Oktoberfest: Three Times

It is that time of the season! What season? Oktoberfest, JaVo! Here are three upcoming Oktoberfest events that are coming up soon. The first one:

Glenville Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 28, 2020
12 noon till 9 PM
Maalwyck Park, Glenville
Live German music
Free

If you did not get enough Oktoberfest, check out another Oktoberfest the following day.

Nassau Oktoberfest
Sunday, September 29, 2020
12 noon till 4 PM
Village Commons Park, John Street, Nassau
Live German music from the Bavarian Barons
Free

In October, the German-American Club of Albany will host their Oktoberfest dinner. Please see their website for further information, cost, and reservations.

Oktoberfest Dinner
Sunday, October 20, 2019
1 PM doors open
German-American Club of Albany, 32 Cherry Street, Albany, NY 12205
Live music from Gregory and the Brauhaus Band
$

Prosit!

48th Annual Festival of Nations

The 48th Annual Festival of Nations will be held at The Egg in the Empire State Plaza on Sunday, October 20th from 12-5 PM. Celebrate different cultural traditions at the festival. Tasty ethnic foods are available. Unique crafts, watch ethnic dances and listen to music from various nations.

Tickets $5 for adults
Children $2 (ages 3-12)

For more information:
Web
Facebook
Instagram

Troy Annual Armenian Festival

The Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church will host its Annual Armenian Festival on Saturday, September 7, from 12 PM till 8 PM and on Sunday September 8, from 12 PM till 4 PM.

Armenian food, desserts, music, and games are available. The local Armenian Dance Group will give a live performance.

Admission is free! For more information please contact the church by calling 518.274.1477.

2019 Greek Festival

Yes, it is that time of the year again, Greek Festival. Albany goes Greek this weekend at St. Sophia, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany.
Friday, May 17, 6 pm - 10 pm
Saturday, May 18, 12 pm - 10 pm
Sunday, May 19, 12 pm - 7pm

$3 per day admission at the door. Kids 12 & under are FREE
Food - Dancing - Fun
Check the church webpage for more information

Upcoming Ethnic Event : Polish Fest 2019

The Colonie Elks Lodge #2192 will be hosting a Polish Fest on Sunday January 13th from 2-6 pm. Cost is $20 per person. There will be a live Polish band. Included in the cost is 2 Pierogies, Kielbasa, Sauerkraut, Galumpki, and apple cake. Tickets need to be purchased by January 9, 2019.

For more information contact the Elks Lodge at: 518.785.3557.

Elks Lodge #2192 is located at
11 Elks Lane (off Watervliet-Shaker Road)
Latham, New York 12110

Upcoming Oktoberfest

Here is a local Oktoberfest that escaped my list from earlier in the week. This information comes to us from yesterday's Rensselaer County Advertiser newspaper. I have been to this Oktoberfest in the past and their home-made potato pancakes were awesome!

Oktoberfest Brings Bavaria to Nassau

Nassau's Village Beautification Committee presents a traditional Oktoberfest celebration on Sunday, September 30th, at the Village Commons Park on John Street, just off US Route 20. The event runs from 12 noon until 4 p.m. and features traditional German foods,  beverages, and entertainment.

Inspired by European harvest festivals, the Oktoberfest menu will include a variety of tasty treats including an array of locally-made German sausages, vegan bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad, and made to order potato pancakes. All foods are available for take-out.

Musical entertainment will feature Nassau's own Bavarian Barons, a traditional German brass band founded in the village over 50 years ago. With a lively program of polkas, waltzes, and marches, the group has a long history of entertaining the public throughout New York and New England.

Admission is free and will take place under tents rains or shine. Guests may bring their own lawn chairs if they wish. For additional information, go to www.Nassau12123.com or call 518.766.2291.

Dutch Heritage Festival

Coming up in early October attendees of the Dutch Heritage Festival on October 5-7, 2018 in Rhinebeck, NY will able to enjoy Dutch culture. On Friday, October 5th a three-course dinner at the Beekman Arms Tavern will be available. The Bard College musicians will play classical Dutch music. Also, former New York high court judge, Al Rosenblatt, will present a talk about Dutch heritage in the Hudson Valley. Dinner cost is $50.

