By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
ELLICOTTVILLE — A 10-foot bronze statue of a female American astronaut was dedicated last week in front of the Ellicottville Town Hall at the opening of the Gazebo Concert Series.
The statue of chemist and astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson is on loan from Griffis Sculpture Park and The Essex Arts Center and will remain in place through the summer under an agreement with the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the Gazebo Concert Series.
The remainder of the Thursday night Gazebo Concert Series follows:
July 11 — Rockmaninov.
July 18 — Miranda Wilcox Duo.
July 25 — Second Act.
Aug. 1 — Jess and The Mess.
Aug 8 — ASP (All Star Project).
Barb Pump, executive assistant at the Chamber of Commerce, said the decision was made to display a statue of a women was a nod to the fact that most business owners and managers in Ellicottville are women.
This Fourth of July weekend is one of the biggest of the year for Ellicottville merchants — The Summer Music Festival, Pump said.
This Friday night will kick off a weekend of music, starting with SON ay the Gazebo at 7 p.m.
The music continues Saturday with One Vision of Queen, featuring Marc Martel on the Holiday Valley stage starting at 9:15 p.m. Opening act is Orchard Park native Caitlin Koch, who performs at 7 o’clock.
Earlier Saturday all eyes will be on the Pet Parade starting at 11 a.m.
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, the Tri-County Arts Festival and Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce will sponsor Ellicottville Fine Art and Crafts Markets in the village.
On Sunday evening, the Holiday Valley hills will reverberate with the sounds of The Who and Led Zeppelin as performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The BPO, performing at its 25th Summer Music Festival, performs at 8 p.m. Fireworks will end the show
The gates at Holiday Valley open at 5 p.m. both days. The cost is $60 per person.
Visitors may bring chairs, coolers and snacks. There were also be food and beverages available on site.
“Advance ticket sales are ahead of last year,” Pump said. “It is going to be a great music weekend.”
