BAINBRIDGE – Bainbridge Days, a community tradition stretching back decades, returns on Saturday, Sept 5 with events running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Throughout the village you'll find family friendly activities, resource information, unique vendors, local business specials, and a festive atmosphere put together by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce.

Village of Bainbridge Mayor Phil Wade, also a member of the Chamber of Commerce serving on the Bainbridge Days planning committee, said the goal this year is simple, create an event where everybody can enjoy the village at its best.

“Bainbridge is a friendly place,” Wade said. “It's a community that works together and kind of has fun together too.”

Chamber board and planning committee member Jen Kelly said, “It's such a big event that people from outside the village itself can come in and see what we're offering.”

A Street-fair Across the Village

The day begins at 9 a.m. with vendors setting up in the Village Green Park, along North Main Street, West Main Street, and throughout the business district. Wade described it as “kind of like a street fair,” with an expanded footprint beyond the usual Saturday market. More than 50 vendors are expected according to Kelly, who said the entire park is filled.

Local businesses will also participate with sidewalk sales, specials, and open houses. Snips & Snails Consignment will mark its 15 year anniversary with a sale, and Iroquois Antiques will host a “Dump the Junk” barn sale featuring a variety of items hand picked from estates from the past 20-25 years.

The village's health fair also runs from throughout the day in the park, with resource and information booths offering blood pressure checks, cancer screening information, dental and vision resources, and demonstrations from local EMS.

“A variety of different health-related agencies, they're going to be setting up in the park to help share information about what they do and how people might be able to take advantage of them,” Wade said.

Youth football and cheer will hold a car wash at at the SFCU parking lot beginning at 9 a.m., with proceeds supporting the school's programs.

Fresh Energy and Unique Events

A Dessert Auction held on the front steps of The Jericho starting at 10:30 a.m. invites businesses and residents to donate pies, cakes, and other treats. Proceeds from the auction will support improvements to the Bainbridge Municipal Parking Lot, a project both Wade and Kelly emphasized as a priority for the Chamber.

“The back parking lot needs some help,” said Kelly. “we're just trying to do what we can, as a chamber to help fund that to better the businesses' access.”

The Jericho will also host open house tours hourly throughout the event, allowing visitors to see recent restoration work.

At 12:30 p.m. the Pets & Pedals Parade takes to the village streets. The community is invited to dress up their pets and decorate their bikes to parade them down Main Street. Wade said the parade will be led by the “world famous Bainbridge Kazoo Band,” adding a whimsical touch to the afternoon.

Kelly who plans to bring her French Bulldog said, “If you want to come highlight your pets, put them in a fun little costume, and walk them in the parade, and, or decorate a bike, it's definitely something fun to do.”

“Everyone loves to see a cute little dog in a costume,” she added

They will also be flying a rather large American Flag for the event, held up by cranes provided by Payne's Cranes which according to Kelly is one of the oldest businesses in Bainbridge.

Food, Music, and Games

The Backdoor Bar & Grille will host its second annual seafood boil beginning at 11 a.m. as part of a growing end-of-summer tradition. Outdoor live music at the back of the bar will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., extending beyond the official Bainbridge Days hours.

Behind the restaurant, a cornhole tournament will be held in the parking lot starting at 11 a.m. Participants can sign up day of with an entry fe of $20.

Bob's Diner will serve ice cream out back starting at 11 a.m., and The Loading Dock, a new business offering breakfast and lunch five days a week, will host Pups on the Patio from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.offering a shaded spot to relax with dog treats before the pet parade.

With a large numbers of vendors and a variety of restaurants throughout the village, visitors to Bainbridge Days should be able to find tasty offerings throughout the day.

The Golf Ball Drop takes place at 1 p.m.. For $5 you get three chances to win $100.

While the exact number of years Bainbridge Days has been held is unclear, Wade estimated more than a decade while Kelly believed it may be over 50 years, both agreed the event has deep roots in the village's identity. This years planning committee includes, Wade, Kelly, Chamber president John Payne, and Lori McGraw.

Nearly every business in the village participates in some way, whether through specials, open houses, or simply welcoming visitors.

Kelly said Bainbridge's strong small business community is central to the event's success. “I believe we are truly thriving thriving as a village,” she said. “Highlighting what we have to offer as a community keeps the small business atmosphere alive in our village.”

With vendors, music, food, games, a parade, and community spirit woven throughout the day, Bainbridge Days offers something for all ages, and a chance for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the village's charm.

“When the community gets together, it's like a big family gathering,” said Wade.