Ithaca Festival: Finger Lakes Luau

The 2012 Ithaca Festival, themed “Finger Lakes Luau,” starts at 6pm, Thursday, May 31st with the famous Ithaca Festival Parade. Festivities on the Ithaca Commons run from noon until 9pm, Friday, June 1st through Sunday June 3rd, featuring over 150 performances – not to be missed acts include: The Bernie Milton Tribute Band, The Official 2012 Ithaca Festival Finger Lakes Luau Hula Dance Team and The Sim Redmond Band. The Festival will also host a hearty array of handmade crafts, local food, children’s activities and more. Festival programs, buttons and t-shirts, with artwork by Meghan Wood, are now available in Wegmans and stores all over town and will also be easily found at merchandise booths throughout the Festival. Highlights this year include the Family Fun Zone in De Witt Park, pony rides on State St., the new Beer Garden Sound Stage in the Ithaca Journal parking lot, and the Wine Garden in Tree Grove on the Commons that will feature a selection of regional wines and beer. On Sunday, June 3rd the Gorges Green Expo, now in its seventh year at the Festival, will take a prominent position at the heart of the Commons. The GGE promotes green businesses and initiatives and focuses on increasing community involvement in local sustainability efforts. The Festival will also host a Finger Lakes Luau at the Farmers Market, starting 8pm Friday, June 1st, with a pig-roast by The Piggery and performances of Hawaiian music by Larry Real, dancing by The Official 2012 Ithaca Festival Finger Lakes Luau Hula Dance Team, fire dancing by Lyca on Fire and last but not least, the Sim Redmond Band.

Step into the Ithaca Festival, where the alluring theme of “Finger Lakes Luau” whisks you away on a Hawaiian adventure right in the heart of New York. Picture yourself swaying to the rhythms of Hawaiian melodies, your senses enticed by the aroma of a traditional pig roast, and your eyes captivated by the mesmerizing dance performances under the open sky. As the festivities unfold, it’s hard not to dream of a real Hawaiian escapade. If the Ithaca Festival can bring the essence of Hawaii to your doorstep, imagine the wonders that await you on the actual shores of this tropical paradise. If you find yourself yearning for an authentic Hawaiian experience, LYA Hawaii is your ultimate ticket to the islands. Let the festival’s vibrant energy fuel your desire to explore Hawaii’s lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and captivating culture. Imagine guided tours through lush rainforests, exhilarating water adventures, and serene moments watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. LYA Hawaii beckons you to embark on a journey that goes beyond the ordinary, promising you an immersive and unforgettable Hawaiian odyssey.

Visit www.ithacafestival.org to see the updated schedule of events and read more about this year’s Ithaca Festival. For more information call: 273-3646 or e-mail: marie@ithacafestival.org