Summer Wind 2008Cruises on Chautauqua LakeLucille Ball Memorial Park Celoron, NYwww.thesummerwind.comCalendar of Events: www.thesummerwind.com/calendar.asp 716-763-SHIP (7447) or 716-665-BOAT (2628)
Kid's Cruise ~ August 9 ~ 2:30 – 4:30 pm Pizza & Pop, Balloons, Face Painting & Kid's Tunes
Bemus Bay Pops, Saturday Aug 30 ~ 5:30 - 9:30 pm "Take2" Entertainment On Board - Picnic Buffet - Docking at Bemus Point ~ Rain Date Sunday Aug 31 www.bemusbaypops.com
CHAUTAUQUA DAYS From Chautauqua Institution DockAugust 12
TUESDAY DINNER CRUISE ~ Entertainment by "Emerald City Productions" ~ 7:00 – 9:30 pm
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS ~ "ROCK THE BOAT" Night Club on the "WIND" 8 – 10:30 pm ~ Live Entertainment Aug 6 "Barefoot Sarah", Aug 13 "Face Down in High H2O", and more Food & Spirits Available for Purchase On Board
THURSDAY DINNER CRUISE ~ Caribbean Style Entertainment by "SON OF A SAILOR" ~ A Margaritaville Tribute to Jimmy Buffett with Jim & Dave 7 – 9:30 pm June 26 through, August 21
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com |
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Cruises on Chautauqua Lake
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Chautauqua Lake Regatta Weekend
MAYVILLE - Vintage hydroplanes, sailboats and Chris-Craft of all types will arrive in Mayville on Friday to take part in the 2008 Chautauqua Lake Regattas races. Dubbed ''Harborfest in the Park,'' the three-day event will feature live music, sculling, plywood boat building and kayak races in addition to the main regatta races. Building on a history that began in October 1878 with a rowing regatta, the races scheduled for this weekend echo those held in Bemus Point in the early 1940s and early 1950s. Now moved to Mayville's Lakeside Park, the Chautauqua Lake Regattas races are an event 130 years in the making, according to organizer Ron Mavity.
Eight years old at the time, David Lawson Jr. remembers the sights, sounds and smells of the 1940 and 1941 Bemus Point Regatta races - from the thousands packing village streets to the scent of the castor oil used in the outboarder's two-stroke engines. After two successful years, the Bemus Point Regatta races of 1940 and 1941 went dormant - until the late 1940s and early 1950s, when, according to Lawson, an outboard club from Cleveland began running Regatta races on Chautauqua Lake. However, by the time Lawson returned home from service in the late 1950s, those races too had ceased to exist. ''It's certainly nice to have them continue this,'' Lawson said of the Chautauqua Lakes Regattas and this weekend's event in Mayville.
Now in its fifth year, the Chautauqua Lake Regattas organization holds boat races each summer as a community service event - with money raised going to Chautauqua Lake Regattas and its beneficiaries, WCA Cancer Care Center and the YMCA Camp Onyahsa. The Harborfest scheduled for Mayville later this month will feature sailboat racing, a vintage hydroplane exhibit and plywood boat building as well as sculling and kayak races. An owner and driver of vintage hydroplanes, Bartley set two world records on consecutive days in New Martinsville in 1953. He is a National, World and Eastern Division Champion. With the Wildcatter, a hydroplane he and his father had built, Bartley and his father set the Straightaway World Record, among others. Additionally, Bartley was one of the first members of the Gulf Marine 100 Mile Per Hour Club and was elected to the Marine Racing Hall of Fame.
A complete schedule of this weekend's regattas events can be found online at www.chautauqualakeregattas.com. In addition to boats, the event will offer Sky Sail tether balloon rides and live music from 6 to 10 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday - featuring the Earthquakers and Key West Express, respectively.
Still in need of volunteers, the Chautauqua Lakes Regattas is looking for anyone interested a three- to four-hour shift during the day this weekend. Anyone interested in being a volunteer should call 338-0360.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Chautauqua Lake ''Praise on the Lake''
BEMUS POINT - The Bemus Point United Methodist Church will offer the second of the summer's three ''Praise on the Lake'' worship services at 9 a.m. Sunday, on the Floating Stage in Bemus Point.
Those planning to attend should bring a lawn chair, blanket, kayak or boat for worship with the BPUMC Praise Band and Pastor Dan McBride as he shares a message in this ''church without walls'' setting.
In addition to worship, ''Step into Africa,'' an interactive exhibit designed to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS crises in sub-Saharan Africa, will be lifted up during the morning service. The event coming to the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena in September provides an opportunity to step into the life lines of four children affected by HIV/AIDS through authentic images, sounds and textures. With opportunities to learn more about the event and to sign up to tour and volunteer, a World Vision representative and local volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and inspire action.
