I was looking around and talking to some people recently and I realized, there is a lot going on right now in Syracuse so I thought I would highlight a few events. If you live in the area and you are looking for something to do over the next couple weeks, here are a few ideas to keep you busy until the New York State Fair and local field days start up next month.

-Up first, The Covey Theater Company is putting on a presentation of Avenue Q July 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st that makes me wish I was nearby so I could attend. Based on reviews I have read about the production, the subject is not for kids but it is VERY entertaining. Tickets are $26 a piece and all shows are at 8pm at the John H. Mulroy Civic Center. Here is a video of an earlier production just in case you are not familiar with the concept:

- Interested in another form of theater that relives a bit of English history? Why not check out the Sterling Renaissance Festival which started this past Saturday and runs until August 19th (Saturdays and Sundays only)? Ticket prices vary depending on how often you wish to attend but they start at 26.95 for adults and 16.95 for children 6-12 and you can find out more here.

- How about some golf? On July 16th at the Drumlins Country Club, the CNY Orange Alumni (in association with the Jim & Juli Boeheim Foundation) are putting on their 17th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament which as noted, helps raise money for needed scholarships. This is also a great chance to socialize with other Syracuse alumni. You can get in for as little as $25 for the lunch/lunch speaker or even register a whole team if you choose.
UPDATE: I just received a Tweet from my friend Michael Wunderlich who is helping organize the event and here is some information about the golf event:

‏@SyrMichael
@OrangeChuck thanks much … FYI, our lunch speaker is Roosevelt Bouie also participating are Dan Conley & Rob Long !!!

- Looking for some family fun on Saturday July 14th? How about attending the 40 Below Family Picnic at Sharkey’s outdoor area in Liverpool from noon-4pm? Adult tickets are only $15 a piece and kids under 12 get in for free (drinks and a raffle ticket come with the price of admission). This is a great chance to enjoy some food and activities with others in the area and learn more about 40 Below and their Passport To Syracuse initiative (that could possibly lead to you winning a Kindle Fire) as well as possibly other local groups trying to help make Syracuse a great place to live.

- Or you can also check out the Syracuse First Business After Hours/Tech Meets Taste/Syracuse Thirst on the Plaza on the 12th from 5:30-7:30. This will be a great chance to sample local foods, participate in some wine tasting and even meet some business owners in the area. Tickets are $10 for members and $20 for non-members.I have heard great things about the Tech Garden on Harrison Street and sounds like this will be a great evening.

- Maybe you prefer to party the night away in Clinton Square? Don’t forget that this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 13-15) is the New York State Blues Festival. Tickets are $10 a day or you can get VIP tickets for all three days with food, drinks and a club crawl for $150.

- You want your fun with a little twang and willing to take a drive down Highway 20 to Bouckville? There is a great lineup of talent for the New York Country Jam July 13 & 14. Performers include Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Tracy Lawrence, Steel Magnolia, former American Idol contestant Bo Bice, and many more. Ticket prices vary but if you are interested, here is the link to them.

- Other upcoming events include the Syracuse Nationals Car Show (which you can buy at a discount at your local Nice N Easy store), Empire Brewfest and Harborfest. All three sound interesting this year (the organizers of the Empire Brewfest have promised improvements after issues last year). This years Oswego Harborfest headlining act is scheduled to be none other than Kenny Loggins, the man behind such great hits as Footloose, Meet Me Halfway, This Is It and this classic: