CORNING, NY — Why should the kids have all the fun? This year, during The Days of Incandescence (which runs 10/20-10/31), adults are encouraged to put on their favorite costumes (bonus points if you dress in the 1880s theme of the event), grab a few of your closest friends, and head to Corning’s Gaffer District for a chance to taste local craft brews, spirits and wine. With over 10 different stops, a commemorative drinking vessel, live music, and actors dressed as Corning residents from 1880 sharing tidbits of local history and legend including clues that could help you win cool prizes, Archibald’s Libations Crawl from 5-9pm on Thursday October 27th kicks off a weekend full of special Halloween events with a local twist.
Did you know inventor Thomas Edison reached out to Corning Glass Works to make his incandescent bulbs? Inspired by that historic moment, and a mysterious local boy who blew the first glass bubble, The Days of Incandescence consists of a number of events and experiences being offered in an attempt to take you back to 1880s Corning.
Archibald’s Libations Crawl is one such event and includes a souvenir tasting glass and delicious tastings of locally-crafted brews, cider, wine and spirits at over 10 different spots in Corning’s Gaffer District.
Just a few of the local beverage producers include:
- Point of the Bluff Vineyards
- Liquid Shoes Brewing
- Heron Hill Winery
- Finger Lakes Distilling
- Iron Flamingo Brewery
- Krooked Tusker Distillery
- Domaine LeSeurre Winery
- . . . and more!
During the crawl, there will also be live musical performances by Grannies Attic, Pete Thompson, and Bum Ditty Brandon.
“Some folks might wonder who is Archibald anyway,” says Dave DeGolyer, Communications Manager for Explore Steuben which is collaborating with Corning’s Gaffer District to run the crawl and the other events during Days of Incandescence. “Archibald is one of the main characters in the picture book The Legend of the Gathers: Protectors of the Light which explores the legend around that mysterious local boy who blew the first glass bubble.” According to DeGolyer, Archibald was one of the first Corning residents in the legend to notice strange lights appearing throughout town. And strange people, too. Phantom folks known as The Gathers who show up each October to help get light out into the world.
“Back in his day, Archibald was known to enjoy liquid refreshments at some of Corning’s local establishments,” adds DeGolyer. “So, it only seemed natural to create a special event in his honor. While the multi-day celebration is inspired by a unique piece of Corning’s history (and Halloween), the libations crawl gives us the opportunity to showcase local tastemakers from throughout the region.”
The libations crawl is a great adult-friendly lead-in to an epic weekend of fun. Not that you need an excuse to dress in costume, but the crawl also provides a great reason to get decked out and embrace the spirit of Halloween. (Note, costumes are not reqiured, but simply recommened).
There will also be ten different local actors in 1880s costumes sharing some historic facts and some aspects of the legend. Participants in the crawl can use the clues provided to answer three brief questions. And those who successfully answer the questions will be entered for a chance to win some great prizes
Check in between 5pm-7pm in Centerway Square to pick up your wristbands and tasting glass.
*Must be 21 years-of-age or older with proof of ID. Must register in advance.
Get tickets here: https://exploresteuben.ticketleap.com/archibalds-libations-crawl-2022/
**Designated Drivers are welcome to join free of charge and will not require a ticket or receive a wristband and glass.
To learn more about the actual historic event and the other offerings during The Days of Incadescence, visit DaysOfIncandescence.com.
