According to local legend, the town of Minetto derives its name from an Indian maiden named “Minyetta” who was driven from her Seneca tribe on the east side of the Oswego River. Minyetta was taken in by the Cayugas on the west side of the river, and the settlement was named in her honor.
The river still plays a vital role in the community, and residents will gather at Minetto Riverview Park to celebrate the fifth annual “Magic in Minetto” Saturday, Aug. 13.
One of the highlights will be the 1.75-mile recreational kayak and canoe race on theOswegoRiver. The race is designed as a family event and starts at theNYSCanalbuilding just south of theMinettoBridge. Paddlers will head south to red buoy marker 120A, turn around, and return to the bridge.
Race director Dick Drosse said the recreational race is designed to encourage parents and kids to have fun together. Every team will receive a prize. There is a special family doubles category for one adult and one child under age 16. The race will be organized for one- and two-person canoes and kayaks, depending on length of the boat.
People can pick up entry forms at the MinettoTown Hall, 6 Community Drive, or on-line at http://web.mac.com/oswegocountygreen. There is no pre-registration fee.
On-site entries will be accepted from11:30 a.m.to12:30 p.m.the day of the race. Teams registering on the day of the race will be charged $5.
There are several free activities for kids, including an ice cream social, air hop trampoline, face painting, and cookies. Music, crafts, food, and a bake sale are scheduled from11 a.m.to3 p.m.atRiverviewParkon State Route 48.
A special stamp cancellation commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Minetto Post Office will be available at the town hall from11 a.m. to1 p.m. and at the post office after1 p.m. Several local organizations, including the Minetto Historical Society and American Legion Leadbetter-Brinklow Post 486 will be on hand with displays and information. The Minetto Fire Department will display fire apparatus and conduct fire safety demonstrations. Antique and classic cars will be displayed, courtesy of the Country Cruizers.
The weekend kicks off with a free concert by the Oswego County New Horizons Band and Chorus at7 p.m.Friday, Aug. 12, at theMinettoMethodistChurch. The 35-piece band is popular for its classic favorite show tunes and marches, while the chorus will perform old-time favorite songs and hit tunes.
Magic in Minetto is a community effort, organized by volunteers, the town of Minetto, the Town Beautification Committee, and the MinettoMethodistChurch. For more information call 343-2393. For information on the kayak and canoe recreational race, call Dick Drosse at 343-4565 or e-mail [email protected]
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I think this is the greatest thing to happen. It sounds like so much fun and I wish I were in New York to come (I live in Texas). I am always interested to read about Minetto as I went to school there from 1951-1961 when they still had 9th grade and the Benson Annex house. (it was the greatest school this side of heaven) I am very interested in getting stamps commemorating the Minetto Post Office 70th year. I would appreciate hearing more about this and knowing how to acquire the stamps long distance. (p.s. I remember Mrs. Clark, our art teacher at Minetto, telling us the story of the Indian maiden named Minny- ett- to. )