The Schneider family came in period costume for Summerfest again this year. Photo by Chris Coughlin.
The conditions were right. The heat had not arrived yet and the grasshopper swarm didn’t reach the stage area. On the last day of June, over 250 guests enjoyed the many features of this year’s outdoor celebration at the historic ranch site in Clio. It was the 14th annual summer event, and an army of volunteers offered food, drink, and entertainment at the single biggest fundraiser of the year for the Mohawk Valley Stewardship Council (MVSC) stewards of White Sulphur Springs Ranch.
Matt Axton and Bad Moon entertained the Summerfest crowd from the outdoor stage at White Sulphur Springs Ranch. Photo by Chris Coughlin.
A highlight of the afternoon was the musical entertainment supplied by Matt Axton and the group he calls Bad Moon. He brought a five piece band consisting of 3 guitars, a drummer and a keyboard. After three hours of music Matt finished with a rendition of “Jeremiah and the Bullfrog.” That song was written by Matt’s father, Hoyt Axton, in 1971 and made famous by the group named “Three Dog Night.” Matt’s mom, Donna, was the artist on the keyboard. She lives in Tahoe and continues to add to the local music scene.
The live auction is always a big attraction at Summerfest. This year, one of the premium items offered was a week-long stay on the North shore of Kauai at Hanalei Bay Villa. An enthusiastic bidder quickly snapped it up. Golf, wine, Reno baseball, and local dinners completed the other offerings.
The restored ranch house was open to visitors, and many exclaimed about the dramatic improvements. The MVSC volunteers put many hours into the restoration of this historic site and are delighted when they hear that residents appreciate their efforts. Some important improvements to the grounds are scheduled for the rest of the summer. Interested parties should check the website www.WhiteSulphurSpringsRanch.com for all kinds of ranch activities, ranch history, and the opportunity to join and be a part of this community effort.