Seating for the convenience of the elderly and handicapped is available on the upper deck of the Italian Fisherman. For more information on this or any other event at Bemus Point United Methodist Church call 386-3401.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
127th Chautauqua County Fair opens
OBSERVER Staff Writer The Chautauqua County Fair opened its gates for the 127th year Monday. "We have a great week in store for everyone," said Chautauqua County Agricultural and Fair Association president James Tytka Sr. "Come visit us and bring your family, because this really is a family fair." State Senator Cathy Young officially started this year's fair week by lighting the Revolutionary War era cannon, which began the activities with a resounding "bang!" "This is one of the most exciting days of the year in Chautauqua County," Young said. "The fair is a wonderful celebration of our heritage, our history and our agriculture." The fair is also proud to have the highest number of farm animal entries in its history, over 1,000. "Each building offers adults and children alike an up-close look at some of the finest farm animals in Chautauqua County," Fair Director Lawrence Brown said. "From the youngest 4-H members to the veterans of many years here, each and every one of them is proud of their fair entries and proud of their farming heritage. "We are a family fair that has consistently maintained its commitment to agriculture. The continued high level of participation by our farm families and agribusinesses very clearly demonstrates that we have been successful in doing that." Young secured a $100,000 grant earlier in the year for the infrastructure needs of the fair. "We've renovated the barn roofs and done a lot to ensure that fair-goers do not trip over cords and can be completely relaxed and safe here," Tytka said, "things most people probably won't notice but are vital to running the fair." Young thanked all those who work so hard each year to organize the fair. Event and ticket information is available at www.chautauquacountyfair.org or by calling the fair office at 366-4752. Comments may be sent to swest@observertoday.com
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Bemus Day Benefit July 21 for Kiwanis at Village Casino
The Lakewood Kiwanis and The Village Casino present the Bemus Day Benefit for Kiwanis Come celebrate our community and dine out for a great cause! When you come dine with us at the Village Casino, a percentage of your check will be donated for the Lakewood Kiwanis! When? July 21, 2008 11am- 10pm ½ off Appetizers 8-10 $1 off Drafts Come after or before the Idol!!! There will be FREE live music! So come out and enjoy great food and great fun for a great cause! Your support will help us continue in our efforts to support our community!
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Chautauqua Lake Proposed Stow Hotel
STOW - The North Harmony Planning Board will meet with hotel developer John McGraw at 7 p.m. Tuesday about his plans for the 31-acre Bootey Bay property in Stow. According to Town Supervisor Sally Carlson, McGraw requested the meeting to present three options to the Planning Board.
''He did not submit anything other than a request to be heard before that board,'' Mrs. Carlson said recently. ''The meeting will be held at the Stow Senior Citizens building and will be open to the public, but will not have a public comment portion.'' In January, McGraw made two requests of the Town Board - to rezone a portion of the Bootey property and to act as lead agency during the State Environmental Quality Review. Looking to build something more than a hotel, McGraw has previously described his proposed project as a resort and has said that it will include a 10-story hotel with 156 rooms and 24 condominiums. A second 10-story structure was also included in his initial request - as the State Environmental Quality Review requires all possible development at a site to be discussed at once.
Since January, the Town Board has accepted lead agency status and the Planning Board has publicly reviewed McGraw's rezoning request. After several regular meetings and a public input session, Planning Board members decided they needed additional information before they could make any recommendation to the town on whether or not to create the new resort district. Town officials requested additional information in recent months, but had yet to hear back from McGraw until this request for a meeting.
A call to McGraw's attorneys late Friday afternoon was not immediately returned. Since January, McGraw's idea of building a resort in Stow and his requests of the Town Board have been questioned and criticized by area residents opposed to the idea of a 10-story hotel in North Harmony. Residents have formed an organization, the Chautauqua Coalition for Responsible Development, and placed advertisements in The Post-Journal. Online, the Chautauqua Coalition for Responsible Development describes its mission as balancing ''the ecological needs of Chautauqua Lake and the unique character of its surrounding communities with the need for greater economic prosperity through prudent development.'' More information about the group can be found online at www.savechautauqua.blogspot.com.
In June, Peter Walters organized a meeting at the Stow Senior Citizens building for members of the Coalition and others interested in the proposed hotel project. ''We are not opposed to development, but wanted to meet today because we do have some concerns about the proposed scale of this development,'' Walters said before introducing County Executive Greg Edwards at the June 27 meeting. Edwards spoke at the meeting and answered questions on general topics about business and development in Chautauqua County as well as specific questions on the hotel project and how it might affect Stow.
''I think everybody in the room can agree that we all love Chautauqua Lake,'' Edwards said during the June meeting. ''Why else would we be here?''