Contact the church office at 845.876.3727 or email at rhinebeckreformed@frontiernet.net to make dinner reservations.

Festivities continue of Saturday with the Apple Fest at the Old Dutch Reformed Church of Rhinebeck located across from the Beekman Arms Tavern. A Dutch inspired lunch, storytelling, classical Dutch music, and a tour of the Old Dutch Reformed Church and cemetery of Rhinebeck will be available.

On Sunday, enjoy a Dutch and English service at the Old Dutch Reformed church. Coffee, snacks, and a tour of the church and its grounds will be available.

Oktoberfest in New York

Ah, Fall is here now! My favorite time of the year. One of my daughter's birthdays is in October. A change in the weather; cooler days and nights. And during the Fall comes Oktoberfest. One of my favorite festivals which includes Bier, Dirndls, Lederhosen, Ompah music, German music, and did I mention Bier?

Surprisingly Oktoberfest in Munich begins in September and not in October. The fest begins this Saturday actually and ends on 07 October. Approximately six million attendees will pass through the gates.

King Ludwig I married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. Citizens of Munich were invited to attend the celebration which was held in a field which became known as Theresienwiese or "Theresa's Meadow" in honor of the Princess. The following year it was decided to resume the festivities which have become an annual event.

For those who enjoy the above mentioned features of Oktoberfest; below is a short list of Oktoberfest celebrations in New York. Check at least one of them out!

New York Oktoberfest

Pier 15, NYC

Friday, 21 September – Sunday, 14 October 2018

Mountain Brauhaus Oktoberfest

430 Winter Clove Road, Round Top, NY

Saturday, 22 September 2018

Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest

Hunter Mountain, NY

Every weekend, 22 September through 14 October 2018

Oktoberfest at Renaissance Albany Hotel

144 State Street, Albany, NY

Saturday, 22 September 2018 at 6 pm

Whiteface Oktoberfest

Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, NY

Saturday, 22 September & Sunday, 23 September 2018

Glenville Oktoberfest

Maalwyck Park, Scotia, NY

Saturday, 29 September 2018

Wolff’s Biergarten Oktoberfest

Broadway, North Albany

Saturday, 29 September 2018

Lake George Oktoberfest

Canada Street, Lake George, NY

Friday 05 October – Sunday 07 October 2018

Amsterdam Oktoberfest

Bridge Street, Amsterdam, NY

Saturday, 06 October 2018

Oktoberfest at the German-American Club of Albany

32 Cherry Street, Albany, NY

Sunday, 14 October 2018

Pinkster Celebration at Fort Crailo

The following information about an upcoming ethnic event hosted by the Crailo State Historic Site came to me earlier today via an email.

On May 26, 2018, Crailo State Historic Site will host a Pinkster celebration featuring musical performances and educational experiences. Once a Dutch holiday commemorating Pentecost, Pinkster became a distinctly African American holiday in the Hudson River Valley during the colonial era. During the 17th and 18th centuries, enslaved and free African Americans transformed Pinkster from a Dutch religious observance into a spring festival and a celebration of African cultural traditions. All along the Hudson River and on Albany’s “Pinkster Hill” (the current site of the NYS Capitol), enslaved African Americans reunited with family and friends and celebrated Pinkster with storytelling, food, music, and dance. Other Pinkster traditions, like the selection of the Pinkster King, created opportunities for enslaved African Americans to honor respected members of the community and to subtly mock their white enslavers.

Please join us at Crailo State Historic Site in celebrating and commemorating the historic Pinkster holiday from 11 AM to 4 PM on May 26th. Festivities include presentations and demonstrations by The Children of Dahomey, an educational and performance group specializing in the historical experiences of enslaved Africans and African-Americans in colonial New York. Visitors can participate in The Children of Dahomey’s traditional Pinkster dances and theatrical demonstrations, and listen in on a storytelling session. The group TMI – Black Stories Matter will share stories that connect the past to the present. Melody Africa, a traditional dance and drum troupe will perform. Ensemble Congeros will share musical traditions from the African Diaspora, combining Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian music and tying new world rhythms to their African roots. In Crailo’s kitchen cellar, culinary historian and hearth cooking specialist Lavada Nahon will be preparing food over the open hearth and interpreting historic African and African-American foodways. Other family-friendly activities will include crafts, games, music, and refreshments. The museum will be open for self-guided tours of the historic rooms and exhibits, including the featured exhibit A Dishonorable Trade: Human Trafficking in the Dutch Atlantic World, currently on display in the upstairs galleries.

