8 Things to Look Forward to This Spring
Annual events and one-time-only events are coming to CNY early this year
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Although we have a few months of gray weather ahead before spring, you still have interesting things to look forward to spring 2024 — including eight exceptional events.
1 — Feb. 2-3 offers the Syracuse Winter Fair. Although it may feel like an indoors mini version of The Great New York State Fair and it’s also held at the fairgrounds, the two are not associated. Nonetheless, Syracuse Winter Fair offers favorite festival foods, rides and live entertainment that feel like the big fair. Why not take the grandkids out for the day?
More info: https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/events/winter-fair
2 — Feb. 22-24 is the New York Farm Show in Syracuse. It’s more than just an industry expo for farmers. Landowners, homeowners and anyone interested in agricultural life will find plenty to see among the 400 vendors, free workshops and demonstrations, all among six buildings on the fairgrounds. Free shuttles run all day among the buildings.
More info: https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/events/new-york-farm-show
3 — March 9 is when you can see more than 100 vendors set up at the Salt City Spring Antiques Show Syracuse. For more than 30 years, the event has brought choice antiques to sell at the fairgrounds. Attendees can also connect with potential buyers for their own antiques.
More info: https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/events/salt-city-spring-antiques-show
4 — March 15-17 offers the Home and Garden Show for gearing up for the spring season. Peruse dozens of vendors at the Exposition Center at the NYS Fairgrounds for inspiration.
More info: https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/events/home-and-garden-show
5 — March 16-17 and 23-24 is Maple Weekend at farms statewide. More than 180 farms and museums host free open houses that may include farm tours, maple history, activities for children (bring the grandkids!), samples, product sales, sap boiling, tapping and spile-driving demonstrations and pancake breakfasts. Except for breakfasts and museum tours, these events are free. Most farms will host their Maple Weekend events rain or shine but visit their social media page before heading out to confirm hours and other details. Keep in mind that the farm sites are working farms and dress with appropriate footwear and with the weather in mind. Visit https://nysmaple.com/retail-dealers to find farms around CNY and to see which farms are participating in Maple Weekend.
More info: https://nysmaple.com/retail-dealers
6 — March 22-23 is the area’s largest and longest-running beer festival, CNY Brewfest in Syracuse. More than 100 breweries will participate, along with other local vendors and live entertainment. Ticket sales are limited, so it pays to purchase them early.
More info: www.facebook.com/CentralNewYorkBrewfest
7 — March 28-31, plan to attend Salt City Cluster Spring Dog Show in Syracuse. This AKC-sanctioned show includes all-breed conformation and junior showmanship, plus an obedience trial. Numerous vendors will offer canine items as well, so you can find some new supplies and gear for your pal.
More info: www.raudogshows.com/upcoming-shows
8 — April 8 represents the first complete solar eclipse in the region since January 24, 1925. Don’t wait for the next one. That won’t happen until 2045. Since CNY lies directly in the path of the eclipse, you can view it (with your solar glasses for safety) at 3:23 p.m. for one minute and 24 seconds in Oswego, Syracuse and the surrounding area. Visit the websites listed below to learn about special eclipse events. There’s the 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival at the Museum of Science & Technology (https://www.most.org/solareclipse2024), events scheduled for Thompson Park in Watertown and many more across the region.
More info:
www.visitsyracuse.com/syracuse-eclipse-2024