Sweet Summertime, Here At Last. Let the Fun Begin.
Posted: Mon, 28 May 2012 18:16:00 PDT
Memorial Day "unofficially" marks the beginning of summer, every year. For most of us, summertime means nice weather, relaxing by the pool and late-nights with friends. For those of you who opted to stay in Binghamton over the summer, you're in for a treat: There is actually a lot going on around here between June and August. Below are just a few of the events you should make a point to check out.
St. Joe's Bazaar & St. Anthony's Italian Feast Days: The first week in June officially marks "bazaar season". What is "bazaar season", you may be asking youself? Well, it's basically a street fair with gambling, games and great ethnic food. St. Joe's Bazaar runs the 1st, 2nd & 3rd of June (This weekend) and offers Eastern European classics such as pierogies, holupki, and potato pancakes. St. Anthony's Feast Days runs the second weekend and June (8th, 9th and 10th) and puts an Italian spin on the traditional bazaar by dishing out awesome grilled pizzas, homeade pasta and a variety of other Italian classics. Hitting one or both of these bazaars is a great way to kick off the summer.
First Friday: This event takes place the first friday or every month (This Friday) and is basically a mini, downtown blockparty. The festivities start around 6pm which include revolving art exhibits at downtown galleries, music and theatre shows, as well as food and drink specials at all the awesome local bars and restaurants. Also, over the summer there is a trolly that makes stops at all of the First Friday galleries and exhibits. Nothing better than hitting the downtown art scene, enjoiyng the weather and grabbing a bite to eat before a night out at the bars.
The Spiedie Fest: You shouldn't even be asking yourself "what's a Speidie?", because honestly you should already know. For those of you who don't, we take pity on your soul. Basically, a spiedie is a kabob or sandwich of pieces of marinated pork, lamb or chicken and was invented in Binghamton. The Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally is an homage to this iconic Binghamton food staple. The event includes entertainment, food, activities and a hot-air balloon launch. So far, this year's performers include 38 Special and Lonestar. Take some time out of your busy schedule and head down to Otsenango Park and try a spiedie.....if you haven't already.
The Dick's Open: Yeah we know what you must be thinking when you hear "The Dick's Open", but get your mind out of the gutter: it's a PGA, Champions Tour tournament that runs August 17th, 18th and 19th. Stop down and enjoy a few rounds of PGA golf at En-Joie Golf Course, a 10 minute drive from campus, in Endicott NY. Maroon 5 performed last year and Train is slated to take the stage this year (Friday night 8/17) so if you don't have to be a big golf fan to enjoy the event. Just make sure to get your tickets ahead of time. PS: Hinman, Howard and Kattell, a local law firm, is giving away free tickets to anyone interested for Saturday the 18th. Who doesn't love free stuff?