Wellsville/Libraries
The David A. Howe Public Library in Wellsville will host a living-history presentation on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 5:30 p.m., with re-enactor Ken Serfass portraying President Ulysses S. Grant. Titled a look at the United States at 250 through the eyes of the "Centennial President," the program focuses on 1876, when Grant opened the nation's first World's Fair, the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, during the country's 100th anniversary year. The free presentation ties into the library's broader programming ahead of Wellsville's own America's 250th celebration planned for later in August. Serfass's appearance gives area residents a chance to hear a first-person account of a pivotal moment in American history.
Rushford/Communal
Rushford Lake Dam Day, an annual fundraiser to help maintain the nearly century-old Rushford Lake Dam, returns Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The daylong event features live DJ music, a chicken barbecue from Krolick's BBQ, guided behind-the-scenes tours of the dam, and a boat raffle sponsored by Seager Marina. Organizers also plan basket and meat raffles, a 50/50 drawing, local vendors, and Rushford Lake apparel and souvenirs for sale. The event has become a summer tradition for the lake community, with proceeds going toward preserving the dam's infrastructure.
Olean/Communal
Cattaraugus County's WIC program held its annual World Breastfeeding Week picnic on Aug. 7 at War Vets Park in Olean, drawing families for a free, public gathering from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event featured refreshments alongside booths staffed by area nonprofits offering resources on health care access, diapers, baby-proofing and childhood literacy for new and expecting parents. City, county and state government representatives took part in dedications recognizing the occasion. The picnic is an annual tradition for the county's Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, aimed at connecting local families with breastfeeding support and other early-childhood resources.
Olean/Nonprofits
Foster Cattaraugus will hold its third annual Adult Prom fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 15, beginning at 6 p.m. at Woodside Tavern on the Range in Olean. This year's speakeasy-inspired, Prohibition-era theme will bring dinner, dancing, raffles and live entertainment to raise money supporting foster children and families across Cattaraugus County. Presale tickets are $40 per person or $60 per couple and include admission and dinner, available through the organization's Facebook page or online ticketing. Organizers note the event has sold out in past years and are encouraging early ticket purchases.
Ellicottville/Communal
Taste of Ellicottville returns to the village Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8-9, with participating restaurants serving café-style tastings along Washington and Monroe streets. Guests exchange event tickets for small plates and signature dishes, with extra tasting tickets available for purchase throughout the weekend. Live music runs at venues around the village, including a Saturday afternoon set by the Bello Studios singers at Mill Street Sports Pub. This year's festival also folds in a tribute to America's 250th anniversary alongside the usual food, wine and spirits lineup.
East Otto/Arts & Photography
Griffis Sculpture Park is partnering with Pisa Creative Workshops for two evenings of printmaking classes on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 11-12, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the park's Gate House on Mill Valley Road. The sessions are designed for beginners, walking participants step by step from a blank idea through a finished print without requiring any prior art experience. Instructor James Pisaturo, who runs Pisa Creative Workshops and has more than two decades of art-teaching experience, leads the guided classes amid the park's outdoor sculpture grounds. The workshops add to Griffis's ongoing summer lineup of hands-on art programming alongside its permanent outdoor sculpture collection.