Morning Syracuse! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: First-Time Homebuyers Webinar with Tompkins Bank & Trust and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why are crows so alert and curious? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Three finalists chosen to design their vision for Syracuse's Heritage Park (waer.org) — Syracuse residents will soon get a first look at three competing design visions for Heritage Park, with public presentations scheduled November 10 and an exhibit running through November 24. The Onondaga Historical Association's competition, which began with 40 nominated artists including some from Syracuse, aims to highlight the city's diverse cultures while leaving the fate of the Columbus Monument open.
2. Homebuying slows in Syracuse and Onondaga County in 2026 (thisiscny.com) — If you're house-hunting in Syracuse, you're facing a slower market this year, with city home sales down 11% and 58 fewer properties sold compared to 2025. While Syracuse lags, nearby towns like Cicero, Lysander, and Manlius are seeing more sales and rising prices, reflecting broader national trends tracked by realtors.
3. Syracuse's BareRoots Music Festival Returns to Thornden Park (nysmusic.com) — Syracuse's Thornden Park will host the free BareRoots Music Festival on Sept. 19, bringing a full afternoon of local bands and community together. With backing from Onondaga County and CNY Arts, organizers emphasize Syracuse pride, accessibility, and an easy online ticket system so residents can quickly reserve their spot for a day of live music in the park.
4. The Upstate New York Harvest Festival Where More Than 400 Vendors Take Over For Two Days (takingthekids.com) — Just south of Syracuse, the LaFayette Apple Festival at Apple Valley Park will return October 10–11, 2026, drawing about 30,000 visitors and more than 400 vendors. Central New Yorkers can expect massive craft tents, famous apple fritters, pancake breakfasts starting at 7 a.m., kids' rides, and plenty of practical tips for handling parking, mud, and unpredictable Syracuse-area October weather.
5. Mabel's 1908 Diary: Back To School at Syracuse University (newyorkalmanack.com) — A century ago, a Syracuse University senior carefully documented her return to campus, juggling class schedules, boarding-house hunts, and evenings at Park Presbyterian Church. Her 1908 diary entries offer today's Syracuse readers a vivid snapshot of student routines, downtown errands, and campus social life that once animated familiar city streets and landmarks.
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Ok Syracuse! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They start each day with a cup of caw-fee. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
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