The only Arkport in the United States is embracing its history during Summerfest weekend July 11-13.
Arkport was founded in 1797 by Christopher Hurlbut and named for the arks that carried crops, livestock, potash and timber from the Canisteo River to the Chesapeake Bay.
“Summerfest Celebrates Everything ARKport” is the event theme as the Steuben County village taps into its origins as a port for the enormous wooden cargo vessels.
Summerfest organizers said the theme is also tied to welcoming the Canisteo Valley Historical Society to the village. The society, which dates from 1874, acquired the historic “Rork House” 5 at East Ave. in Arkport for the group’s first permanent museum and office.
The historical society said it will host an open house on Friday and Saturday to allow community members to get a peek at the progress on its new home. Look for the “Open House” sign for times when tours are available.
With history as the backdrop, Summerfest weekend includes a parade, a festival in Arkport Village Park, fireworks, a 5K run and walk, a classic car show, a cornhole tournament and a pie eating contest.
If you are heading to Arkport this weekend, here’s what is on tap over three days.
Schedule of events
Friday, July 11
The Arkport Central School Alumni Banquet is from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. at The Main Place in Hornell.
Stone Cold performs at the Arkport Village Park gazebo, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 12
Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast at Arkport American Legion Post 1248 is from 7-10 a.m.
Sign-ups for the Summerfest 5k Run and Walk, behind the Village Hall and Fire Department, start at 7:30 a.m.
The 5K Run and Walk starts at 9 a.m.
The Summerfest parade steps off at 11 a.m. from in front of Arkport Central School with line-ups at 9 a.m. Extra credit for participants who incorporate arks and/or local history into their parade floats!
The festival in the Village Park begins at noon, with games and activities for all ages and a variety of vendors. Plenty of food and drinks will be available. Concerts from the Park Gazebo by Woods Willow at noon and Gemini at 5 p.m.
The fireworks show at dusk is sponsored by HP Hood and the Arkport Summerfest 5k Walk and Run.
Sunday, July 13
Non-denominational church service at Village Park pavilion, 9 a.m.
The 68th anniversary Chemung Valley Region, Antique Automobile Club of America Antique & Classic Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A chicken barbecue put on by the Arkport Volunteer Fire Department is available from 11 a.m. until it is sold out.
Festival in Village Park opens at noon. Concert by Rusty Strings, noon to 4 p.m.
Cornhole tournament in the Village Park, noon.
Pie eating contest at the park pavilion, 1 p.m. Sign up at the Summerfest booth.
Volunteers welcomed for Arkport Summerfest
The Summerfest Committee said it welcomes ideas, input and suggestions to assure Summerfest remains a successful annual event.
The Summerfest Committee also said it would welcome volunteers during the festival or for any of its fundraisers. Any amount of time would be greatly appreciated.
Questions or comments can be left on the Arkport Summerfest Facebook page or by emailing arkportsummerfest@gmail.com.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: One and only Arkport plans a Summerfest for the history books. See July 11-13 schedule
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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