STEUBEN COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) -Summer is soon ending, but there are still many ways to make memories with loved ones before we welcome them in the fall. 

 

Before we welcome in August, today the Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes is sponsoring an event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tanglewood Nature Center called “Hike and Write.” The event will be facilitated by local poet Michael Czarnecki for free where writers can meet. Director of Communications Dave DeGolyer for the Explore Steuben App says those interested should sign up using this link.

 

“It's an opportunity to go out in a beautiful setting [and] interact with nature" says DeGolyer.

 

On Aug. 3, the Tour de Keuka returns to the Hammondsport Fire Station starting at 7 a.m. The annual charity bike ride provides three different in-person courses and opportunities for those who would rather cheer bike riders along.  

 

“It's a fundraiser for the United Way and it’s an opportunity to ride on the roads around Keuka Lake. So, there's a 45-mile, a 60-mile, and a 100-mile option.”

 

Following the Tour de Keuka, there will be a mountain bike race on Aug. 4 at Mossy Bank Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

 

Better known as “Hills on Fire,” the course will take place in a young Hemlock stand where supporters of the mountain bike riders can watch from a distance. The route comprises five challenges totaling 3.5 miles within a 7.5-mile course.  

 

The registration deadline is Aug. 2 by 5 p.m. for both Hills on Fire and Tour de Keuka -- those interested can register here.

 

For those looking for a family-friendly event can take advantage of the 205th Steuben County Fair that will run from Aug. 12-18 at the Steuben County Fairgrounds. Originally beginning in 1819, America’s oldest running county fair brings activities for people of all ages.  

 

“There's really great food, carnival rides, there's games, the pig races and harness racing, demolition derby, rodeo, all the fun stuff. [There’s] an opportunity to learn about where food comes from and actually meet farmers and, you know, it's just a lot of fun.” 

 

For daily schedule and more information, visit https://www.steubencountyfair.org/  

 

And before summer closes out, there will be weekly free concerts happening in most town squares. In addition, local breweries, wineries, and music venues are also participating in the concert fun.  

 

Here are a few of the national acts performing in July at Point of the Bluff’s Concert Pavilion: 

Christopher Cross July 27th  

Ryan Adams August 18th 

Graham Nash August 24th 

To find more exciting plans and details of when events will be taking place, visit the Explore Steuben website here