A Weekend of Equestrian Adventures and Family Fun

Looking for something fun and entertaining to do with the family on the weekend of June 25^th through the 26^th?  For starters, you can take a bicycle or go horseback riding along the Pat McGee Trail or other equestrian trails at The Crosspatch Horse Ranch or Gentle Thunder Farms.

Or, join the festivities happening this weekend in the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County.  A number Events will be held in the area for horse lovers and novices, alike.  Not a horse enthusiast?  There will be plenty of activities for you to enjoy with your friends, family, and perhaps even some new acquaintances you meet along the way. 

For those searching for some diversion from your day to day activities, the weekend fun begins Tuesday with the Annual Old Home Week in Allegany, New York.  Check out what all this event has to offer.

Allegany’s Old Home Week

Update: Mud Volleyball tournament will be held as a separate event on August 21

Widely considered one of Allegany’s top summer events, the Annual Old Home Week provides fun for the whole family. Throughout the entire week you can enjoy carnival rides, games, several delicious food selections, live music, and even more including a Firemen Water Fight on Wednesday, June 23^rd.  

You can purchase tickets for rides, now, through any Allegany Volunteer Firefighter or at the Allegany Park & Shop store, the Allegany Village Clerk’s Office, the Allegany Community Federal Credit Union, or the Five Star Bank in Allegany.  The package offers 12 rides for $20. 

Don’t miss the Fireman’s Annual Grand Parade to cap the week-long event off!  The parade will go through the East Main Street area beginning at 5:30 PM. 

For complete information on the event, visit the Old Home Week link. 

Saturday’s Events (June 26, 2010)

Saturday, June 26^th is packed with events to entertain the entire family for the day.  From bike riding activities and contests to fishing, nature walks, and equestrian activities, there’s something for everyone to do in the rolling and elegant Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County.  Have a look for yourself to find the event that suits you best, or plan to attend all of them.

Annual Raccoon Rally Cycling Festival Weekend

Depending on your level of interest, a participant at the Annual Raccoon Rally Cycling Festival can make this a quick stop or a two day event.  Considered one of the most exciting special events of the year and hosted at the spacious and picturesque Allegany State Park , there’s bike riding activities for the entire family. 

 The festival draws dozens of cyclists from several states around the region and provides a perfect setting for friendly competition and a number of exciting events.  These events include, trials competitions, road races, downhill, STXC, Cross Country, and even Kids races. 

For complete information about this event visit the Raccoon Rally website.  

Children’s Fishing Derby

There will be a Children’s Fishing Derby on Saturday June 26^th from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Peck Hill Road in Perrysburg. The event, itself, is sponsored by the Perrysburg Conservation Club and kids under 15 are allowed to fish in the pond and compete in a number of categories for prizes. 

In order to pre-register for this event, call Jen at 716-244-0275. Children must be accompanied by an adult

Free Nature Walk or Critters of the Creek Walk

Come learn something new at one of these exciting events in Portville, New York on Saturday, June 26^th at the Pfeifer Nature Center. 

The Free Nature Walk will be absolutely no cost at will run from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.  Participants will easily stroll throughout the farmlands on the property and observing the natural wonders of the seasonal changes in the shrub wetland, mature meadow, creek and pond edges, and the mixed hardwood forest. 

The Critters of the Creek Walk will take place from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.  The cost is $10 for the general public and $5 for all members of the Pfeiffer Nature Center members.  This show will be a more in depth look at wildlife and some of the wild critters that are in it. 

For more information, check out the Pfeiffer Nature Center.   

Creekside’s Pony Pulling Contest

Creekside will be hosting a Pony Pulling contest on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Creekside Roundup Arena in Franklinville, New York.  Come and enjoy an afternoon full of exciting and competitive pony pulling action.  The event will feature ponies specially bred for this sort of contest and will offer some unique entertainment suitable for all family members.

Take a look at a full page of information on Creekside's Pony Pulling Contest.  

The Chuckwagon Supper Show at the Crosspatch

Saturday’s capstone event will be the Chuckwagon Supper Show at the Crosspatch Horse Ranch in Salamanca, New York from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. 

The Crosspatch offers a unique throwback setting dating back to the early 1800’s.  Unlike then, however, you don’t need to spend a hard day’s work or go on a cattle drive to enjoy some delicious food and good times with your friends and family in an impressive outdoor setting like they offer at the Crosspatch.

The doors will open promptly at 5:30 PM.  At this point, you can either socially with the other guests, or grab some refreshments at the watering hole.  From there, a dinner bell will sound at 6:30 PM.  They’ll be serving either steak or chicken, salt potatoes, sourdough biscuits, Wild West beans, campfire dessert and plenty more. 

Once supper is finished, live entertainment will take over.  This week, the show will feature the Fraterrigo Family.   The Fraterrigo Family is a family band of children ranging in age from 6-12.   Lead by their mother, Stacy, they have put together a wholesome musical experience with a hint of family and togetherness.   Using instruments ranging from the banjo, to the guitar, violin, mandolin and upright bass, the children will provide a night full of entertainment. 

Visit the Crosspatch for more information on this event or call 716-938-6313

Sunday’s Events (June 27, 2010)

Sunday will conclude the weekend’s events.  Be sure to pace yourself Saturday so you can enjoy the special events on Sunday.   This includes a horse pulling contest offered by Creekside, the continuation of the Raccoon Rally Cycling Festival Weekend, the All Around Cowboy Event, and whatever else you can fit into your schedule from Cattaraugus Counties’ wide range of entertainment offerings.

Creekside’s Horse Pulling Contest

Creekside’s main horse pulling event will take place on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  This will feature the more heavy weight and larger horses, as opposed to Saturday’s Pony Pull at the same location. 

Go to the Creekside Horse Pulling Contest article for full information. 

All Around Cowboy Event

Want to showcase your skills as a cowboy and rider?  Here’s your chance.  This is the second of five sessions for this event and will be held all Sunday at the Little Valley Rider’s Club in Little Valley, New York. 

Registration will begin at 9:00 AM an the cost will be $15.00 per horse and rider combination.  Some of the contests will include hand riding, mountain, horse handling, bridge crossing, trailer loading and other game events. 

Check out the Little Valley Rider's Club site for complete information regarding the event.

Fun Events for the Entire Family

Regardless of your interests, there's an event for you this weekend in Cattaraugus County.  From horseback riding and biking to equestrian events and fishing, there's fun around every corner near you.  Come join the fun and bring along some guests.  We'll see you there!