Welcome to the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association site!
In partnership with the South Otselic Fish Culture Station and Gladding Braided Products, LLC, the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (OVF&HA) is proud to announce its sixteenth annual Fishing & Heritage Day will be held on Saturday, May 17th, from 9am to 4pm in the hamlet of South Otselic. Fishing & Heritage Day will include many popular activities as well as new offerings at the State Fish Hatchery, the Otselic Town Park, and other locations within the hamlet. Some of this year's plans include:
OVCS Band starts marching at 9 am, ending up in the park at 10 am.
Tickets for each duck are $5, please email Andrea Lehmann at ALehman@ovcs.org to purchase a ticket.
Proceeds to benefit the OV FFA and the OVF&HA.
Fish rearing tanks, aquarium and special exhibits.
Various environmental, conservation and historical non-profit organizations will be set up in front of the hatchery building with their displays and information.
11am and 1pmHaudenosaunee Programs: Doris Wilkins-Wilt from the Oneida Nation Cultural Center will conduct two workshops on making beaded Strawberry Picture Frames for a target age group of 3rd Grade and up. Once completed, the frames will hold a 2.5” h x 1.5” w photo. Bring a photo to fit. Seating limited.
1pmHaudenosaunee Programs: Ron Patterson from the Oneida Nation will be discussing Native American Maple Sugaring, Hunting and Fishing techniques.
10am-4pmWorkshops by local artists Adam Schmidt and Rachel Conley, supplies and seating available to paint along! All ages welcome. Seating limited.
Youth Fishing Programs by Mike Riordan
9am-11:30am and 12:30pm - 3pmFishing Clinics conducted by NYS DEC & Trout Unlimited
11:30am and 3pmFishing Prizes Announced
Young anglers are invited to try their hand at fishing in one of the NY State’s Fish Hatchery ponds in South Otselic that is specially stocked with trout. There is no fee or fishing license required and bait is provided. You may bring your own pole or use one provided by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Fisheries staff and Trout Unlimited volunteers will be available to instruct and assist. People under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Arts, crafts, antiques and food vendors. Free cornhole gaming available.
9am-4pmOneida artifact exhibit, Grace Brown exhibit with information from domestic violence programs such as Amelia's Voice and The Help Restore Hope Center.
10am-3pmDan “The Snake Man” will have an exhibit of live snakes and reptiles.
10am-12pmGeorge Anderson plays mostly his original instrumentals on six- and twelve-string guitars, the Dobro (steel resonator guitar), acoustic, electric-acoustic and solid body-electric guitars as well as keyboards. George has composed soundtracks, music and lyrics for film, TV, and radio.
12pm-2pmDennis Winge is a professional guitarist and vocalist based in Ithaca, NY, with over 30 years of performance experience. Known for his versatility and engaging style, he performs a wide repertoire spanning rock, pop, jazz, blues, and more, making his performances enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
2pm-4pmZach Rowland is a 2011 graduate of OVCS. He is a solo guitarist and singer and has performed throughout the region, including several local venues.
Paul Haggerty will lead a guided tour of the cemetery that will highlight Grace Brown’s life at the beginning of the 20th century.
Valley Busters 4-H Club: Small farm animals, snow cones and children's activities.
1:30pmTractor Show Parade.
8am-5pmDisplay of antique tractors.
Thrift shop offering clothes and small household items.
Demonstrations of Gladding's vintage rope-braiding machine.
Old School Wool and Weaving Center. Reviving timeless traditions through hand-crafted, heritage-inspired textiles while nurturing sustainable flax cultivation, spinning and weaving.
Chicken barbeque (takeout). Open house and information.
Pictorial cancellation postmark, created by Kaylie Cross, commemorating this year’s Fishing & Heritage Day. This special postmark will be available at the Post Office in South Otselic for 30 days only.
Calling All Local Artists! Otselic Valley Central School is hosting its annual Art Show from May 14 - May 23, and we want YOU to be a part of it! Community and student entries are welcome! Whether you’re a painter, sketch artist, sculptor, photographer, or just love to create — we’d love to showcase your work. Let’s make this year the most colorful and creative one yet!
