Coinciding with Wayne County’s Apple Tasting Tour, the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society (W-PHS) is hosting its 1st Annual Harvest Fling on Saturday, October 4. This event promises a celebration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage with something for everyone.

A Day of Delicious Food, Drink, and Fun

The festivities will take place on the grounds of historic Gates Hall and inside the building itself, featuring a variety of activities:

• Wine & Baked Food Sale (9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.): Under the tent on the Gates Hall grounds, the W-PHS will hold its annual fundraising sale, offering award-winning wines and delicious baked goods from local kitchens.
• Cider Pressing & Tasting (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.): Williamson Town Historian Perry Howland will lead a cider-pressing demonstration and tasting, perfect for all ages.

Educational Talks in Historic Gates Hall

Throughout the day, industry experts will share their knowledge in special presentations inside Gates Hall, America’s oldest, continuously operating small community theater. Seating is first-come, first-served in the 120-seat auditorium, and all talks are free and open to the public.

• 10 a.m.: “Finger Lakes Wines & Beyond” Lorraine Hems, a senior lecturer at Rochester Institute of Technology, will entertain guests with her global expertise in wine, beer, and spirits. A seasoned judge for international competitions, Lorraine will share her love for the great wines of New York State.
• 11 a.m.: “From Orchard to Market” Austin Fowler, a Pultneyville resident and VP of the sixth-generation family business Fowler Farms, will give a special presentation on the apple industry, focusing on how this local industry leader grows apples to ensure “quality and love at first bite.”
• 1 p.m.: The Fruit Industry and Lake Ontario Wine Trail Local grower and former winery owner Herm Young will discuss his experiences in the fruit industry and his instrumental role in establishing the Lake Ontario Wine Trail, which stretches from Monroe County through most of Wayne and into Cayuga County.

Explore and Enjoy the Day

Take a scenic drive to Pultneyville along the southern shore of Lake Ontario and make a day of it! Enjoy the crisp fall air, community camaraderie, and learn about the area’s agricultural heritage. You can also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win extraordinary gift baskets.

The W-PHS is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving local history. For more information about the historical society, visit their website at www.w-phs.org.