For more information please contact:

Crailo State Historic Site
9 ½ Riverside Avenue
Rensselaer, NY 12144

518.463.8738
https://www.facebook.com/CrailoStateHistoricSite/

Upcoming Italian-American Genealogy and Cultural Programs

The following articles were brought to my attention via the Colonie-Delmar-Slingerlands Pennysaver weekly newspaper yesterday.

American Italian Heritage Association and Museum 
Italian Genealogy- Next Steps
ALBANY- November 30, 2017, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. As follow-up to last month's presentation, "Jumpstart Your Italian Genealogy," retired educator John Capano will provide a more in-depth exploration of research resources such as Ancestry.com to assist you in finding "lost" ancestors and new, living relatives you never knew existed. Bring your own laptop or tablet device. A donation of $5 is requested as are reservations by 11/28.

1227 Central Avenue
Albany, New York 12205
518.435.1979
info@americanitalianmuseum.org
www.americanitalianmuseum.org



American Italian Heritage Association and Museum
Italian Christmas Market
ALBANY- December 1 & 2, 2017, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; December 3, 2017, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. -Share and celebrate in the old Italian tradition of the "Christmas Market." Made in Italy Candy, Ornaments, Scarves, Foods, Italian Language Christmas Cards, Wood Ceppo. Italian Music CDs, Cookbooks, Aprons, Baby Bibs, Italian Flags & Novelties, Befana Figures, Books & Crafts. Sicilian Carts, Gift Boxed Estate Jewelry. Italian Playing & Greeting Cards, Calendars. Framed Italian Sayings, Religious Articles. Books for All Ages, hand Packed Olio Mediterraneo. Homemade Baked Goods, Personalization, Special Vendors! Featured Special Exhibit: Italian Christmas Nativity. Sit down in our Market Cafe & enjoy food, beverages & fellowship. This is a major fundraiser for our organization!

1227 Central Avenue
Albany, New York 12205
518.435.1979
info@americanitalianmuseum.org
www.americanitalianmuseum.org



American Italian Heritage Association and Museum
Italian Christmas Cooking Class
ALBANY- December 5, 2017, 11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Instructor Dolores Scalise will make an Italian Christmas stew and almond paste cookies. Tasting after the class! Cost is $10 for ingredients. Payment and reservation by 12/1 please.

1227 Central Avenue
Albany, New York 12205
518.435.1979
info@americanitalianmuseum.org
www.americanitalianmuseum.org

Polish Food Sale

An article from yesterday's Rensselaer County Advertiser newspaper mentioned:

POLISH FOOD SALE
Polish food sale sponsored by [the] Fort Crailo 471 American Legion Post. Pierogis: $8/doz. or $5 for 1/2 doz. (pot., cheese & onion, farmers cheese, sauerkraut, bacon, & onion). Golumbkis: $30/doz. or $18 for 1/2 doz. Polish breads: Babka ring $8- Placek $8. To order, call Stephanie at 518-369-1346. All orders must be in by December 9th. Pick up date is Dec. 19th, 8 Hillview Avenue, Rensselaer.

Fort Crailo American Legion Post 471
20 Partition Street
Rensselaer, NY

Upcoming Rensselaer County Genealogy/History Programs

The following programs were listed in today's Rensselaer County Advertiser newspaper.

Oakwood's 16th Annual Evening at the Earl Benefit

Thursday, October 5th - 5:00 - 8:00 PM - $65 pp.

Do you walk your dog in Oakwood Cemetery? Do you use Oakwood's roads to jog or run for fitness? Do you ride your bicycle there or walk your baby in a stroller. Maybe you love photographing Oakwood's beautiful tomb stones or wildlife or you enjoy the variety of birds and plants found there. Or maybe you just love the serenity of the peaceful grounds and ponds.

