Labor Day

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Aerial photos of yesterday's Labor Day Parade in Oakfield by Timothy Wojkowski.

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI coordinator announced Wednesday that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and City of Batavia Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

While we spend the Labor Day holiday and the end of summer celebrating with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts started on Wednesday, Aug.19^th' and will end on Sept. 7th.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem.

New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

The STOP-DWI Labor Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from our STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

You can help to make a difference by having a Sober Plan!  Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp   

Impaired driving is completely preventable.All it takes is a little planning. Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Press release:

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the Oakfield Betterment Committee Board must announce the cancellation of this year’s Oakfield Labor Daze in Triangle Park.

We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to the vendors, volunteers but to our amazing community who were looking forward to another exciting Oakfield Labor Daze this year.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly and there are a few overriding concerns due to COVID-19 that have caused us to make this decision at this time.

Labor Daze is a tradition that is and has always been funded by our wonderful sponsors. In uncertain economic times like these, our wonderful sponsors have the difficult struggle and decision to not only keep, or to not keep, employees, but to keep their door open. Oakfield Labor Daze should not be a decision they are confronted with, nor one we should present to them.

Second, our primary concern is the health and safety of EVERYONE who attends Labor Daze, which includes our committee, volunteers, food, craft and game vendors to YOU, our community, who has welcomed back Labor Daze to Triangle park with open arms.

In closing, with all these factors and uncertainty, we had to make this difficult decision.

As the weeks and months pass, we will be re-evaluating the situation and will be looking for a safe and responsible way to have a celebration during Labor Day weekend. We also look forward to getting a head start on other events that the Oakfield Betterment Committee has done in the past, new event ideas, and Oakfield Labor Daze 2021.

Please stay safe, healthy and continue to show warmth to others in these trying times.

Press release:

The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce their 32^nd annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk, to be held on Monday, Sept. 2nd, at MacArthur Park in Batavia.

Participants should check in from 8 to 8:50 a.m. Race time is 9 a.m. The registration fee for runners/walkers was $25 if preregistered by Aug. 18^th, now it is $30, including the day of the event.  Runners/walkers 17 and younger was $20 if preregistered, now it's $25.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers and first place in age group. 

You can register at runsignup.com or go to Batavia Area Jaycees Facebook page. Registration forms are available at runsignup.com and the day of race.

The Batavia Area Jaycees have been a part of the community and helping out for more than 65 years. Their goal is to provide young people with the opportunity to develop personal, professional and leadership skills through community involvement and specific trainings tailored to enhance their abilities for future endeavors.

Press release:

The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce their 32^nd Annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk, to be held on Monday, Sept. 2nd at MacArthur Park in Batavia.

Participants should check in from 8 to 8:50 a.m. Race time is 9 o'clock.

The registration fee for runners/walkers is $25 if preregistered until Aug. 18^th and $30 afterward, including the day of the event. The fee for runners/walkers 17 and younger is $20 preregistered until Aug. 18^th and $25 afterward.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers and first place in age group. 

You can register at runsignup.com or go to Batavia Area Jaycees Facebook page. Registration forms are available at runsignup.com and the day of race.

The Batavia Area Jaycees have been a part of the community and helping out for more than 65 years. Our goal is to provide young people with the opportunity to develop personal, professional and leadership skills through community involvement and specific trainings tailored to enhance their abilities for future endeavors.

Batavia Area Jaycees

PO Box 285

Batavia, NY 14021

www.bajny.com

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

A full card of harness racing action, food specials and a driver’s bicycle race are all on tap as part of the annual Labor Day activities at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 3). 

The live harness racing action kicks off at 1:15 p.m. with 10 exciting races. But there will also be something for the whole family to enjoy all day long and no one will go hungry for sure. 

The featured meal is a $10.95 chicken barbecue provided by the Center Street Smoke House from noon to 3 p.m. in the clubhouse. The smell of the on-site prepared barbecue chicken with “all the fixin’s” will permeate the grandstand and come with built in value. Every meal purchased comes with $10 in Batavia Downs Gaming Free-play to be used on the gaming floor after earning one base-point. 

