Oswego County TodayHistory of Lake Neatahwanta/Recreation Park Book Launch Event Draws Over 150, Celebrates Local Heritage

Live music, cheer teams, and key community speakers will helped launch a new book, co-authored by Fultonians Jim Farfaglia and Timothy Carroll, entitled: Hiding from the River: A History of Lake Neatahwanta and Recreation Park recently at the Fulton War Memorial. The authors, above, read excerpts from their book. Joining them at the event, from left, were Chris Waldron, Fulton City Parks and Recreation director, and Fulton Mayor James Rice. Photo: Steve Chirello

FULTON, NY – More than 150 people attended a special event recently at the Fulton War Memorial that helped launch a new book, co-authored by Fultonians Jim Farfaglia and Timothy Carroll, entitled: Hiding from the River: A History of Lake Neatahwanta and Recreation Park.

The Fulton Pop Warner Cheer Team, above, provides a demonstration at the event. Photo: Steve Chirello

The first 100 attendees received a custom cookie shaped like the lake, courtesy of Fulton Savings Bank, who also provided live entertainment by Joe Cortini and his Jazz Mafia, Carroll said. “Book sales were brisk at the event and all profits will go toward lakeside activities organized by the Fulton Special Events Committee. Jim and I were overwhelmed by the size of the crowd, their enthusiasm and frequent, spontaneous applause during the program. It was a great night for Fulton.”

Fulton Mayor James Rice and Fulton City Parks and Recreation Director Chris Waldron each had opening remarks at the event. In addition to the authors reading segments from the book chronologically, they recognized the Kemp Family for their contributions to Knee High Basketball, Wes Dean for his role in the Gauchos Drum & Bugle Corps, a performance by the Pop Warner Cheer Team, and special recognition for Jerry Schremp, to whom the book is dedicated. The Jazz Mafia provided live music for the opening and closing of the event, as well as a special number during the event commemorating appearances in Fulton by the Big Bands in the 1940s.