The Westcott Street Cultural Fair is an annual, 1-day celebration of the diversity and uniqueness of the Westcott neighborhood through its culture, visual and performing arts, food, organizations, and activities geared to families and university students returning to the neighborhood. The fair attracts more than 8,000 people annually to the Westcott Business District in mid-September for a day filled with great sounds, sights, tastes and more.
The Westcott Street Cultural Fair — Sunday, September 17, 2017, 12:30-6:30 p.m., 500 block of Westcott St. — brings an impressive lineup for fans of local music and dance. Founded by a creative group of neighborhood volunteers over 25 years ago, the Fair’s mission continues: to promote a strong sense of community among the diverse people who live and work in the Westcott neighborhood. The WSCF seeks to increase awareness of the attractiveness and viability of Westcott as a great place to live, work, shop, socialize and play.
“Now more than ever, our communities need experiences that unite us and celebrate our diversity,” says Sharon Sherman, WSCF chairperson. “The Westcott Fair has been doing that for over 25 years.”
This year’s WSCF is funded through major sponsorships by individuals and businesses, such as Andrew Besemer, Boom Babies, Byrne Dairy, Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., NY State of Health, WAER, University Hill Realty and over twenty additional business, individuals and organizations. Grant funding comes from UNSACC (Syracuse University and the City of Syracuse), CNY Arts & Kinney Drugs.
There will be over 120 booths featuring handmade items such as jewelry, hats, pottery, candles, soaps, and clothing. A signature feature of the WSCF is the diverse non-profit groups that have booths at the fair, from neighborhood organizations such as the Westcott Neighborhood Association to causes such as animal rights, reproductive rights, civil rights and the environment; to educational and governmental agencies.
Entertainment
Click Here for downloadable Program and Schedule of Events
The Center Stage, once again sponsored by WAER and located in the Dorian’s parking lot on Westcott Street, will feature artists with long ties to the neighborhood and the fair, such as Skunk City, The Spring Street Family, Brownskin Band and Root Shock.
The Dell Street Stage will feature Tots and Homefries, Count Blastula, Colleen Kattau and Dos XX, Beats and Non-Violins, Adanfo and Causeway Giants.
Appearing on the Westcott Street Acoustic Stage are Genesee Ted, Zeke Leonard and the Tin Can Twins, Mark Zane Trio, Tim Herron and the Great Blue, Donna Colton & Sam Patterelli and Pale Green Stars
The Harvard Dance Stage, located in the community lot in front of the Wacheva Cultural Arts Studio, features a diverse line-up: Drumcliffe Irish Dancers, Bassett St. Hounds, Thornden Park Morris Dancers, Dance Theater of Syracuse, South Indian Classical Dance, Alegre Flamenco, SU Ballroom Club, Roots Dance Co., Young and Talented Dance Co., La Familia de la Salsa, and a range of performances from Wacheva’s own dancers and drummers.
Be sure to swing over to the Beech St. Belly Dance stage near Beech Street to enjoy the always entertaining mix of local belly dancers.
The fair has plenty to offer in the way of children’s entertainment with hands-on activities all day long near Petit Library. The New York State of Health Kids Stage will showcase a variety of engaging acts, including Savanna Juvanis at 12:30, music and storytelling with Paul Otteson, Bluebird Music Together, Twin Magicians, Zajal the Sugarplum Fairy and Open Hand Theater’s circus. Kids’ Races will be held at 3:15, with free registration available on-site starting at 12:30. Awards will follow the races.
“The Westcott Fair is my favorite weekend of the year,” says Julie Gozan, neighborhood resident. “To see so much creativity and talent in our community is a joyous experience. The Fair brings everyone together.”
“This is a neighborhood festival, but people from all over Central New York will have a blast at the Westcott Street Fair,” says Performing Arts Committee member Adam Gold. “Grab an empanada or some BBQ, hear some first rate bands and join in the dancing!”
All performances are free and open to the public. Limited seating will be available at all stages, but Fair goers are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Handicapped parking is available.
For more information about the 2017 Westcott Street Cultural Fair, visit them on the web at
http://www.westcottstreetfair.org or their Facebook page Westcott Street Cultural Fair.
