This year celebrates the 45th annual Potsdam Summer Festival. The Chamber of Commerce is packing the three day event with community activities, live music and a variety of vendors. But as our Cara Thomas tells us, there is one vendor in particular that people say they look forward to every year.

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POTSDAM, N.Y. -- It's the largest festival the Town of Potsdam holds during the summer months. With sidewalk sales, live music throughout the day and events galore, people from the North Country say they can't wait for the festivities to begin.

Marylee Ballou is the Executive Director of the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce. She said, "Families plan their reunions and family get togethers around summer festival. We have calls all throughout the year wondering when the dates of the summer festival are."

Potsdam residents look forward to the shopping and music every year, but the variety of food is the main attraction. Especially the authentic German cuisine.

"I am of German descent and I would not miss my yearly brat," one person said.

"I just think it's authentic and it's difficult always to find authentic foods in remote areas," said another.

And it's a mutual adoration. The people of Potsdam love the German food and Glen and Hannelore Markham enjoy Potsdam.

Hannelore Markham said, "Well, we like Potsdam. We come here to Potsdam for maybe 15 years. It's a beautiful city the people are so nice here. And we are nice too."

Hannelore grew up in Germany and moved to America 30 years ago. She says she loves talking to people about her country. The duo travels to festivals across the state to show people what real German food tastes like.

"I like German food. We cook German a lot. We have German Sauerkraut too, potato salad, very German, all German," said Mrs. Markham.

Now if American cuisine is more up your alley, there are numerous other vendors that will satisfy your appetite. Burgers, hot dogs and cotton candy are only a few steps away.

The festival runs through Saturday. Events include a Beer and Wine Festival, craft and car shows and the Fireman's Run to the river.