Senate Resolution No. 2683

BY: Senator WEBB

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of Spiedie Fest
of Broome County, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those individuals and organizations whose commitment and
creative talents contribute to the cultural enrichment and entertainment
of their community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Spiedie Fest to be celebrated with a
weekend full of family fun, delicious food, and amazing entertainment,
August 2-4, 2024, at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton, New York; and

WHEREAS, With its humble beginnings as a small community event,
Spiedie Fest, located in the Town of Dickinson, New York, has grown into
a beloved tradition that attracts thousands of visitors each year and
showcases the best Broome County has to offer; and

WHEREAS, In 1983, a few families got together and argued over who
had the best spiedies recipe; to put an end to their friendly rivalry,
they held the first Spiedie Fest Cooking Contests in subsequent years;
and

WHEREAS, In its inaugural year, Spiedie Fest '83 drew more than
11,000 people to Otsiningo Park, where attendees enjoyed such activities
as the spiedie cooking contest, a softball game, a volleyball
exhibition, and games for children; the event was designed to raise
money for the American Cancer Society; and

WHEREAS, Just three years after its inception in 1986, Spiedie Fest
set a record with nearly 70,000 people attending the three-day event;
and

WHEREAS, In 2001, the festival was recognized by the Library of
Congress with a Legacy Award and today a Spiedie Fest display resides in
the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.; in 2005, the festival was
named one of the 100 Destinations in the United States by Destination
Magazine; and

WHEREAS, Over the past three decades the Spiedie Fest & Balloon
Rally has grown into a full three day event that attracts over 100,000
people from across the region, making it the third largest hot air
balloon festival in the country; it also features musical acts, family
entertainment, 5k run/walk, volleyball tournament, car show and dozens
of food and merchandise vendors; and

WHEREAS, Spiedie Fest is a destination much appreciated by the
residents of the State of New York and visitors alike; it is a source of
pride and community heritage to all the people of Binghamton; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Spiedie Fest of Broome County, New
York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally Expo, Inc.