What's Happening 315
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Woodsman's Field Days this Weekend. Water Safari Has a New Ride Coming. What's Happening 315!

Woodsman's Field Days this Weekend. Water Safari Has a New Ride Coming. What's Happening 315!

Edition 18 - August 12 to August 18

Arthur Mucitelli
August 12, 2025

It’s been a busy couple of weeks with all the county fairs, but the summer isn’t over yet. This weekend, the 2025 NYS Woodsman’s Field Days opens, offering plenty to do for the whole family. And we’re only a couple of weeks away from the Great NY State Fair.

Let us know your plans, or if you have a big event coming up, so we can share it with our audience. Tag us in any of your summer fun pics on Instagram or add #whatshappening315.

—Art Mucitelli, Publisher and Local

In today’s newsletter:

2025 NYS Woodsman’s Field Days are this week.
Water Safari plans to open a new ride.
David Lee Roth at the Turning Stone Event Center.

Around the Area: 2025 NYS Woodsman’s Field Days

The 2025 NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days promises a full three‑day celebration of logging heritage. Visitors can watch world‑class lumberjacks and lumberjills compete in chopping, sawing and rolling contests, shop for chainsaws or crafts at over 125 vendors, send kids to dig for prizes in the Kid’s Zone, and cheer on the parade and porchfest. Evening competitions like the greased‑pole climb, beards contest, tug‑of‑war and fireworks create a festive atmosphere. Since its 1948 inception as a modest fundraiser, the Field Days have evolved into a regional institution that honours forestry traditions while supporting scholarships and local charities.

Daily competitions & shows – World-class lumberjack and lumberjill contests, Empire State Game of Logging, junior championships, horse skidding demos, and Birds of Prey exhibitions.
Family fun – Expanded Kid’s Zone with bounce house, axe throw, and sawdust dig, plus a craft fair and paint classes.
Parade & music – Saturday parade through Boonville, followed by the Marching Band Sound-Off and live entertainment.
Evening excitement – Greased pole climb, beard contest, tug-of-war, and fireworks on Friday night.
Shopping & community – Over 125 forestry and craft vendors, consignment auction, and charity fundraisers like Log-a-Load for Kids.

Don’t miss one of Upstate New York’s most exciting summer traditions! Head to Boonville August 15–17 for three days of thrilling lumberjack competitions, family activities, live music, shopping, and more. Plan your visit now and be part of the action at the 78th Annual NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days.

The 315 Digest

Teoka Muhammad’s Carol Crooms Roots & Wings Summer Program in Utica provided more than 25 local students with hands‑on experiences in STEM, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and vocational training. Participants built rocket cars, learned about computer programming, visited the Pratt Institute and St. Luke’s Hospital, and even planted crops at a community garden. The free program is run by community volunteers and aims to inspire students’ curiosity and self‑sufficiency. Read more at Utica Phoenix.

Old Forge’s Enchanted Forest Water Safari announced that a new spinning coaster, Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul, will debut for the 2026 season. The family‑friendly ride will feature a 1,378‑foot figure‑eight track, spinning ride cars, and a 30‑inch height requirement. Park officials said the coaster’s theme honours Paul Bunyan, whose animated figure has welcomed guests for decades. Read more at WKTV.

Events happening this week in the 315!

Monday 8/18
Blood Drive | Greater Utica Chamber | 9:30 AM
Spin and Sweat: Hoola Hoop Class | In Bloom Yoga | 5:30 PM

Check the event link. Some events have a fee. We only post beginning times.

To have your event added, contact us at [email protected]

Submit your event to be added to the list. 🥳

The deadline for inclusion is the Monday before your event for our Tuesday newsletter.

Foodtrucks and Foodie Heaven in the 315

To have your event added, contact us at [email protected]

Live music happening in the 315 this week

To get your gig on the list, email us at [email protected]