Manlius Farmers Market

By far, the most distinguished and renowned residents in the Village of Manlius are our beloved swans Faye and Manny! On April 29th, defying all odds and circumstances, Manny created a new nest and Faye laid a second clutch of eggs after her first was destroyed ten days before. On June 25th, we rejoiced and celebrated the birth of four healthy cygnets. Michael Bean, noted biologist and swan expert, who donated Faye and Manny to the village, determined our newest additions were females! So it was with great pride they were named: LaVerne, after long time village barber and resident, the late Gene Eighmey. Holly, to commemorate Christmas coming six months early with the cygnet's arrival and the generous support of Hollowick. Bella, in gratitude for the dedicated, protective neighbor the swans have in Bella Cigna and for being the first to offer a reward contribution. Dazzle, in thanks for New Dimensions' creative "Save Our Swans" (SOS) campaign that not only raised thousands of dollars but raised awareness of our swans, pond and village around the country. Countless visitors and residents watched the cygnets as they took their first swim and grew to be healthy, happy and well cared for by Faye and Manny, our Village DPW crew and our dedicated Swan Patrol. But we always knew, even before a single cygnet was hatched, that they would one day have to be relocated in advance of Faye and Manny entering their next breeding season. In nature, the male swan will run the cygnets off the pond before breeding with his mate. In anticipation of this, the Village was fortunate that Michael Bean was able to locate safe and secure homes for all our cygnets. On February 15th, the day after Valentine's Day, which seems both fitting and bittersweet, the cygnets were successfully transported to their new homes in the Towns of Manlius, Pompey and Cazenovia. While we look forward to our "Bicentennial Brood" in the spring, LaVerne, Holly, Bella and Dazzle have left a lasting impression on our hearts that the Village of Manlius will always treasure. Thanks for the memories!