SCHOHARIE – The second Saturday in July has welcomed the lilies for the past 9 years as the park becomes a sea of orange.  The Schoharie Lily Park, located at the end of Fort Road next to the covered bridge, opened in 2015 thanks to the efforts of many volunteers and has become a popular walking path and gardens.  The Lily Festival brings many to the area to see the beauty of the park and enjoy festival fun.  Admittance and parking are free, and free shuttle service is available all day.  

The theme for this year’s festival is “America 250” and will focus on our nation’s 250 years of freedom.  The festival opens at 10 am, with the National Anthem, followed by a Turning Point 1777 presentation on the Schohary District after the Declaration of Independence.  The “American as Apple Pie“ competition will determine the best apple pie maker, complete with prizes and sale of the pies after the judging.  Also planned is a trivia game on the Birth of America.

Over 75 crafters and local organizations will be in the park and on the covered bridge with plenty of shopping opportunities.  The Promotional Association will host another Chance Raffle featuring baskets and gift certificates donated by local businesses and supporters.  An expanded sound system will make announcements and entertainment much better in the park.  Additional vendors will be on hand offering extra food choices.  

There will be lots to keep the kids entertained -- face painting, bubbles, chances to win prizes, patriotic pinata and more.  This year pony rides will return in the afternoon.  To celebrate the 250th, kids can collect beads from selected vendors and build a patriotic bracelet or keychain.  

Many other events are planned – to name a few: a Dog Show Competition, the Utica Zoo Mobile will be on hand, the Burke Herrick Quartet will provide the music and the Hilltown Hags will dance.  This year’s baby animal will be a month-old colt with his mother and will be on hand in the morning.  For some added fun, Schoharie Mayor Colleen Henry will play against Middleburgh Mayor Timothy Knight in a competition on the park’s new Chinese Checkers game table.  

A complete schedule will be posted soon on the association’s website:  https://schohariepromo.org/lily-fest