LOWVILLE – Complete with giant cheesecake, the annual cream cheese festival returned to historic downtown Lowville on Saturday.
According to festival president Jeremiah S. Papineau, attendance was much better than last year’s event, which was changed due to the pandemic.
“We are very excited to see attendance increase this year as we continue to work our way out of the pandemic,” he said. “We had lots of great vendors and lots of fun as usual. All thanks to our fantastic committee of volunteers. Without them, we couldn’t put on an event like this for the community.”
The 1,100-pound cheesecake provided by Heinz Kraft was dedicated in memory of Brian Western. After the unveiling of the stars and stripes decorated creation, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik along with state Senate candidate Mark Walczyk and US Senate candidate Joe Pinion had the honor of cutting the first slices.
Taking a slice of the giant cheesecake, Mikayla T. Riley of Evans Mills and Hannah C. Stokes of Fort Drum said they enjoyed the creamy treat.
Ms. Riley said she heard about the festival from a co-worker and was excited to attend for the first time.
“I was absolutely drawn to the giant cheesecake that’s coming,” said Ms. Stokes. “It was delicious.”
“I’m glad the timing worked out,” said Ms. Riley, noting that just as the sun was starting to warm things up, the day started off very cold.
The women and their fellow soldiers agreed that they would definitely return to the event next year.
Vendors, including nonprofits, artisans, banks, artisans and food trucks lined The Parkway and the section of North State Street from Bostwick to Dayan streets, which were closed off for the event.
Ava J. Connell, 6, of Fort Drum, spun the wheel at the Lewis County Dairy Ambassador booth and said she was excited to win an award.
Brynnleigh J. Hoffert, 2, of Lowville, received a stuffed animal from Carthage Savings for choosing the right duck on the pond.
His parents, Alex and MiKala Hoffert, said they come to the cream cheese festival every year.
“To buy things, to support local businesses.” said Mrs. Hoffert.
Live entertainment on the North State Street Main Stage included Ransom, Tough Luck, Undefeated, Josh Cox Band and Double Barrel Blues Band. In addition, musical entertainment was provided on the Veterans Stage next to the American Legion Post 162 with Ken Powis, Gabe Shepherd, Jim “Jimmy G” Gratch, Bill & Kass and AJ Fleming & Jasyn Griffin.
For $5, kids had unlimited access to the bounce houses, inflatable soccer field, climbing challenge and mechanical bull at Children’s Discovery Park, with Adventures in Climbing rides at Veterans Memorial Park along from Parkway Drive.
Mary J. Vaerewyck of Lowville watched as her grandson, Benjamin Vaerewyck, 3, transferred dried corn kernels from the large box to a plastic pan at Children’s Discovery Park.
“We came last year,” said Ms. Vaerewyck, and noted that they visited more vendors, but this year it was Benjamin. “It’s good for him to experience something like this: to be around other kids.”
During the festival, families also had the opportunity to obtain a Child Safe ID badge from the Lowville Police Department.
Hailee C. Webb, 10, of Carthage received her badge, saying she got one a few years ago and thought it would be fun to get another one.
Accompanied by her grandmother and a friend, Hailee said it was their first time at the event and she enjoyed getting an ice cream from one of the vendors.
Renee A. Roggie and Officer Brandon Arthur created the children’s identification cards that include the child’s date of birth, description, photograph and fingerprints. Officer Arthur explained that the information was shared in a database in Albany and parents can show the card to authorities if a child went missing. They recommended that you get a new card every year. The department hosts badge making events upon request and will present one at the Zombie Run hosted by UP! United Prevention Coalition Oct. 1 at the Lewis County Fairgrounds.
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