortland County, and we have three ways you can celebrate all things syrup. Each weekend, beginning March 22 through March 30, the sap will be running throughout the county for NYS Maple Weekends. So, grab your family and your best pancake batter and get ready for some sweet adventures! COOPER HILL MAPLE OPEN HOUSE 291 Cooper Hill Rd.Marathon, NY(607) 849-7865…

If you’re anything like me, the idea of cross-country skiing might bring up visions of graceful gliding through snowy landscapes, the wind gently ruffling your hair as you effortlessly zoom down pristine trails. Reality, however, was a little less graceful and a whole lot more… exciting. But hey, that’s what makes it fun, right? Learning to Cross-Country Ski at Lime Hollow: My Hilarious (and…

USA Today's 10 Best Fall Festivals Returns to Cortland! Every October since 1996, Downtown Cortland has been transformed into a vibrant, outdoor fall festival when The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest arrives in Historic Courthouse Park. The two-day event has been one of the county's most highly-anticipated fall celebrations, a family-friendly experience that has become a favorite for locals and…

Crown City Mural Fest is returning for its third year, corralling artists to make Cortland an even more creative space! Whether you want to channel your inner artist, shop till you drop, or dance till your feet hurt, this is the place to be! Keep reading for more details.   WHEN  Friday-Saturday, September 6-7  WHERE Cortland Corset Building75 E. Court Street, Cortland NY GETTING…

The Marathon 1890 Union Fair celebrates the American family and is dedicated to the preservation of families and the things they do together. Life in a small town best exemplifies what America is all about. Communities filled with pride and spirit give young people a safe environment in which to grow. Featuring baked goods, vendors, quilt and garden displays, a raffle and an auction, the annual…

If small town charm had a flavor, it could certainly be found in these quaint countryside markets. Shelves brimming with fresh baked goods, perfectly ripe produce, glittering jars of jams and honey, and coolers stuffed full of locally raised meats and dairy. If you're looking to pack the perfect picnic basket, find all the fixings for your next cookout, or simply seeking an excuse for a lovely…

Ain't no party like a Porchfest party! Porches will become stages, lawns will become venues, and strangers will become friends at the 9th annual Cortland Porchefest! Come out for a day filled with family-friendly fun and good old fashioned rock n' roll! WHENSunday, August 18 (noon-5 pm) WHEREThe Van Hoesen Neighborhood. THE PORCHFEST PARTYThe streets of Van Hoesen, Chestnut, Harrison, Joy, and…

For four days, the town of Homer will be filled with Huskies, but not the kind attached to a sled. Truck buffs, regional history enthusiasts, and festival-goers come in hoards to the 24th Annual Brockway Truck Show, August 8-11, for the sights and sounds of the Brockway Motor Truck Co. legacy. A majority of the show's events will take place at the Central New York Living History Center, which is…

Summer isn't over yet, Cortland County! The midway point of summer is here, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops!  From summer concerts to sampling the finest NYS craft beverages, Huskies on parade to browsing hand-crafted goodies, there’s no reason to leave the county if you’re looking for a good time. Check out these four events that will make your summer super memorable! Visit our Events…

Join the Cortland Arts Connect at their Art, Music, Food & Craft Beverage Festival in historic downtown Cortland for a day of music, shopping, tasting, and creating. Keep reading for more details. WHEN Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. WHERE Court Street (between Main St and Curch St), Downtown Cortland NY   WHAT TO EXPECT Cortland Arts of Main will host more than 20 fantastic artists, with a…

Get ready to shop till you drop! The 43rd Annual Holiday in Homer is back for another year in the Village of Homer. Guests will be treated to 80 plus vendors, live entertainment for all ages, horse-drawn wagon rides, quilt shows, a library book sale, and so much more! WHEN Saturday, July 20, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. WHERE Homer Village Greens28 S. Main Street, Homer WHERE TO PARK Parking will be…

Happy 248 Birthday to the good ol' US of A. She sure looks good for her age. And what better way to celebrate than small-town style, where our flavors, fun, and fireworks are extra large! Here a just a few of the places you can spend a summer day celebrating with the family before the grand finale. CINCINNATUS HOMETOWN DAYS & FIREWORKSJune 29-30 (8am-9pm)Throughout Downtown Cincinnatus Are you…

Barns, cows, carnival rides, and deep-fried fun are expected at this year's local junior fair! Locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the tastes, smells, and thrills that come with the county fair as the 2024 edition of the Cortland County Jr. Fair begins its five-day run Tuesday, July 9, at the Cortland County Fairgrounds. The fair is hosting a slate of livestock shows, pageant queens,…

School is officially out which means summer is upon us - and so is vacation season! Cortland County offers locals and those beyond so many events for families, kids, and outdoor enthusiasts that it can be hard to know where to start. We'll be showcasing county happenings each month to keep you up-to-date and in the know - check out these exciting events happening this July that you don't want to…

Nothing beats a little good ol' fashioned family fun under the summer sun. Head on down to Homer June 20-22 for parades, live music, eats, treats, carnival rides, and games. With so much fun happening during Homer Firemen's Field Days, why would you miss it? Homer Firemen's Field Days Homer Firemen's Field Days are back June 20-22, and bigger than ever! Homer Firemen's Field Days open Thursday…

Pack those tents and bags of marshmallows, and head out to enjoy the great outdoors in beautiful Cortland County! Cortland County campsites offer way more than the basics — tent camping, trailer camping, and sites with or without electricity and water. They also offer shower houses, laundry rooms, and full hookups for your RV. Many have an on-site convenience store and dining too. So, pack up…

  Get ready for an astronomical adventure as Cortland County gears up to witness the breathtaking 2024 solar eclipse on April 8, 2024! While very close to a total eclipse, Cortland will only have the disk of the sun 99% covered by the moon’s shadow. If you're planning to partake in the events or looking to enhance the experience, here’s a guide to make the most of it. BEFORE THE…

The Imagination Celebration is a Cortland County-wide art show featuring student artists in grades K-12. Held for over fifteen years in various Cortland County locations, the kids are taking over the Ake Gallery, March 21 - April 7 this year. Artwork by teachers is also on display in the gallery. More than just an art show, the Imagination Celebration will host workshops and comedy shows, each…