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Look for exhibits, dairy treats, a virtual tractor ride and other fun activities at the Oswego County Fair in Sandy Creek Aug. 9 to 13. Pictured is the Cattle Barn. Admission and parking are free.

Oswego County Celebrates 160 Years of Agricultural Fairs

July 31, 2017 Contributor

Staying true to the tradition of a family-oriented rural fair, the Agricultural Society of Oswego County, organizers of the 160th Oswego County Fair, have planned a full slate of activities from Aug. 9 through 13 at the Oswego County Fairgrounds, 291 Ellisburg St, Sandy Creek. Visitors can get the hang of driving a tractor on a virtual tractor ride, learn about antique farm equipment, hydroponics and enjoy a dairy treat in the agricultural building throughout the fair’s duration.

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Harborfest Wraps Up ‘Fantastic’ 30th Anniversary

July 30, 2017 Steve Yablonski

Harborfest 2017 had a great run this past weekend. “We had fantastic crowds. The entertainment was great and the weather was fantastic all weekend long,” Pete Myles, executive director, said. Plans are now getting started for Harborfest 2018. Here is a look back at just a few of the sights from Harborfest 2017.

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No;;e Gold, left, Gracie Gold, center, and Terri Pettie pause during the parade to smile for the camera.

Hundreds March In Annual Children’s Parade

July 28, 2017 Steve Yablonski

Hundred of youngsters, their friends and families, marched from Breitbeck Park to the Novelis Family Park (West Park) on Friday in idyllic weather. The annual Children’s Parade is considered by many to be the official start of Harborfest. The parade drew an unofficial throng estimated at more than 1,000 participants, from infants to adults.

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Bipartisan Katko Measure To Preserve EPA Brownfield Program Advances

July 28, 2017 Contributor

U.S. Rep. John Katko announced that bipartisan legislation he introduced to preserve the EPA Brownfields Program has moved forward in the House, overwhelmingly passing out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2017 would reauthorize the Brownfields program at the Environmental Protection Agency, helping communities in Central New York and nationwide revitalize neighborhoods and spur economic development through Brownfields reassessment and remediation.

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Many in the crowd were dancing to the music Thursday night.

Harborfest Kicks Off Its 30th Anniversary Party

July 27, 2017 Steve Yablonski

Harborfest turned 30 on Thursday and it’s just as vibrant as the day it started. The festival was greeted by clouds and rain earlier in the day. But by evening, it was warm and partly cloudy as hundreds of people, young and old, were ready to celebrate in Breitbeck Park. The Family Stone got things off to a rocking good time. More great music and events is set the rest of the weekend.

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Taft Bay Beach Closed Due to High Bacterial Counts

July 27, 2017 Steve Yablonski

The Oswego County Health Department announced today (July 27) that Taft Bay Park Beach located in the town of Constantia will be closed for swimming due to high levels of E. coli bacteria in the water. The Health Department monitors water at public beaches routinely and closes swimming when bacterial levels exceed acceptable standards.

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Harborfest kicks off its 30th anniversary on Thursday

Harborfest Has Big Plans For 30th Anniversary

July 26, 2017 Steve Yablonski

Opening Thursday evening, Harborfest runs through Sunday throughout several parks in the Port City. “This year, we’re celebrating our 30th birthday. We’re proud to say this year has been full of growth and our staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to plan what is sure to be one of our best festivals yet!” said Margaret Gnadt, PR/Media Marketing Coordinator. “How many festivals have that longevity? Back, 30 years ago, having a festival was a novelty. Now, everybody and their brother has a festival,” said Peter Myles, the festival’s executive director.

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Barclay Announces State Aid for Library Construction

July 25, 2017 Contributor

Baldwinsville Public Library, located at 33 E. Genesee St. in Baldwinsville, has been awarded $7,459 to convert its lighting fixtures to LEDs. Fulton Public Library, located at 160 S. First St. in Fulton, has been awarded $7,990 to restore two chimneys and other masonry features. Lastly, Mexico Public Library, located at 3269 Main St. in Mexico, has received a $44,907 a

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Oswego Council Tables Proposed Zone Change

July 24, 2017 Steve Yablonski

A proposed change of zone for certain property located in the Seventh Ward from an R2 Residential District to a B2 Central Business District was tabled at Monday’s Common Council meeting. However, City Attorney Kevin Caraccioli pointed out a zone change for the property wouldn’t be the right thing to do. Doing a use variance would be the prudent manner to proceed, he explained.

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MolliGrace Ruggio and Charlianna Ruggio pose with the ship in the background

Youngsters Enjoy Visiting Replica Ships Niña and Pinta

July 24, 2017 Contributor

Hundreds of visitors toured replicas of Columbus’ flag ship, the Niña, and its sister ship, the Pinta, over the weekend at the West First Street pier near the H. Lee White Maritime Museum for Oswego’s Festival of Ships. Among the hundreds of visitors was Bill Foley of Oswego. He shares a few photos of his granddaughters’ visit.

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