How have you shown your appreciation? Did you know that Oakwood Cemetery is private property and public is allowed to do all these activities only because of Oakwood's generosity? You can express your support by purchasing tickets to our October 5th benefit. "Evening at the Earl" is a lively fundraiser with catered hors d'oeuvres, delicious wines and fun for all, held in the gorgeous rooms of the Gardner Earl Chapel. Get ready for an evening of food, drink, merriment. Sip another glass of wine while you and your friends join in hot competition, bidding on exciting Silent Auction baskets. Proceeds support the ongoing restoration of this historic cemetery and its National Historic Landmark Earl Chapel. Call 1-800-556-6273, leave your name, phone & how many people. Pay on arrival. Credit cards accepted.

Troy Irish Genealogy Society Free Genealogy Look-Up Session

The Troy Irish Genealogy Society is sponsoring a Free Genealogy Look up Session at the North Greenbush Public Library on Wednesday, September 20. Bring your questions about how to trace your family tree or what you are trying to find out about a specific ancestor. Let the Society's experienced members help you to discover more! Please make an appointment by calling the library at 518.283.0303. Thirty-minute appointments are available from 4:00 to 7:00. Don't miss this chance to have your family genealogy questions answered. The library is located at 141 Main Avenue in the North Greenbush Municipal Building.

Oktoberfest Brings Bavaria to Nassau

Nassau's Village Beautification Committee presents a traditional Oktoberfest celebration on Sunday, September 24th, at the Village Commons Park on John Street, just off US Route 20. The event runs from 12 noon until 4 PM and features traditional German foods, beverages, and entertainment.

Inspired by European harvest festivals, the Oktoberfest menu will include a variety of tasty treats including an array of locally made German sausages, vegan bratwurst, imported German sauerkraut, potato salad,and made as you watch potato pancakes. All food is available for take-out.

What's an Oktoberfest without good beer? That question is  answered with a broad selection of both imported German beers and fresh and local ales from Nassau's own S & S Farm Brewery. Musical entertainment will feature Nassau's own Bavarian Barons, a traditional German brass band found in the the village over 50 years ago.

Admission is free and will take place under tents rain or shine. Guests may bring their own lawn chairs if they wish. For additional information, go to www.nassau12123.com or call 518.766.2291.

Italian Cultural Festivals

In the near future we will have 3 chances to enjoy Italian culture with Italian festival events. Details for each fest are below:

Rochester Little Italy Festival

When: August 11 & 12

Where: Riverside Festival Site​ on Exchange Blvd.

Cost: $10 at the door, children under 12 & veterans w/Id are FREE

Details: 

Saturday, August 12

• ​12:00 PM (Noon) to 1:30 PM -- Opening Welcome & DJ Lino Nobrega (International Music)
• 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM -- Marco Amadio (Italian-American Music)
• 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM -- Rochester Rat Pack (Music of Sinatra & Friends!)
• ​3:00 PM -- Cooking Demo with Celebrity Chef Marco & Chef Alex Spinello from Padova, Italy (Galbani Cooking Pavilion)
• ​5:00 PM -- Cooking Demo with Celebrity Chef Marco & Chef Casey Lort from Tapas 177 Lounge (Galbani Cooking Pavilion)
• 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM -- SPAGHETTI EATING CONTEST!
• ​6:00 PM to 8:00 PM -- Franco Ciffa & Andy Calabrese Orchestra (Italian Music)
• ​8:30 PM to 10:30 PM -- TRE BELLA "Three Beauties One Voice" (Italian-American Music from New York City!)

