Oneonta Downtown Renaissance by Cassandra Miller

Oneonta Celebrates Water Street Businesses, Holiday Parade

After more than a year of construction, downtown Oneonta is beginning to showcase the fruits of its labor with the completion of the Water Street streetscape project. This revitalized area offers a fresh and inviting pathway to explore the diverse businesses that call Water Street home. To celebrate this milestone and encourage community engagement, the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Water Street Re-Opening” this Friday, December 6, from noon to 2 p.m.

The event is more than a celebration—it’s an opportunity to support businesses like the Black Oak Tavern, Hollywood Barber, Otsego Bicycles, Hair of the Dog, Asian Cuisine, and Sip and Sail Tavern, which faced challenges during construction.

The Black Oak is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, with a weekend of special entertainment from December 27–29, featuring Oak favorites Mopar Cams, Trojan Horns and Gourd. The Oak is a cozy “townie” bar with great live music and craft beer selections.

Hollywood Barber, a Water Street staple since the 1930s, offers full-service barbering with no appointments necessary. Its walk-in-friendly approach makes it easier than ever to stop in, especially with the new streetscape improvements.

Otsego Bicycles caters to cyclists of all skill levels, offering curated bikes, accessories repairs, and even community group rides. Its knowledgeable staff is always friendly and helpful.

Hair of the Dog is a trusted spot for pet grooming, with owner Lea Moscatello bringing deep expertise and a passion for animals to her work. Combining her psychology degree with veterinary technician experience, Moscatello provides personalized care for each pet.

Asian Cuisine is one of the newest establishments on Water Street and has a menu that includes Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and other regional specialties. It’s a great option for a casual lunch, dinner or take-out option.

The Sip and Sail Tavern is another Oneonta staple. With a nautical-inspired décor and warm ambiance, it’s a favorite going-out spot, especially for college students. It offers lots of drink specials and theme nights (e.g, karaoke, trivia, Bingo, etc.).

Downtown Oneonta will also be especially festive this Saturday, December 7, with Main Street businesses offering special promotions to keep visitors downtown after the annual holiday parade at 10 a.m. Parade participants will line up at 9 a.m. on Elm Street and march down Main Street, which will be decked out with seasonal window displays.

From noon to 7 p.m., Lythik Noir Collective will host photos with Krampus, adding a unique twist to the holiday celebrations. Meanwhile, Community Arts Network of Oneonta’s holiday market (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and the Unitarian Universalist Society’s annual Cookies and Crafts event (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) provide opportunities to shop locally for handmade gifts.

Santa will also be greeting families at his cottage in Muller Plaza from noon to 3 p.m., alongside college student revelers participating in the annual “Santa Con.”

This weekend is the perfect chance to soak up the holiday magic, explore Oneonta’s festive downtown, and support the businesses that make our community special.

Cassandra Miller is a member of the Oneonta Downtown Renaissance Steering Committee and the editor of the “Townie” Substack newsletter.