More photos from Saturday can be found below
The village of Penn Yan celebrated Yates County’s Bicentennial in style on Saturday. The day-long celebration began in the Yates County Courtyard Park with the dedication of a Bicentennial Monument donated by the Penn Yan Lions Club. A time capsule that represents Yates County’s history and heritage was also dedicated. Proclamations were read by Yates County Legislator Mark Morris, State Senator Tom O’Mara (on behalf of himself and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano), and Michael Stadelmaier, who is Rep. Claudia Tenney’s District Manager. Sheriff Ron Spike gave those in attendance a brief history of the Courtyard and its monuments. The new obelisk stands where the original flag was placed on the courtyard lawn.
Teams from Birkett Mills, Steve Shannon Tire and Auto Center (formerly Trombley Tire), Mark’s Pizzeria, and the Penn Yan McDonald’s all took part in the return of the bed races down Hicks Street. The races were fun for participants and spectators and in the end, it was the team from the Birkett Mills that came away victorious! Click here to watch the Bed races!
Also on Saturday, Yates County Legislature Chairwoman Leslie Church presented Penn Yan Mayor Dan Candella with a check for $500 from the county for the village’s parks.
More than 60 floats took part in the Penn Yan parade for the Yates County bicentennial. Fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, county government, service organizations, non-profits, churches, and businesses, including WFLR, all took part in the parade that lasted nearly an hour.
Following the parade, attendees gathered again at the Firemen’s Field to hear a Yates County favorite, Ruby Shooz perform for three hours.
The day was capped off by an impressive fireworks display at Indian Pines Park that was made possible by the Yates County Chamber of Commerce.
All photos and videos by Lucas Day, Finger Lakes Daily News
