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Sapphire Jubilee
Lorenzo Driving Competition to celebrate milestone
Bruce Jones photography
The Lorenzo State Historic Site will host its “Sapphire Jubilee” Lorenzo Driving Competition from Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16. By kate Hill Staff Writer Competitors, spectators, supporters, and volunteers are invited to the Lorenzo State Historic Site from Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16 for the 45th Lorenzo Driving Competition (LDC). Since its inception, the annual event has attracted participants and onlookers from near and far, establishing itself as one of Cazenovia’s signature summer events and one of the premier carriage pleasure driving shows in the United States. According to Carol Buckhout, president of the LDC Board of Directors, approximately 60 competitors had entered the 2023 show as of June 27. “As a carriage driver and a community member, it’s a pleasure to keep this long-standing Cazenovia tradition alive,” said Buckhout. “I work with a group
of dedicated board and show committee members that plan for this annual event all year long. We owe a great deal of thanks to the many show volunteers and financial sponsors that enthusiastically show their support without question. I invite everyone to join us at our Sapphire Jubilee to appreciate our community’s heritage.”
Friday
The show will kick off at 8 a.m. with the Timed Country Drive followed by driven dressage starting at 10 a.m. Friday’s competitors will also have the chance to drive in two different obstacle courses. The evening classes will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Main Ring and will include two signature competitions. The first is the Antique Vehicle Turnout, which features carriages built prior to 1940. The Lorenzo l Page 14
Former Caz residents commemorate first date at the Brae Loch Inn By kate Hill Staff Writer
Sixty-one years ago, former Cazenovia residents Ellie and Fred Weir went on their first date at the Brae Loch Inn. Just over a year later, on July 13, 1963, the couple married. Nearly every summer since then, the Weirs have returned to the Brae Loch to commemorate their first date and celebrate their wedding anniversary. “We always request the downstairs corner ‘lovers’ booth’ where we had our first date,” said Ellie. “In the early ‘lean’ years, we might only have had a dessert or appetizer.” In more recent years, the couple has enjoyed trying a variety of different things on the menu, according to Ellie. At the time of the Weirs’ first
date, Ellie — who was known then as Ellie DeWitt — had just completed her senior year at Syracuse University and finished her student teaching placement in Fred’s classroom at Jamesville Elementary School in the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District. “We waited for that first date until I graduated and was no longer Fred’s student teacher,” Ellie said. “. . . We were very careful about that.” Although Fred and Ellie weren’t breaking any rules by going on a date, the couple opted to dine somewhere they were unlikely to be recognized. “I asked people [for recommendations], and they said the Brae Loch was out of town and was a very nice restaurant,” said Fred. “Somehow I got the money together to go.” Once they were married, the
Weirs resided in Fayetteville before moving to Cazenovia, where they spent the next 35 years. Ellie taught in the FayettevilleManlius Central School District for a couple of years before becoming a stay-at-home mom to a son and a daughter who both went through the Cazenovia school system. Although they are now residents of Florida, the Weirs have only missed about four of their anniversary dinners at the Brae Loch, each time because they were out of the country. “We’re romantic and sentimental, I guess,” Ellie said when describing the couple’s dedication to continuing their tradition. In just a couple of weeks, the Submitted photo Weirs will be back at the Brae Loch Former long-time Cazenovia residents Ellie and Fred celebrating their 60th anniversary. Weir have celebrated almost every wedding anniversary The Brae Loch Inn is located at 5 at the Brae Loch Inn. This summer, they will be back to Albany St., Cazenovia. For more in- celebrate 60 years of marriage. The couple had their first formation, visit braelochinn.com. date at the Brae Loch 61 years ago.
Volume 214, Number 27 The Cazenovia Republican is published weekly by Eagle News. Office of Publication: 35 Albany St., Second Floor, Cazenovia, NY 13035. Periodical Postage Paid at Cazenovia, NY 13035, USPS 095-260. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Cazenovia Republican, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.
schools: Cazenovia schools celebrate Jersey Day.
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Business: Cazenovia resident introduces NY state-focused craft beer distributor.
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Obituaries ���������������� 13
Editorial ��������������������� 4
PennySaver ���������������� 6
History ������������������������ 4
schools �������������������� 12