Franklin Street in Watkins Glen closes to traffic Friday, and vintage sports cars take it over for the day. They'll run the original 6.6-mile course that was used before there was a permanent track up on the hill.
That first race, in 1948, started in front of the Schuyler County Court House. Which is exactly where the Hare Prix kicks off on September 19. Same street, same line, considerably slower and with more sweating 😀
🏁 COMING NEXT WEEKEND 🏁
I'm looking forward to seeing some Finger Lakes Effect readers at the second annual Hare Prix 10K. As race director, I get to watch both returning and brand-new runners come through, which is one of my favorite parts of the day.
Race it, ramble, or take your time. Everyone ends up at the Lucky Hare marina for the after party.
All finishers get a medal. Brunch and a race tech shirt are optional. Details here!
❓ ONE QUICK QUESTION ❓
The FLX Trail was the first game made by, and for, Finger Lakes Effect readers. I’ve had a lot of ideas since it was released earlier this summer for some addition fun games to create. That got me thinking…
🎨 WORK WITH YOUR HANDS 🎨
If you haven’t visited the Clay School in Ithaca, the Try It Workshops is a great way to get started and take advantage of all of the great classes they offer. To save you some typing, here’s those links in an easy to checkout format:
🔆 QUICK HITS 🔆
Chip in once, or monthly, and you keep the Finger Lakes Effect going. More of this, and more people to share it with.
Dinner Club is going to Skaneateles for the first time. Join us on September 24.
The Bulletin
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Fulkerson Winery - Wine or juice, either way your taste buds will be happy you came. After you’ve tasted your share, hit the grounds for a hike or maybe some ultimate frisbee.
Linden Social - Looking for a good cocktail and an easy place to unwind? Swing by Linden Social and bring a friend or two.
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise: 6:39 AM
Moonrise: 4:44 AM
Air Quality: 26 GOOD
Sunset: 7:27 PM
Moonset: 6:44 PM
Property: 12 acres with Keuka views
Pets: Meet good old Duke!
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival (Watkins Glen - Friday)
I'm Not An Artist! An Intervention for the Reluctant Creative (Ithaca - Saturday)
Alive After 5 (Elmira - Friday)
Wednesday, September 9
Greater Ithaca Art Trail ARTIST TALKS! (Ithaca) — Meet Greater Ithaca Art Trail artists and hear them discuss their paintings, photographs, sculptures, and pottery, September 9-16.
The Fascinating Phenomenon of Bird Migration (Ithaca) — Discover insights into bird migration patterns and long-term songbird banding research from a leading ornithology expert.
Wisner Market (Elmira) — Browse some of the Southern Tier's finest local farmers, crafters, food vendors, and entertainers at this curated community market.
“Hat Design” with Wood Burning Tools with Crissy McGinness (Penn Yan) — Design and personalize a suede hat using wood burning tools and stencils in this hands-on creative workshop for all skill levels.
Thursday, September 10
Brewhouse Blues Jam (Freeville) — Experience Ithaca's longest-standing blues jam tradition with talented house musicians and guest performers.
Spaghetti Dinner (Penn Yan) — Support a great cause while enjoying a delicious spaghetti dinner benefiting Keuka Lake community initiatives.
Women Veterans Whole Health Retreat (Penn Yan) — Women veterans can participate in a whole health retreat offering wellness activities and community support.
SVRA Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix (Watkins Glen) — Witness one of the largest vintage racing events in the country celebrating motorsport's storied history, September 10-13.
Friday, September 11
Open Doors: Harvest Tours (Dundee) — Tour a working winery during harvest season and taste wines while learning the winemaking process firsthand.
Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival (Watkins Glen) — Celebrate Watkins Glen's racing heritage with vintage car tributes, live history lectures, and downtown festivities.
Choir! Choir! Choir! presents: Landslide, An Epic Fleetwood Mac Sing-Along (Geneva) — Join hundreds of music-lovers in this interactive, participatory sing-along celebrating Fleetwood Mac's greatest hits.
Stereopticon live! (Watkins Glen) — Live music with Stereopticon featuring feel-good, funky tunes, craft beer, and food at Lucky Hare Brewing.
Music & Wine Series 2026 (Penn Yan) — Enjoy live music paired with wine at Keuka Spring Vineyards for an elegant evening experience.
The Legends Speak (Watkins Glen) — Free interactive panel discussion featuring legendary racing figures sharing memories from Watkins Glen's storied history.
Patrick Young MUSIC: Keuka Brewing Co. (4-7pm) (Hammondsport) — Experience live acoustic covers from classic rock to country with Patrick Young at this brewery venue.
Alive After 5 (Elmira) — Join the region's largest free monthly happy hour celebration featuring live music, beverages, and a fun street festival atmosphere.
Hook & Sip: Happy Hour Specials @ Either Oar (Hector) — Enjoy happy hour specials with discounted wine, cocktails, and charcuterie at this scenic vineyard establishment.
Highly Connected 2nd Anniversary Party (Ithaca) - Live DJ, Babe’s Burgers food truck, giveaways, raffles, and more at the outdoor alley-way location next to the dispensary.
Saturday, September 12
Toni's Race: Strollin' for the Colon (Honeoye Falls) — Walk or run to support colon cancer awareness with a 5K or 1-mile option.
Knights IceBreaker 5k (Canandaigua) — Run 3.1 miles with the Canandaigua Knights in this community 5K race.
Silver Thread 35th Anniversary Dinner (Lodi) — Celebrate Silver Thread's 35th anniversary with a scenic lakeside dinner featuring local ingredients and award-winning wines.
7th Annual Garlic Day (Lyons) — Celebrate all things garlic with flavored dishes, braiding demonstrations, and expert talks on garlic varieties.
CNY Tomatofest (Auburn) — Enjoy music, local food, and community spirit at this festival raising funds and food donations for county food pantries.
Seneca Sounds Music & Arts Festival (Geneva) — Celebrate regional musicians and creative community with live music on two stages, food vendors, and interactive art.
Little Lakes Fiber Fair (Hemlock) — Shop yarns and fiber art from regional vendors, enjoy demonstrations, and register for upcoming workshops.
Dairy Discovery 5K & Fun Run (Shortsville) — Participate in a 5K race or free fun run celebrating dairy farming and local agriculture.
I'm Not An Artist! An Intervention for the Reluctant Creative (Ithaca) — Challenge your creative assumptions in this art therapy-facilitated intervention designed for reluctant artists and those seeking a creative comeback.
Sunday, September 13
Ithaca 5&10 Road Races (Ithaca) — Challenge yourself in 5K, 10K, or 1-mile races through Ithaca's scenic routes.
Ithaca is Books Festival (Ithaca) — Celebrate books, authors, and literary culture at Ithaca's festival showcasing the written word.
Keuka Trail Farm Market food truck and music with States Apart at Apple Barrel Orchards (Penn Yan) — Experience live music from States Apart paired with farm-fresh food from Keuka Trail Farm Market food truck for a perfect fall day.
Recurring Events
Limited Duration - click here
Trivia - click here
Kid Friendly - click here
See you out there!
Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect.
Adam Moody
