Hanging around Victor

More than 150 artists, businesses, services organizations and food vendors will take to the streets of Victor this year on Sept. 11 for the 34th annual Hang Around Victor Day.

Hosted by the Victor Chamber of Commerce, this year’s celebration will fill Main Street in the Village, Mead Square and The Village Hall parking lot.

“I’m proud that it’s an event that has been going on 34 years now,” says Tracy Morgan, the event coordinator.
“People come and do exactly what the name says — they hang around Victor and have a lot of fun.

Hopefully it will be a nice sunny day.”

Families can look forward to kicking off the day with the YMCA’s 5K race/walk which starts at 9 a.m.

There will be a special tribute at 10:30 a.m. in the entertainment tent at Mead Square in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

New this year will be a special kids area complete with an inflatable obstacle course, clowns, magicians and a few surprises.

“My favorite part of the day is watching the school kids and the parents interact with the non-profits, commented Mitch Donovan, Victor Chamber of Commerce president.

“They always learn something. I like the healthy, positive activities that the event promotes.”

Guests will have a chance to learn a little more about Victor organizations, purchase some unique gifts from vendors, enjoy great food and listen to the Soul Express band kicking off in the entertainment tent at 1 p.m.

What’s Morgan’s favorite part of Hang Around Victor Day?

“I think exposing community members to all that they have within their community,” she says.

“This event is largely about awareness about what is here and local about the area.”

But there’s another reason that HAVD is a don’t miss event.

“We have a dunking booth this year,” says Morgan. “So far Mitch Donovan, Kathy Rayburn and Jack Marren are confirmed for that. But we are accepting suggestions if anyone has them.”

She encourages anyone who would like to submit a name for the dunking booth to e-mail their suggestion to havd@victorchamber.com

Additional vendors are still being accepted through September 3, and interested businesses and organizations should register online at www.victorchamber.com.

“Our biggest challenge now is things coming down to the wire,” says Morgan. “As more vendors come in it’s just juggling every body around.”

The cost for a space at Hang Around Victor Day is $75 for a 10-by-10 booth, $30 for a non-profit and $125 for a food vendor. Electricity and double spaces are available for an additional fee.

The community-wide event is made possible this year through sponsorships by Frontier Communications, Van Bortel Automotive, Verizon Wireless, Randall Chevrolet, Auction Direct, Bristol’s Garden Center, Eastview Mall, Five Star Bank, Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua National Bank, Thompson Health, The Place in Victor Village, Victor Hills Commons, ESL and Info Directions.

Admission and parking are free, but there is an entry fee for the YMCA’s 5K race/walk, the proceeds of which will be donated to the YMCA’s “Invest in Youth” program.

“We are very excited about the response from the community,” says Donovan.

“It has been excellent. They are excited for it to get here,” he said, adding, “They’re not excited for school to start, but they’re excited about Hang Around Victor Day.”