Another big weekend of food, music and traditions in the Greater Binghamton area with July Fest in Downtown Binghamton and the Ukrainian Summer Festival in nearby Castle Creek. The weather forecast is looking perfect with sun and comfortable temperatures in the lower 80's.

If you've never been to the Ukrainian Festival, plan to spend a few hours with your friends and family.  The picnic grounds are surrounded by a backdrop of beautiful trees and instead of the usual tents you see at these festivals, you will find covered pavilions.

There's a full menu of homemade Ukrainian foods (pierogies, sausage, halupki), American fare: chicken barbecue, hamburgers and hotdogs, beverages, including some awesome Ukrainian brews and even some games of chance that you can win some cash.  Cash is nice around vacation time.

This year's Ukrainian Festival is again free admission in a great family atmosphere.  Live entertainment features some great local bands:  Rooster, The Roadhouse Horns with Freddie Mendoza.  To get a glimpse of tradition, you'll be treated to the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Dancers.

The Ukrainian Summer Festival is this weekend:  July 13th and 14th from Noon to 8pm, both Saturday and Sunday. Look for the picnic grounds off Castle Creek Road on Brooks Road (close to Green Brothers).

Maybe I'll see you at the festival this weekend.  It will be fun.

More From 98.1 The Hawk