Many Newstead Bicentennial events planned around the town this week

June 29, 2023July 16, 2023 17 min read

In addition to the many “big” events happening during the Town of Newstead’s bicentennial celebration there are several “smaller,” historically rich and important events pertaining to our area’s history. Check out the calendar included in this edition for a quick overview.

Tonawanda Senecas’ History

“History of the Tonawanda Senecas” will be on display at the Tonawanda Indian Community House, 372 Bloomingdale Road on Saturday, July 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as part of the Newstead Bicentennial Native American day there will be a presentation on the history of the Tonawanda band of Seneca and the Tonawanda reservation hosted by the Tonawanda Nation Historical Society. There will be tour guides for the Community House and the artifacts on display. Traditional food tasting, Native dress, and other local arts and crafts. All are welcome.

Smoke dancers’, Indian tacos, and talented native vendors will be in Russell Park

Food Truck rodeos

As part of the Newstead Bicentennial celebration, arrangements have been made to provide food truck rodeos to correspond with the two concerts and the Ag Show. Attendance at the concerts or the AG show is not required to enjoy the food trucks.

The Strictly Hip concert on Saturday, July 1 will have the following trucks available from 4pm to 8pm: Babs BBQ; Pink Cow (ice cream); West Shore Brewing; Buffalo Burger Bros; Cheesy Chicks (mac ‘n cheese); House of Munch (hot dogs, tacos, snacks, etc.); Papa’s Popcorn; Mad Iron Café (crepes); Andersons (roast beef, fries, ice cream).

The Buffalo Philharmonic concert on Wednesday, July 5 will have the following trucks available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m: Babs BBQ; Pink Cow (ice cream); Merritt Winery Slush Bar; West Shore Brewing, Cheesy chicks (mac n’cheese); House of Munch(hot dogs, tacos, snacks, etc.); Wraps on Wheels (fresh wraps); Papa’s Popcorn; Mad Iron Café (crepes); The Blend (shakes, acaii bowls and coffee); Andersons (roast beef, fries and ice cream)

The Ag Show on Sunday, July 2 will offer the following trucks: Babs BBQ; Pink Cow (ice cream); West Shore Brewing; House of Munch (hot dogs, tacos, snacks, etc).

Garden Walk

On Sunday, July 2 Akron-Newstead 2023 Bicentennial Garden Walk will feature 10 different varieties of gardens including natural habitats, roses, perennials, annuals, water features, hardscapes and history of gardens to commemorate our bicentennial celebration.

Leisurely enjoy the evening hours with illumination to create a tranquil setting. Donation Tour is free and self-guided. 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Maps: Pixley’s ShurFine Food Mart, 81 Buell St., Akron, NY and Newstead Town Hall.

Farm History Show and More

As part of the week-long Newstead Bicentennial Celebration, there will be many events in Veterans Park on Buell Street on Sunday, July 2. The day starts out at 8:30 a.m. with an Old- Fashioned Cowboy Church with a Circuit rider “clergy”, two guest speakers and music sharing the good word. Westshore Market will be selling their wares at Veterans Park starting at 9 a.m.

The Farm History Show is open to the public beginning at 10 a.m. There will be tractors, hit & miss motors, antique farm tools, equipment and more. All are invited to come, take in the sights and sounds of farming from today and yesteryear. Food trucks will be available for lunch and refreshments starting at noon. From 12 to 6 Akron First UMC will host a Bake Sale and Basket Raffle including a 40” TV and other big ticket raffles. You just might see a Sherriff’s helicopter landing. This is a family friendly event that both the young and old will enjoy.

Unique collections

Two unique collections will be on display at the Grover Cleveland Building.63 Main Street.

The doll collection of Dottie Freeman will be on display in two rooms on the second floor, (which is handicap accessible by an elevator).

Dottie has been collecting for over 40 years. “The dolls range from pre-Civil War to the wonderful Dianna Effner dolls that are so popular today. Stop in and you may see dolls you remember from your childhood”, Dottie says.

Coinciding with this on the main floor will be the Newstead Historical Society’s bell collection, donated by the late Grace Byers. This collection has almost 600 bells in it and has never been on display in its entirety before. It consists of glass, ceramic, brass, and wooden bells in many categories including Venetian bells, Delft, Carnival, commemorative and figurine bells.

