Author: Courtney Kless

Central New York is home to many festivals – and one of them is marking a milestone this month. Festa Italiana returns to downtown Syracuse from Sept. 15-17. “I would like to thank your readers who have supported us during our 25 years,” said President Ginnie Lostumbo. “We couldn’t do it without them.” Held in front of Syracuse City Hall, at the corner of Washington and Montgomery Streets, Festa Italiana is exactly what it sounds like – a celebration of Italian culture. And there is a variety of things to do there: live music, demonstrations, Italian lessons, a bocce tournament,…

1. Can you tell me a little about your current role? I am the director of education at Syracuse Stage. That means I work with our team to foster the education programs that we run as an organization. A lot of our education programs are shows that tour out into schools. We have the Children’s Tour in the fall, and that’s for elementary-aged students. We have our Backstory Program, which is for middle school students and tours in February and March, and our Theatre for the Very Young series, which is shows specifically for kids under the age of 5.…

Did you know Cortland is called the “Crown City” because it sits on a plain where seven valleys meet? There, you’ll find a nature center, a theatre, and a Guinness World Record holder. Museums and Historical Sites CNY Living History Center Explore not one, but three, museums at the CNY Living History Center; each covers a different historical topic: the Brockway Museum (Brockway trucks); the Homeville Museum (military items, local history, model trains); and Tractors of Yesteryear (agricultural history). The admission fee covers all of them. Where: 4386 US Route-11. More information: cnylivinghistory.org. 1890 House Museum As you may have…

Since its founding in 1974, Syracuse Stage has presented more than 300 shows. And there have been many changes during that time. “We have certainly grown in capacity and the scope of our work,” said Artistic Director Robert Hupp. “One of the through lines of our 50 years is our partnership with the Syracuse University Department of Drama…That part of our work has grown and expanded to include co-productions that we do at the holiday time. The inclusion of new work in almost every season is certainly part of that evolution. In the last three years, two of the productions…

Claire McKenney believes that everyone is creative.“When people tell me they’re not, I tell them that they just haven’t found their thing yet,” she said.McKenney founded Right Mind Syracuse, which hosts one-session art workshops, in 2019.“I actually had been doing a corporate mobile paint and sip for like five years before that and I was the local artist that had the right to host those in the area,” she said. “That kind of had its day. I knew that people wanted to get out and get creative. It’s such an important outlet, and you don’t get the chance to create…

In recent years, Skaneateles has been named a top place to visit by several national publications. And for good reason. There is so much to see – and do – in this Finger Lake town. Here are a few (family-friendly) places to start:Museums and Historical SitesCharlie Major Nature TrailThe Charlie Major Nature Trail traces the former route of the Skaneateles Short Line Railroad. As you walk, keep an eye out for the remnants of millworks buildings.Where: Entrances at 4144 Mill Road (Skaneateles) and Crow Hill Road and Frost Street (Mottville).More information: townofskaneateles.com/departments/parks.Mid-Lakes NavigationLearn about local history during a narrated boat…

Central New York’s warmest months offer countless family-friendly activities. But they also come with several hazards. Family Times recently talked to Sarah Lockwood, director of nursing at the Onondaga County Health Department, about some ways you can keep your family safe this summer. This is what she said: Sun Safety Wear protective clothing (such as hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves). Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Don’t forget to reapply it every two hours – and after swimming, sweating, or drying off. Look for shade during the warmest part of the day (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).…

The first Oswego Harborfest was held in 1988.It has since transformed from a community event to a regional one, receiving approximately 75,000 visitors each year, according to its website.The festival returns July 27-30.“I think what makes Harborfest unique is that the festival is free to attend,” said Executive Director Dan Harrington. “We have a national touring band, The Guess Who, playing on Friday night of the festival, and on Saturday night, they are playing in Hammondsport, with a price of $100 minimum per person to attend. We also have Peppa Pig for the children, where elsewhere it is a high ticket show.”Harborfest…

Often referred to as the “Port City of Central New York,” Oswego is another great day trip destination.These are just a few of the family-friendly attractions you’ll find there:Museums and Historical SitesChildren’s Museum of OswegoDuring a visit to the museum, children can explore the town square, play with water, and learn about lake effect snow and the recycling process. And for adults, there is smash space, with electronics, dishes, bubble wrap, and more.Where: 7 W. Bridge St.More information: cmoo.org.Fort Ontario State Historic SiteDid you know the star-shaped fort is actually the fourth structure to stand in this spot? The others…

Did you know that the Great Swamp Conservancy is the only nature center in Madison County? Located in Canastota, it is a relatively new organization (it was established 26 years ago, in 1997), but the area has a long history. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Great Swamp, a remnant of Lake Iroquois, was drained to create farmland. The Great Swamp Conservancy has worked with private landowners and governmental agencies to restore some of those wetlands. Today, it is 98% run by volunteers. “Our driving organizational goals include habitat conservation, preservation of endangered species, wetland conservation and…