The 49th Annual Western New York Maple Festival

Written For The Villager

For the past 48 years, local maple producers have participated in the Western New York Maple Festival and this year is no different.

Even though the festival is being held one week later than usual due to a late Easter, the Western New York Maple Festival, more commonly known simply as “Maple Fest,” will be going off just the same.

On Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m., the Maple King and Queen Contest will be held in the Franklinville Elementary School Cafeteria. Those competing to be crowned queen are Cassia Kuhn, Gabrielle Bennett, Nicki Kellogg and Kristin Biela. The contestant for king is Ryan Bigham. The contestants will be judged based on their presentation, talent and on-the-spot questions relating to Maple Festival. This year’s talent will be both vocal and instrumental performances.

Smaller academic programs marketing themselves, trying to increase student numbers

ST. BONAVENTURE (April 15) — Just like any other student at St. Bonaventure University, Stephanie Petty participated in a history class and walked amongst the other students, witnessing first hand a day in the life of a Bonaventure student. Two weeks ago, Petty, from two and a half hours away, took part in Spring into Bona’s, an event designed to help prospective students just like her learn more about Bonaventure and how it works.

To persuade Petty to come to Bona’s, Bonaventure first had to market the university and its programs to her and all the other potential students.

However, St. Bonaventure students and faculty members said the university didn’t market each program the same.