If chicken is not to your liking, there will also be $1 Sahlen’s hot dogs, $1 draft beer and $1 soda available on the track apron outlets from noon until the last race. 

Then after the seventh race, Batavia Downs will present the annual Driver’s Bicycle Race sponsored by Crazy Cheap Cars of Oakfield. This race features eight of the top drivers at the Downs competing in a race on bicycles that will then be given away to the fans who correctly picked the winner of the race. 

Our live guests may place an entry in the box of the driver that they think is going to win from noon to 2:30 p.m. There will be eight names chosen from the winning driver’s box after the bike race is completed and each name drawn will receive one of the bikes used in the race. There is no purchase necessary, you must be 18-years-old or older to enter and you must be present to win. 

This year’s competing drivers include (in post-position order) are John Cummings Jr., Rock Vinci, Billy Davis Jr., Denny Bucceri, Shawn McDonough, Drew Monti, Jim McNeight Jr. and Brad Jackson. 

Monti, Vinci and Bucceri have all won this race and bragging rights will be on the line Labor Day for the next 12 months.

Bill Buckenmeyer won the Batavia Area Jaycees' Labor Day 5K race yesterday with a time of 18:11.

The female winner was Kimberly Mills with a time of 19:53.

The top walker was Gina Giese with a time of 36:13.

There were also winners in various age categories.

At the youngest level, 14 and under, the top male and top female were Kameron Kuszlyk (22:46) and Maya Ciocola (29:20).

In the over 60 category, Frank Gioia (21:24) and Janice Spiotta (26:12) had the best times.

For a complete list of participants and times, click here.

A participant in the Oakfield Betterment Committee's annual Labor Day Parade fell off a horse and sustained a head injury. Oakfield fire responded along with Mercy medics. Mercy Flight was called and it just landed.

UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, en route to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE: A witness emailed: "The participant on the horse in the Labor Day parade did not sustain a head injury. She was stepping on her horse, slipped and fell on the ground and landed on her back and was taken by Mercy Flight as a precaution."

Submitted photo. Back row: Shaun Negvesky, Melanee London, Melissa Watterson, Laura Klotzbach-Dinsmore. Front row: Ritchie Kirkum, Jamie Lindsley. Not pictured: Bill Barbur and Samantha Pangrazio.

Press release:

On Monday, Sept. 4^th the Oakfield Betterment Committee will host the 2017 “Labor Day Celebration” in the Elroy D. Parkins (Little League) Park, 37 Drake St., Oakfield.

This event is a family-oriented and alcohol-free festival featuring first-rate live entertainment, children’s activities, car cruise, parade, and food vendors.

Nonprofit groups from Oakfield and surrounding areas, including Alex’s Lemonade stand, operate food and beverage stands and various games and other fundraisers at the event, making this celebration an important part of our local nonprofit organizations’ finances.

The parade kicks things off at 10 a.m. There will be a Car Cruise from 12-3. Ghost Riders perform from 12 to 3 p.m. and Terry Buchwald impersonates Elvis from 4 to 7 p.m. Plus there will be pony rides for children all day, an appearance by Mercy Flight, basket raffles, and bounce house fun ($5).

As you are aware, many local community gatherings and carnivals are disappearing due to restrictive laws, lack of funding, and difficulty maintaining a volunteer base. The Oakfield Betterment Committee is dedicated to making sure that our local event continues to be a tradition for our town. Due to the same difficulties facing other communities, we are scaling back to a one day event for 2017, but it will still have most of the features our attendees look forward to each year.

In addition to Labor Day, Oakfield Betterment hosts fun and meaningful community events such as the annual Earth Day Clean-up, summer outdoor family movie nights in Oakfield Town Park, 5K fun runs for various causes, and a Community Thanksgiving Dinner. We are also planning to have an event featuring and supporting local small businesses at the Lions Club Christmas in Oakfield. All of these events are free to the public.

When other local organizations need a helping hand, we are at their service. So far this year, we assisted with the Haxton Memorial Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff carnival and Elba Betterment Committee’s annual pig roast.

