Sunday, January 21, 2018

The benefits of living in a winter wonderland




While those who live in warmer climates like to make fun of our Western New York winters, we know that winter season is important to our economy our businesses and our quality of life. Chautauqua County is fortunate to experience all four seasons in a way that helps bring our local consumers out of their homes and people from outside the area into our region. This is good for local business.
Winter sports encompass more than just skiing. Snowboarding, ice fishing, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, winter hiking, and snowmobiling are all winter sports that not only provide activities for people, but also support our local economy. Numerous restaurants, lodging, and retail establishments all rely on winter sports enthusiasts to help boost attendance and revenue during the winter months.
We are fortunate here to have a number of events and venues that cater to those seeking winter pursuits. Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer is a prime location for skiing and tubing. Cross country skiing is popular at the Audubon Community Nature Center near Jamestown and at a variety of parks around the county including Lake Erie State Park at Brocton and Long Point State Park near Bemus Point. Chautauqua County features over 200 miles of snowmobile trails, all groomed by dedicated snowmobile club members. Ice fishing is as convenient as walking your equipment onto one of our frozen lakes: Cassadaga, Chautauqua, or Findley Lake.
Not only do we find things to keep us busy during the winter months here, we actually celebrate the season! The annual President Day Weekend Winter Festival is scheduled for its 31st year from Feb. 16-18 at Lakeside Park in Mayville. Organized by the Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce, this marquis event draws thousands of people each year to participate in family-friendly winter games, enjoy a nighttime bonfire, and view fireworks near a specially built ice castle. Anyone who wants to volunteer to assist during this year’s Winter Festival is welcome to contact Mayville-Chautauqua Chamber Coordinator Debby Marsala at 753-3113 or at dmarsala@chautauquachamber.org.
The Snowflake Local Living Festival will be held at the Audubon Community Nature Center February 3 from 10am-4pm with fun for all ages including sled dog demonstrations, crafts, and exhibits. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the grounds of Chautauqua Institution weekends through the month of February.
If you’re a photographer or painter, professional or amateur, Chautauqua County is a prime spot in the winter. The natural beauty in our landscapes creates beautiful pictures to be captured on canvas or camera.
Even if you have never tried winter activities there are easy ways to start, with many local retailers offering show shoe rentals, and with ice skating rentals available at the Northwest Savings Arena. Give it a try! The only thing you have to lose is winter boredom.
Jamestown Chamber Salute to the Finest
set for Feb. 5
The Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce Salute to the Finest will be held on Monday, Feb. 5 at Shawbucks Press Room. The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and program to follow at 6 p.m. This event is sponsored by Lake Shore Paving and Elegant Edibles. Awards will be presented as follows: New Business of the Year, Crown Street Roasting Company; Young Business Leader of the Year, Justin Hanft; Restaurant of the Year, Forte; Manufacturer of the Year, Anderson Precision; Business of the Year, Honest John’s Pizzeria; Service to Humanity, James Prendergast Library; Pride of Jamestown, Babe Ruth World Series Committee; and presentation of the 2017 Community Service Award to John Williams. Event registration is available on the Chamber website at www.chautauquachamber.org or by calling the Chamber at 484-1101.
Fredonia Chamber Annual Banquet
is Feb. 8
The Fredonia Community Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Fredonia Beaver Club. Awards will be presented as follows: Business of the Year, Domus Fare; Retailer of the Year, Concord Pharmacy; Community Service, Lakeshore Humane Society; Service to Humanity, Partners in Kind; Spirit of Fredonia, Melanie Mann; and Lifetime Achievement, Dick Golden. This event will open with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., with dinner to be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30 per person. Event registration is available on the Chamber website at www.chautauquachamber.org or by calling the Chamber at 366-6200.
Chamber Congressional
lunch March 2
Mark your calendar now to attend the annual Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Federal Congressional Luncheon on March 2. We encourage members to come with questions for Congressman Tom Reed during this event. The venue will be announced soon.
Save the Date: Tech and Manufacturing Expo June 19
The 2018 Technology and Manufacturing Expo will be held June 19. This is a great opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their company, network with other manufacturers in the region, build their supply chain and identify new customers. This event highlights additive manufacturing including 3D printing, 3D scanning and 3D CAD. The expo will include a wide variety of manufacturing related vendors showcasing safety, automation, tooling, hydraulic & pneumatic technologies and customized machine building.
For more information contact Steve Myers at Allen Industrial Sales at 581-0321.


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