Short History of Salamanca's Falling Leaves Festival

Check out the Falling Leaves Festival - Salamanca NY Friday October 2 thru Sunday October 4th.

The approach of autumn means more than just raking leaves for Salamanca residents. It also signals it is time for the Falling Leaves Festival, a long standing tradition in the community for 32 years. The decline of the railroad and furniture industries from the late 1960's was causing not only an economic downturn for the community by the mid 1970's but also a decline in civic pride. Community leaders and organizations, concerned about this decrease in community spirit and stagnant growth formed a committee called the Salamanca Positive Action Committee and the idea of hosting a festival seemed like just the thing to bring about a change.

The Falling Leaves Festival was born and launched in 1976. (Yes, I know the numbers don't add up - the festival was skipped during 2003 as no group stepped forward to handle the huge job of organizing the event). The task was turned over to the Salamanca Area Chamber of Commerce. Jane Paskuly, events manager for the Chamber is currently in her second year of directing the event. While the festival has had many incarnations, Jane has been working to expand on many of the themes of that first festival. Concessions, crafts, children’s carnival, competitions, Falling Leaves Festival Queen pageant, live music, dances, car show and the always popular bed races.

Of course the highlight of the festival is the parade on Sunday Afternoon. Many communities have abandoned the idea of hosting a parade in this day and age but Salamanca’s is going strong. Last year the festival parade was a joint effort between the Salamanca Bicentennial Committee and the Chamber to host one of the largest parades in recent memory to celebrate Cattaraugus Counties 200th birthday.

Rain or Shine the Salamanca Falling Leaves Festival is always a fun time and family friendly. Make your plans now to join us in October!