By Matt Urtz
(July 2014) There are many different and exciting events happening in the county for you to check out. I hope to see you there!
Friday, July 11, at 8 p.m., the Lorenzo State Historic Site welcomes “Symphoria” for a free concert. Bring your lawn chairs as Symphoria and the Friends of Lorenzo revive the long standing tradition of a free-open air concert on the grounds of Lorenzo. Picnic dinners will be available by pre-order.
Summer refreshments will be available for purchase as well. For more information about the event, contact Symphoria at experiencesymphoria.org or call 315.299.5598.
Saturday, July 12, at 6 p.m., the Madison County Historical Society will host a donation auction fundraiser at the Gorman Foundation Community Center. Come and bid on wonderful items including gift certificates, furniture, art, decorative objects and more. Auctioneer Bradley Markowski will conduct the auction with no buyer’s premium.
Proceeds will benefit the Madison County Historical Society. A preview of items will start at 5 p.m.; the auction will start at 6 p.m. For more information about the auction, contact the Madison County Historical Society at 315.363.4136, 315.361.9735 or sydney@mchs1900.org.
Thursday, July 17, at 7 p.m., the Cazenovia Public Library welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew who will present “Madison County Exposed.” The talk will focus on crimes, scandals and events that headlined the local news in Madison County from its roots until now.
Featured topics include the first and last hangings in the county, the “Trial of the Century,” the demise of the Loomis Gang, Madison County’s “No-Hitter,” multiple murders, arsons and much, much more. This talk is free and open to the public. For more information, visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org/.
Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Lorenzo State Historic Site will host the 38th annual Lorenzo Driving Competition. The driving competition features tests of horse and carriage skill, timing and style. Special exhibits, sales, refreshments and demonstrations will also be offered. Admission to the show is free. For more information, visit lorenzodriving.com.
Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m., Oakwood Cemetery will host “Meander down Midland.” Volunteer Karl Orlick will lead you on this leisurely walking tour. This tour will start near start at the chapel on the west side of the cemetery. All tours are free, but donations are accepted. Allow two hours for tours, which will take place rain or shine. For more information, call Sue Greenhagen at 315.684.3418.
Monday, July 21, at 7 p.m., the Town of Madison Historical Society will host “Madison County Exposed Part III” by Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz. The talk will focus on crimes, scandals and events that rocked the local area from 1900 to now. The event is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, July 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host “Tuesday on the Towpath.” This month’s recreational bike tour will take place in Oneida. For more information, contact Chris O’Neil at director@clcbm.org.
Friday, July 25; Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will have its annual Tent & Tag fundraiser. Come and check out all of the wonderful items. Proceeds benefit the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. For more information, visit clcbm.org.
Saturday, July 26, at 2 p.m., the Smithfield Community Center welcomes author Althea A. Connolly. Connolly will speak on her new book The Seceders: Religious Conviction & the Abolitionist Movement in the Town of Manlius 1834-1844. More information to come.
Sunday, July 27, from 2 to 4 p.m., the New Woodstock Regional Historical Society will host a community celebration. Come and see the newly painted depot and caboose while taking in food, games, live music and fun for the whole family. For more information, visit newwoodstocknyhistory.com.
Matthew Urtz is Madison County historian. He can be reached at 315.366.2453 or email matthew.urtz@madisoncounty.ny.gov. Like “Madison County, NY History” on Facebook and visit www.madisoncountynyhistory.com.