Leek Festival fills the air Saturday

Music won't be the only thing filling the air around Sweden Valley this weekend.

Mill Creek Plaza is hosting its second annual Leek Festival on Saturday on his grounds near the intersection of Rt. 6 and the Ice Mine Road, east of Coudersport.

Local residents' love of leeks -- those wild onions that grow in many wooded areas of Potter County -- has always fascinated the festival's originator, Ron Linden, who moved to Coudersport from Long Island, N.Y., as a teenager.

A year ago, with his new eatery, Fezz's Diner, firmly established, Linden tested the waters with a leek festival. Reaction was positive, so this year he's bringing it back with the idea of establishing it as an annual tradition.

"People here are just wild about leeks -- you'd be amazed," Linden said. "I'm hoping this festival will bring people out to celebrate something that's a real popular attraction in Potter County."

This year's event includes contests for the best leek recipes in four categories: dips, dishes, soups and desserts. There is no entry fee. Judging will take place at 3:00 p.m. Those who don't want to enter the competition are welcome to bring their own favorite leek concoction.

Fezz's Diner is dishing up a food special -- the leek omelet.

From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., there will be live music for dancing or listening pleasure, featuring Every Tom, Jeff and Larry. The band includes famous songwriter Larry Herbstritt, Jeff Kazimer and Tom Shaffer.

Wild leeks, such as those found in the forests of Potter County, are much smaller than the commercial variety and are well-known for their strong aroma and flavor.