Schoharie Promotional Association Celebrates 8th annual Lily Festival

SCHOHARIE - - On Saturday, July 12, nearly 100 vendors will descend on the Lilies of the Schoharie Valley Walking Path and Gardens on Fort Road near the Old Stone Fort.

Better known as the Lily Park, the three-acre parcel has been transformed by volunteers from Schoharie Promotional Association from a brush dump into an oasis of lilies and an explosion of color.

The nonprofit association will host its 8th annual Lily Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, featuring free admission, parking and shuttle service.

“It’s the biggest event yet, with close to 100 vendors,” said Darlene Patterson, Schoharie Promotional Association president and chair of the Lily Park Committee. “We’re hoping for dry weather, and that the lilies hold out until the event.”

One of three Schoharie village parks, the Lily Park has become a popular spot to walk and reflect for locals and tourists alike.

Founded in the spring of 2015, the park sits on three acres of village-owned land, close to Schoharie’s beloved covered bridge. It continues to expand, and thanks to a donation from the late philanthropist Nicholas J. Juried, a pavilion is now located in the heart of the park.

With a theme of “Birds & Bees,” this year’s Lily Fest will feature 90-plus vendors and crafters set up throughout the park and on the Fox Creek covered bridge, with musicians playing throughout the day. There will also be activities for children (face painting, crafts, balloons, bubbles and contests), numerous food vendors, a dog show competition, presentations and a large chance raffle – not to mention a baby miniature donkey and traveling therapy pigs.

“We’re so grateful for the generosity of so many,” said Patterson, “especially our dedicated volunteers.”

For information about the festival and a full list of vendors, or to make a donation to the Lily Park, go to https://schohariepromo.org.