​Sunday, August 13

• 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM -- SUNDAY HOLY MASS at Immaculate Conception Church in Corn Hill (445 Frederick Douglass St.)
• Honoring St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother (Patron of Youth & the Abruzzi Region) and Our Lady of Guadalupe 
• ​12:30 PM to 1:00 PM -- GRAND PROCESSION* 

​*Departs from the Church to the festival site with Color Guards & the Pittsford Fire Dept Marching Band

• ​1:00 PM to 1:30 PM -- Blessing on the Main Stage by Fr. Claudio Piccinini from Marche, Italy & Toronto, Canada​
• ​2:00 PM to 4:00 PM -- Bossanova Bradley Brothers (Rock & Roll and Brazilian Samba Music)
• ​3:00 PM -- Cooking Demo with Celebrity Chef Marco & Wegmans Chef Pasquale Sorrentino (Galbani Cooking Pavilion)
• ​4:30 PM to 6:00 PM -- La Muralla (Salsa Music -- Salsa Dance instruction presented by Flat Iron Café!)
• ​5:00 PM -- Cooking Demo with Celebrity Chef Marco & Wegmans Chef Pasquale Sorrentino (Galbani Cooking Pavilion)
• ​6:30 PM to 7:00 PM -- Little Italy Awards Ceremony
• ​7:00 PM to 8:00 PM -- Vanessa Racci (Italian Mu)
• ​8:30 PM to 10:00 PM -- SAL "The Voice" VALENTINETTI from the hit TV show "America's Got Talent"!
• ​10:00 PM -- FIREWORKS SHOW to Conclude the Festival!

​

11th Annual Little Italy StreetFest In Schenectady NY

When: September 9th
Where: Little Italy, North Jay St., Schenectady NY
Cost: FREE ADMISSION
Details: A taste of Italy right in the heart of Schenectady - introducing the 11th Annual Schenectady Little Italy Street Fest! Featuring some of Schenectady's most well-known Italian bakeries, restaurants, pastry and spumoni shops.

Feast of San Gennaro in NYC

When: September 14-24

Where: Little Italy, Manhattan

The Feast runs along Mulberry Street, between Canal Street (on south) and Houston Street (on north). It takes place east to west on Grand Street, between Mott and Baxter Street, and east to west on Hester Street, between Mott and Baxter Streets.

Cost: FREE

Details: The 91st Annual Feast of San Gennaro will be held in Little Italy for 11 days from September 14, through September 24, 2017, on the streets of historic Little Italy, the lower Manhattan neighborhood which served as the first home in America for hundreds of thousands of Italian immigrants who came here seeking to improve their lives beginning in the early part of the 20th century.

Armenian Festival 2017

ARMENIAN FESTIVAL – JUNE 3 & 4, 2017

Welcome to the St. Peter Armenian Church, located at 100 Troy-Schenectady Road, Watervliet, New York 12189; home of the annual Armenian Festival taking place this weekend, June 3-4, 2017.

Hours for the Festival are 12-8 pm on Saturday, June 3 and 12-5 pm on Sunday, June 4.

This year’s event promises to be our biggest one yet, with live Armenian music, dancing, cooking demonstrations, craft vendors, and carnival games for the kids.

And as always, we’ll have a variety of authentic Armenian foods, including Shish Kebab, Lahmejune (Armenian pizza), an expanded vegetarian menu, rice pilaf, and an assortment of our home-made desserts.

PolishFest 2017

The annual PolishFest is held on the grounds of Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa Church conveniently located at 

250 Old Maxwell Road

Latham, New York

PolishFest is an annual three day event and the largest in Capital District celebrating Polish and Polish-American arts, literature, music, culture, history, and, of course Polish food. 

They are also proud to host Polish vendors of high quality Polish crafts not easily found in the Capital District. The event is planned so that there will be plenty of fun activities for kids, adults, and seniors. With our wide variety of musical, artistic, educational The Capital District's PolishFest is a celebration of Polish heritage – the food, music, art, language, customs and the culture of the Polish people.

DATES & TIMES:
June 2nd Friday 4PM - 9PM
June 3rd Saturday Noon - 9PM
June 4th Sunday Noon - 6PM

Admission - $5/Day
$1 off with Price Chopper Advantage Card
Children 12 and under FREE

All Children's Activities are free

Check the PolishFest website here for more info!

Upcoming Cultural Events : Summer Picnics at the German-American Club of Albany

Every Summer the German-American Club of Albany hosts three outdoor picnics in their pine tree shaded Biergarten, Schuetzenpark. The Schuetzenpark Biergarten is actually the last original German Biergarten in the Capital District.