If you have any questions, or would like to join the Oakfield Betterment Committee, please check our website: http://www.oakfieldbetterment.com/ and "like" our Facebook page.

Batavia Jaycees held their 30^th annual 5K race this morning starting at MacArthur Park in Batavia. More than 50 people participated in the annual event. 

The winner was Eric Boyce pictured below with an unofficial time of 17:30. Kimberly Mills was the top female, who finished fourth in the field.

Top 10 finishers were:

1.  Eric Boyce

2. Zak Jantzi

3. Kevin Sheehan

4. Kimberly Mills

5. Mario Rosales

6. Jim Lane

7. John Bruggman

8. Frank Gioia

9. Thomas Ognibene

10. Paul Hackett

To view pictures and purchase prints click here.

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers announced this week that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

While we spend the Labor Day holiday and the end of summer celebrating with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Friday, Aug. 19^th and will end on Monday, Sept. 5^th. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem.

During the 2014 Labor Day holiday period, 83 percent of drunk-driving crash fatalities occurred between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.. Among the drivers between the ages of 18 and 34, who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday period in 2014, 51 percent of those fatalities involved a drunk driver with a BAC of .08 or higher.

The STOP-DWI Labor Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from our STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!

Layla and Elizabeth, both 4 years old, dance to the music of the Old Hippies as their float passes by on Main Street in Oakfield during the community's annual Labor Day parade.

Remember Rocky? He's the dog whom authorities say was scaled by hot water. His owner surrendered ownership in court. He's living at the Animal Shelter still. He's one of several dogs Volunteers for Animals walked through the parade, all in need of adoption. Rocky is a sweet, loving canine. Hopefully, he finds a new forever home soon.

Willie Brooks, center with sash, was the Grand Marshall. Brooks is a former county legislator and longtime volunteer and leader in the Oakfield community.

The start of the parade, which tradition preserved as Sheriff Gary Maha leads the way.

Vietnam Veterans of America Color Guard.

The longest line yet of classic cars in the parade.

Legislator Ray Cianfrini tosses candy from the GOP float.

Oakfield-Alabama Hornets football team.

To purchase prints of these photos or those in the slideshow, click here.

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving. The statewide STOP-DWI Labor Day enforcement effort begins today (Aug. 21) and runs through Sept. 7.

As summer winds to a close the Batavia Police Department asks that you celebrate responsibly and have a plan. If you plan on going out make sure to have a designated driver, or leave your vehicle behind. Officers will be on duty looking for intoxicated motorists in an effort to keep our streets and highways safe.

While we spend the Labor Day holiday and the end of summer celebrating with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem.

Genesee County Undersheriff William Sheron advises: “The Sheriff’s Office has already made 33 more DWI/DWAI arrests this year than we did at this time last year. Clearly the problem is not going away. We are not limited to alcohol impairment.

"With eight Drug Recognition Experts in our ranks, we have the additional ability to detect those drivers who are impaired by both illegal drugs and misused prescription medications. This Labor Day Weekend, our patrols will be focused on removing all impaired drivers from our highways regardless of their drink or drug of choice.”

The STOP-DWI Labor Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from our STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers.

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!

Labor Day weekend – the last summer blowout before school starts and the temperature starts to dip – is when hundreds of people converge on the Village of Oakfield for the fun of it.

Reasons to go there on Sunday and/or Monday are ample: an arts & crafts show, 5K run, car cruise, pony rides, rubber ducky race, cow chip bingo, fireworks, parade, kid zone, basket raffles and music galore. There’s food, too, and beverages to quaff. Goodies galore.

The OBC – Oakfield Betterment Committee – has outdone itself this year, with a lineup that starts Sunday morning and goes through late Monday afternoon when cash prizes are awarded and one lucky winner will get a John Deere utility vehicle and trailer.

This year musicians include: the famous, multi-generational classic country act that is the Ramblin’ Lou Family Band; “hardcore country music with a twang” – The Ghost Riders; WNY’s oldest round and square dance band, Kelly’s Old Timers; NYS Country Music Hall of Famers -- the Craig Wilkins Band; The Old Hippies, no need to say more, except peace and love, man; and, of course, the ubiquitious King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a hunk a hunk of burnin’ luv if ever there was one.

