Back to jazzy

The Syracuse Jazz Fest returned to downtown Syracuse a week ago, and so did my dear wife Karen and I. We pulled out our bag chairs and headed to Clinton Square on a sunny, hot Saturday afternoon in late June for some music and relaxation. Fest founder and producer Frank Malfitano was back in fine…

Will this Clinton Square tree grow on me?

Syracuse city-goers used to complain that the real trees cut down and brought to Clinton Square for the annual holiday celebration were always decorated the same. From this year on, we’ll have the same artificial tree. I will give the decorators this. The lighting pattern is far different than years past. Here’s a nighttime view…

Is it still a really pretty tree?

So the City of Syracuse switched out to an artificial Christmas tree for the traditional spot on downtown’s Clinton Square for the first time this year. Lots has been discussed in local media spots regarding costs, the saving of one really big live tree that won’t be cut down each year, this and that. I…

Pierogi make us dance, too

So what would put George Three, my terrific daughter Elisabeth and my dear wife Karen in such a good mood in downtown Syracuse’s Clinton Square? We had just eaten our annual Polish Fest meal cooked up by the folks from the food-makers who travel to the event from Rome, N.Y., that’s what. Their pierogi make…

Chip away at the Winterfest spirit

I knot of us took a stroll from Martinfest on Saturday, wandering from the downtown Syracuse parking lot to Clinton Square to take in the Winterfest ice sculptures. The sculptor with the saw was still creating. Hover over a gallery photo for a description. Click on an image for an enlarged slide show. We returned…

Skate away, fans of winter

My recent work trip to downtown Syracuse allowed me to appreciate the fun folks get from the Clinton Square skating rink. The sleds they use to teach the newbies seem to build confidence. Great invention, that.

Nighttime is the bright time for Clinton Square holiday lights

I considered myself fortunate that my work meeting in downtown Syracuse kept me until sunset. That meant that my carefully planned parking near Clinton Square allowed me to take photos of the festive holiday scene with my iPhone 8 after nightfall. Taking in this location has become a tradition. I may no longer visit every…