Great Fall Festivals in Western New York

Fall is in the air, and all around Western New York fall and harvest festivals abound. Here's a look at some of the best festivals throughout Western New York.

Findley Lake Harvest Festival - Friday, September 4th through Sunday, September 6th in the Findley Lake region (I-90, exit 37 to I-86 East, exit 4) of Chautauqua County. Features Findley Lake Idol contest (all three days), Findley Lake Jr. Idol contest (Saturday and Sunday), and the "Pretty Baby" contest, plus live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, farmer's market, and quilt show; also part of "Light Up The Lakes" (Sunday at 10 p.m.). Hours are Friday 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; admission is free. for more information and a schedule of events, go to www.findleylakeinfo.org.

Niagara County Peach Festival - Friday, September 11th through Sunday, September 13th at Academy Park, 9th and Sts. in Lewiston. Features parade, midway rides, Peach Queen Pageant, cheerleading competition, live entertainment, 2009 Fun Run/Walk, and vendors. Hours are Friday 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; admission is free. For more information and an event schedule, visit www.lewistonkiwanis.org.

Pumpkin Fiesta - September 19th & 20th, 26th & 27th, October 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th, and 24th & 25th at Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards, 3760 Quaker Rd. in Gasport. Features live music, the Castle Labyrinth maze, pony rides, hay rides, and a new corn maze, plus Hillbilly Bob's "Pig Rock Derby" pig races. Open from noon to 5 p.m. all days, with pig races at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.; admission is $7 for each attraction (see website for details). For more information, go to www.beckerfarms.com.

Lewiston Harvest Festival - Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th along Center St. in Lewiston. More than 100 craft vendors will be featured, along with food and wine samplings and continuous entertainment. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days; admission is free. For more information, visit www.northofthefalls.com.