What is the Honey Dipper Festival?
It's an opportunity for you to sample many of the fantastic foods and beverages produced or grown in the Finger Lakes region, Rochester, and other nearby communities. We are big supporters of "Buy Local" and hope to introduce you to what our area has to offer, just in case you don't already know! You also get to enjoy a full afternoon of live music on the outdoor stage from acclaimed local musicians, or sit in on one of the culinary demonstrations that will take place in our tasting room.
Where does it take place?
The Honey Dipper Festival is situated on a stunning 11-acre maple and honey farm in Victor NY--more specifically the hamlet of Fishers--owned and operated by Kettle Ridge Farm LLC. The property features our maple sugarbush with nice trails up the ridge, along with a couple of fascinating kettle-hole swamps left behind by the glaciers. Festival booths and music are located on a large lawn area not too far from our chickens and apiary.
What types of sampling will be available?
You name it, we intend to have it! Wines, cheeses, beer, juices, ciders, baked goods, confections, ice cream, distilled spirits, honey & maple syrup (of course!), vegetables & fruits, oils & vinegars, spices & mustards, meats, coffees & teas, jams & jellies, nut butters, sauces, and whatever else we can fit in.
What is the admission?
Tickets for the Honey Dipper Festival are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door. Only 600 tickets will be sold. Children under the age of 13 will be admitted free when accompanied by their parents.
Can we get something to eat (besides samples)?
Yes, we will have a few vendors serving meals, pints, etc. (at extra cost). Don't worry about going home hungry.
Will there be products for sale?
Most, if not all, of our sampling vendors will also be offering their products for sale. You will receive a free tote bag at the admission table to hold your bounty, compliments of our sponsors: Wegmans, Friendly Ford, Railside Market & Cafe, and Farm and Country Insurance. We currently do not plan to have an ATM on site and do not know which vendors will be accepting credit or debit cards.
Can we bring our dog?
No, please don't. We have enough problems dealing with goose poop and deer droppings (which are actually good for the soil). Please also note our no-smoking policy anywhere on the grounds. We do encourage you to bring a lawn chair if you are planning to chill out and listen to the music, since our hay bale seating may not accommodate everyone.
How do we get there?
Kettle Ridge Farm is located at 515 Log Cabin Rd. in Victor. From Route 96 near Thruway Exit 45, simply turn onto Main Street Fishers (towards Fishers) and drive for about a mile before making a right-hand turn onto Log Cabin Road. We are about one-quarter mile down Log Cabin Road, just south of the Thruway overpass. If you end up at Eastview Mall, you know you went the wrong direction on Route 96.
Where do we park?
We have limited on-site parking, which might be a good reason to come early (or late). Roadside parking is available along pretty much the entire length of Log Cabin Road but may require a short walk. If you are up for a half-mile hike through the middle of our maple sugarbush, use the Park & Hike option: simply park in the designated lot at Gorbel Industries (located at the far end of Fishers Run, off Main Street Fishers) and follow the trail signs up and over the ridge to Honey Dipper. Please wear boots or high sneakers for the trail, NOT sandals! Are you a bicyclist? Kettle Ridge Farm is very close to the Auburn Trail where it passes through Fishers.
What's the difference between this event and KettleFest?
KettleFest is our family-friendly festival that takes place every year in September, featuring craft vendors, music, educational workshops, and children's activities such as chicken races and the beehive box painting contest. In 2016, KettleFest attracted approximately 1,500 attendees. The Honey Dipper Festival, by contrast, is all about local foods, beverages, and music--definitely more for the adult crowd.
What if it rains?
We will all have a great time regardless of the weather. That said, it wouldn't hurt to do a little sun dance for June 17.
Questions?
Just send Chris an email: chris@kettleridgefarm.com