Plus, there will be skilled performers, jugglers, unicyclists and magicians in the Kid Zone, and a Fun Run just for kids.

Registration for the 5K and Fun Run starts at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at the Big Pavilion at Elroy D. Parkins Park on Drake Street in the Village. Entertainment kicks off at 11 with the Ramblin’ Lou Family Band. Fireworks end the evening at 10.

On Monday, the Parade down Main Street gets under way at 10 a.m.

Dozens of locals businesses sponsor Oakfield Labor Days in the Park. Proceeds benefit improvement and beautification projects in Oakfield.

The place will be packed. Shuttle service is available.

For a detailed schedule of events, click here:

http://www.oakfieldbetterment.com/schedule.html

Oakfield's Labor Day celebration kicked off today with live music, fun for the kids, a craft show and food.

Tonight, there will be a fireworks display.

The fun continues Monday starting with a parade at 10 a.m.

On a less pleasant note today, their was a raffle for two prizes today, a handmade quilt and a Christmas tree skirt hand sewn by one of Oakfield's 80-year-old residents. 

After the prizes were awarded, somebody stole the skirt.

"Nice people," Melissa Haacke said. "They're going to enjoy Christmas with a stolen skirt."

Of course, Oakfield is THE place to be to celebrate the Labor Day weekend. The annual two-day event is set for Sunday and Monday, Sept. 2-3 at Elroy D. Perkins / Little League Park on Drake Street.

Hosted by the Oakfield Betterment Committee, there will lots of live music, crafts, games and food for families to enjoy together, including a car and motorcycle cruise, and a great parade with amazing floats, marching bands and fire trucks.

Here's the live entertainment line-up:

SUNDAY Sept. 2

Noon to 3 p.m.: Ghost Riders

3:30 to 6 p.m.: Penny Whiskey

6:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Savage Cabbage

9:45 p.m.: Fireworks!!!

MONDAY Sept. 3

10 a.m.: Oakfield Labor Day Parade -- Theme: "American Pride"

Noon to 12:45 p.m.: McMahon School of Irish Dance

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Batavia Brass Society Band

3 to 6 p.m.: Terry Buchwald as Elvis -- "A Tribute to the King"

Prize drawings will happen at 6 p.m.

• First Prize -- $1,000 cash
• Second Prize -- Apple iPad3
• Third Prize -- $300 cash
• Fourth Prize -- John Deere Electric Toy Gator
• Fifth Prize -- $200 cash
• Judges Choice Grand Prize -- $500 cash (best parade entry)

Prize / Raffle tickets can be purchased at Oakfield Town Hall, Oakfield Pharmacy, Becky's Treasures. Hair Et Cetera, and Millenium Computers.

In addition, first-, second-, and third-place cash prizes will be awarded by judges for marching bands / performance groups, fire departments / trucks, and floats.

There will also be a Basket Raffle, Quilt Raffle and Christmas Tree Skirt Raffle.

The Car & Motorcycle Cruise is 1 to 6 p.m. at the Oakfield Town Hall.

If you or your company or organization would like to donate a basket, please contact Melissa Haacke at 314-4501 or email mhaacke@townofoakfieldny.com

Sponsorships, food vendors, craft vendors and parade participants are still wanted. Here's some contact information for the committee chairs:

Entertainment -- Kate Manges -- 813-2657 or kate.manges@yahoo.com

Craft Vendors -- Kim Staniszewski -- 356-7262 or stanski98@yahoo.com

Food Vendors -- Karl Dilcher -- 313-0100 or tdilcher@rochester.rr.com

Car & Motorcycle Cruise -- Bonnie Klein -- 409-5978 bsklein@verizon.net

                                           OR Dan Klein -- (716) 560-0380 or bsklein@verizon.net

Sponsors -- Pam Denny -- (716) 474-1950 or pdenny@townofoakfieldny.com

Parade -- Michelle Johnson -- 409-9299 or mljohnson@2ki.net