At these picnics live German music can be enjoyed while eating delicious German Wursts and drinking imported German draft bier such as Spaten. Entry into Schuetzenpark costs around $3 per adult and children under 12 are free. The park opens at 12 noon and closes at 7 PM.

Summer Picnic Schedule:
Father's Day Picnic, Sunday, 18 June 2017
Old Time German Day Picnic, Sunday, 16 July 2017
German Summerfest, Sunday, 20 August 2017

Check their website for more information.

Upcoming Cultural Event - Greek Festival, 2017

A great cultural event is just around the corner. Friday 19 May through Sunday 21 May the 2017 Greek Festival will be held again. Albany's Greek Festival is always held at the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church; located at 440 Whitehall Road.

Admission is $3 at the door and kids under 12 are free. Once inside plenty of Greek food and drink are available for purchase. Greek music and dancing will be on hand also.

Hours for the festival are:
Friday: 6pm - 10pm
Saturday: Noon - 10pm
Sunday: Noon - 7pm

Check it out, you will not be disappointed!

Nassau Oktoberfest

Copied from the Rensselaer County Advertiser newspaper:

Nassau's Village Beautification Committee presents a traditional Oktoberfest celebration on Sunday, September 25th, at the Village Commons Park on John Street, just off US Route 20. The event runs from 12 noon until 4 PM and features traditional German foods, beverages, and entertainment.

Inspired by European harvest festivals, the Oktoberfest menu will include a variety of tasty treats including an array of locally-made German sausages, vegan bratwurst, imported German sauerkraut, potato salad, and made-as-you-watch potato pancakes. All foods are available for take-out.

What's an Oktoberfest without good beer? That question is answered with a broad selection of both imported German beers and fresh and local ales from Nassau's own S & S Farm Brewery.

Nassau's own Bavarian Barons, a traditional German brass band founded in the village over 50 years ago. With a lively program of polkas, waltzes, and marches, the group has a long history of entertaining the public throughout New York and New England.

Admission is free and will take place under tents rain or shine. Guests may bring their own chairs if they wish. For additional information, go to www.Nassau12123.com or call 518.766.2291.

Russian Winter Festival

An upcoming local cultural event is on slate at Proctor's in Schenectady on Saturday March 8, 2014.  Details for the event are below

Winter festival honors Russian culture with music, crafts and food.

Don’t miss the Grand Finale of the 6th Annual Russian Winter Festival at Proctors! A day of Russian music, folk art and food - pancakes and caviar in particular. Russian culture is celebrated during the closing day of a monthlong festival.

The Russian Winter Festival has roots dating back to the pagan era. In Russia, the festival goes by the name Maslenitsa, a weeklong celebration meant to signify the end of the winter. The festival gives Capital Region a taste of cultural tradition. The celebration might be thought of as a Russian Mardi Gras or Carnival but has a few quirks specific to the Russians, the most important being the blini - Russian pancakes.

The headlining group at this year's festival is Art-Trio Volnitsa from Moscow known to play both improvised and arranged music, giving them a sound described "as a Russian take on jazz." The group performs popular Russian folk songs tied to the spirit of the celebration and its historic background.

What else is to enjoy at the festival?

The art exhibitions, “Remembring Russia” by Tatiana Rhinevault and the Soviet propaganda posters. Contests: Best Braided Hairdo and Russian Poetry Recital. People can dress up in costumes inspired by traditional clothing and get their photos taken. Among the other learning opportunities featured at the finale, the Third Rifle Division Association, a reenacting group, portrays a typical squad of a World War II Russian rifle division.

Check Proctor's website for more details

Wurstfest

Here is the first plug for ethnic events in the Capital District in 2014.  The details are pasted from the German-American Club of Albany's website.

On Saturday January 25, 2014, escape Cabin Fever and celebrate with us on the "Wurst Night of the Year" where we will be serving a hearty German Wurst Dinner Platter and where German Bier is always on tap. Live music will be provided by Paul Slusser.  Doors open at 4 PM.  Dinner served at 5 PM.  Our Wurst platter will include 2 Wurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Salad and Dessert at $20 per person. Walk-ins are welcome for music and dancing at $6 per person.  For reserverations, please call 518.439.5932.  All of our events are open to the public!