The doll collection will be on display July 3 from 1-3 p.m., July 4 from 2-4p.m., July 5 from 10-12 a.m. and July 6 from 5-7 p.m., or by appointment. The bell display will follow the same schedule with the exception of July 4th when the Historical Society staff will be at the Knight-Sutton Museum hosting the annual quilt raffle and pie sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Join us to enjoy all of these wonderful displays and events”, a Newstead Historical Society spokesperson says.

Youth Day

Saturday, July 1 will be Youth Day – there will be many fun opportunities for children and families. Participants will receive a passport that highlights seven stations including: Russell Park, Newstead Public Library, Rich-Twinn Octagon House, the Tonawanda Community Building, Akron Fire Company, Limerick Hall and Maple Lawn Cemetery. The activities begin at 11:00 a.m. and run through 3:00 p.m. Receive a sticker at as many stops as you can manage. If you receive at least three stickers, each child will receive an ice cream treat between 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in Russell Park. Passports will be available at each station.

Limerick Hall (12579 Clarence Center Road) will have numerous activities, including games, demonstrations on calligraphy, potholder making, candle making, tour of the 1869 school with a “teacher” on site. Pretzels and lemonade will be available for visitors. The limerick hours begin at 10:00 a.m.

Tonawanda Indian Community House (372 Bloomingdale) will be open for tours of the Community Building along with demonstrations. Learn about the history of the Seneca people and the reservation and experience the Native culture. Artifacts will be on display.

Scavenger Hunt

The Scavenger Hunt begins on Friday, June 30 but can be completed anytime during the month of July. Everyone will enjoy finding out historic information at the many spots on the hunt. If you solve the clue, find the sign in Akron-Newstead, and solve the secret message by July 9, come to the Octagon House and receive an ice cream treat between 1:00-3:00 p.m. Scavenger booklets can be found at the Newstead Public Library, Town Hall, Village Hall, Knight-Sutton Museum and the Octagon House as well as Martin’s Mercantile or Market on Main after June 30 or receive the booklet at the opening ceremony. One booklet per family please. Use the Scan Me OR code for an electronic version. Feel free to explore through July 30

Cowboy Church

An old-fashioned non-denominational Cowboy Church service, complete with a circuit rider, will take place at Veterans Park on Buell Street (Rt. 93), just south of the Village of Akron, NY starting at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday July 2, 2023.

As part of the Town of Newstead’s Bicentennial celebration multiple events, this 45-minute gathering will include Wayne Wolf AKA Buffalo Radio Guy, WXRL’s Craig Matthews riding in on his horse named “Cowboy”.

Reverend Dale Gooch, who has 18 years in full time ministry and 7 in youth ministry and outreach will also be on hand.

Craig Wilkins, who has been involved with Nashville Cowboy Church and Music Valley Cowboy church in Nashville will sing a few western songs including leading all-in attendance in a 200-year-old hymn.

All three men will share their thoughts on what it might have been like to attend a circuit rider church service before any churches were built in this area and the preacher would travel on horseback from place to place to bring God’s word.

Although this is not an actual re-enactment folks are encouraged to attend (but not necessary) dressed in clothing from that era and or western wear. Bring a lawn chair as this event will be just outside of or under the tent that will be used for several of the Bi-centennial events during the week at Veterans Park including The Farm History show later that morning at 10 a.m.

A monetary Love offering will be taken as well as a collection of nonperishable food items for the Akron Newstead Food Pantry.

For more info call 716-542-4176.

Bicentennial items

The Bicentennial Book Committee finished the book in March and were fortunate to have it dedicated to Town Historian Don Holmes, who passed away shortly before the book went to print. Don was a true Newstead person, always willing to work on committees and improve the lives of all who live in our community. Don was a moving force on the book committee; his knowledge was vital to its success.

The commemorative books are available at Market on Main, Martin’s Mercantile, Newstead Public Library, Village Hall, Town Hall, Octagon House and Knight-Sutton Museum. If you do not live locally, a book can be sent to you if you contact the Newstead Town Hall. Make checks payable to Newstead Bicentennial Committee. Send to Town of Newstead Bicentennial Committee, 5 Clarence Center Road, Akron, NY 14001, attention: Dawn Izydorczak.