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Potsdam Summer Festival concludes Saturday with live music, classic cars, parade, inflatable rides

Posted 7/11/14

By MATT LINDSEY POTSDAM -- The three-day Potsdam Summer Festival concludes Saturday with many favorites including nearly a dozen live music performances, a classic car show, craft fair, parade and …

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Potsdam Summer Festival concludes Saturday with live music, classic cars, parade, inflatable rides

Posted

By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM -- The three-day Potsdam Summer Festival concludes Saturday with many favorites including nearly a dozen live music performances, a classic car show, craft fair, parade and inflatable rides.

Other highlights of the 47th annual festival include the firemen’s “Run to the River,” a fashion show, baking contest, the “rubber ducky pluck” and many food vendors.

A wide variety of musical entertainment will be at the Northern Music & Video main stage in the blocked off portion of downtown Market Street. Bands that appeal to all ages will perform every hour on the hour throughout the day, with longer performances at night.

The antique and classic car show is often a big hit with young and old. Because of reconstruction of Ives Park, the show this year has moved to the lawn in front of Downtown Snell Hall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cars must be at least 25 years old to be included.

“The car show grows each year as we see more and more cars entered each year,” said Ballou.

The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, on Clarkson Ave. The Potsdam firefighters will lead the parade and travel down Maple Street, over the bridge on Fall Island, turning up Main Street toward the fire station and end at Downtown Snell Hall.

“We expect over 20 floats including the Potsdam Elks, St. Lawrence Power and Equipment and two marching bands. This year we have a parade theme of fun in the sun. We wanted the floats and participants to flow with each other,” she said.

At 7 p.m. Saturday the Potsdam Volunteer Fire Department will continue the more than 100 year-old tradition of the “Run to the River.” Firefighters race to be the first to the Raquette River, fill their hoses with water and spray it to the enjoyment of the spectators. The event dates back to the early 1900’s.

Inflatable fun will be available free courtesy of the Potsdam Elks Lodge on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A concession stand will be available.

The annual arts and crafts fair has moved to the lawn behind The Clarkson Inn. See dozens of artist and crafters displaying their wares on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Non-profits and fundraising group will be moved from the arts and crafts area to the marked off side streets this year due to space issues,” Ballou said.

The Rotary Club of Potsdam will have its 17th annual “Rubber Duck Pluck” Saturday at 2 p.m. near the craft show, behind The Clarkson Inn. Sponsorship tickets are on sale for $5 starting at 9 a.m. The grand prize is $500.

Maple Run Emporium, 49 Market St. will host guest artist Jan Close, woodturner, all day.

The Potsdam Police Department will auction off abandoned vehicles at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Impound Lot on Hatch Road. Around 9:30 a.m. the auctioning of bicycles and other items will take place at the police garage on Elm Street.

Don’t miss the “A Fashions for Less” show featured in front of the music main stage at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday. Come watch models strut the runway wearing outfits bought at the C.O.R.C. Thrift Store. The thrift store will have a table set up in front of Harris Medical, 63 Market St. on Saturday. Purchase a tote bag for $10 and then visit the thrift store to fill your bag for free.

The Junque Sale will be held July 12 with proceeds benefiting the Orchestra of Northern New York. Held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Potsdam's Pine Street Arena, 43 Pine St., this sale is billed as one of the largest garage sales in the North Country.

Market Street becomes a virtual restaurant as businesses and vendors set up tables and chairs outside. Food vendors in attendance this year include Cotton Candy & More, Pastimes, Rosie’s Hawg Dog Cart, Mullins Catering, and Potsdam Food Co-op. The Kiwanis Club of Potsdam will offer up fried dough and popcorn Saturday.

The Potsdam Food Co-op is adding a new event to the Potsdam Summer Festival. They will hold a “Summer Baking Fest” and silent auction Sunday in the Carriage House, behind the Co-op at 24 Elm St.

For a complete listing of events, locations and times, check our day-by-day calendar listings online.