Fall festival set for this Saturday

PENN YAN--Following the successful Trunk or Treat event in Penn Yan, members of the Downtown Business Council will host the second annual Fall Festival Celebration this Saturday, Nov. 5, from 1 to 6 p.m. The family-friendly event will unfold along Main Street and features something for everyone.
According to Teresa Hoban, chair of the Downtown Business Council and owner of Hoban Spirits and Hoban Chiropractic, festival attendees will enjoy tasty treats from a variety of food trucks, music from wandering musician Dave Boyd, and the opportunity to visit with dozens of vendors. Boyd is known for his renditions of well-known artists, including Neil Diamond to Journey. Children will enjoy the bounce house, petting zoo with alpacas, hay rides, and games.
Those looking for some spirited competition can register this week for the cornhole tournament. Email downtownbusinesscouncil@yatesny.com or just show up - with or without a partner. Organizers will draw names to form teams.
"This is a really fun way to spend a Saturday between Halloween and the holiday crunch," said Hoban. "Our store owners will be open and ready to greet you. Last year we welcomed about 1,500 people to the community for this event, including people from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and all over New York. We expect even more this year."
This Friday will also mark the council's "First Friday" focus with select businesses staying open to embrace the increased weekend traffic. Author/illustrator Denise Lawson will be available at Longs' Cards and Books beginning at 5 p.m. to offer book signings. Lawson helps re-home retired sled dogs from remote areas of Alaska and has authored several popular books in the "Black Bear" sled dog series. She will also visit the Branchport library, Saturday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. to host a storytelling session.