The North Harmony Town Hall is located 3445 Old Bridge Road in Stow and can be reached by calling 789-3445. The Stow Senior Citizens building is located on Stow Road. For more information, visit www.townofnorthharmony.com.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Chautauqua County Fair Opens Today
As soon as the Ferris wheel is up a week or so in advance, children wait impatiently for the day that the wheel starts to turn. That day is today. The Chautauqua County Fair will hold its opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m., welcoming the public to another fun-filled year. ''Most people don't realize how much work is going on before we actually open the doors,'' Fair Director Lawrence Brown said. ''We don't just flip on a switch that morning and the Fair starts running.'' Brown also serves as the Chairman of Agriculture for the fair board and is responsible for checking in and on all the livestock that is on display at the fair. For the third straight year, the number of farm animals entered has set a new record. ''This year we have over 1,000 live farm animal entries - this is the first time we've broken that plateau,'' Brown said, ''The high level of participation in the Fair by our county's family farmers is testament to our area's vibrant agricultural economy and to the fair as a showcase for their efforts.'' With so many entrants, some of the shows had to be held on Sunday before the Fair even officially opened. Brown's job begins well before even Sunday, however. ''Animals begin arriving two or three days beforehand and they have to come in with a signed health examination from their personal veterinarian and be looked over by a state examiner,'' Brown explained. ''It is an important process to ensure the safety of the animals. Since they come from different parts of the county and have never before been in contact, we have to make sure they are healthy.'' Not only are the animals inspected, but each food stand is inspected by the Department of Health and each ride is inspected by the Department of Labor to provide the safest environment possible for family fun.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Sunday, July 20, 2008
Chautauqua County Fair
As soon as the Chautauqua County Fair is over, that's when the work really begins ... for the following year.
During recent phone interviews, Public Relations Representative for the Chautauqua County Fair Randall Brown and Fair Board Secretary and part-time Manager Jared Woolley discussed the Herculean amount of time, energy and labor necessary to put on the week-long festivities which make up the 127th Annual Chautauqua County Fair. In fact, it's a continuous, year-long process. Brown said planning for each fair begins the day after the previous fair ends. "(The Chautauqua County Fair Board) meets immediately following the fair to go through what we did right and what we can improve on for the following year's fair," he explained. "... It really never stops."
Immediately, after all agricultural shows and events, Brown said the fair board evaluates each to see the level of registration and set classifications. All of this is done, he explained, to put together the exhibitor's handbook for the following year. Woolley said the contract for amusement rides is also taken care of immediately since the board has only 30 days to decide to keep the same rides for the following year. In October, the annual shareholders member meeting is held in order to elect board members and appoint officers. The board also adopts the budget for the coming year at this meeting. "We start laying the plans on what we're going to do depending on what kind of money we've made," Woolley said, "what we can put back into the grounds and back into the equipment to keep it up to snuff."
In January, board members attend the State Association of County Fairs annual convention in Rochester to begin scheduling shows and events. While at the convention, Brown explained, the board can view and interview talent as prospective main acts, checking availability and cost. Woolley said the fair board also meets with talent agencies throughout the fall of the previous year.
"We usually leave Rochester completely booked," Brown said. From that point on, he said the fair board begins filling in the schedule with local entertainment and performers. However, booking the entertainment which draws thousands of people from across the region each year is only half the battle. The other half is repairing and preparing the fairgrounds itself. Most repairs are performed during the fall following fair season and the next year's spring. This work is done, for the most part, by board members, grounds crew and, when necessary, outside contractors. "There's a huge physical plan there at the fairgrounds in terms of building repairs and maintenance that needs to be attended to," Brown explained. Throughout the year, Woolley said, there are three large tractors, several mowers, and equipment for track maintenance which must be serviced. In addition, the track itself, along with numerous barns, must be maintained year-round. This year, he said a grant was received to re-roof four barns and invest in some of the fairground equipment. Brown said the fair board also always looks at improving water, electric and sewer services on the grounds. On average, Brown said, between Floral Hall, 4-H activities and board members, there is about 400 volunteer workers involved with planning and setup for the fair. During fair week, he said a staff of around 40 is maintained. Overall, the fair is a massive physical and financial undertaking. "To put the fair on is basically a half million dollar proposition," Brown said. The bulk of this, he explained, comes from gate receipts, but Woolley added money is received through leasing out barns and other buildings on the fairgrounds. In the end, all the time and effort is condensed into a week of fun and entertainment for residents across the region before the rides and booths are torn down and planning for the next year begins. Comments on this article can be sent to jcuthbert@observertoday.com
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Saturday, July 19, 2008
Hospice Poker Run and Raffle today
POSTED: July 19, 2008 MAYVILLE - Engines rumbling, the smell of hot dogs on the grill and a picturesque setting on Chautauqua Lake will be the scene of the Hospice Poker Run and Raffle Fund-raiser today. The fun-filled activities start at 10 a.m. in the Lakeside Park.
"This community-wide event attracts people from all walks of life and is a major fund-raiser for Hospice Chautauqua County," said Hospice CEO Ron Sellers. "More than 300 riders from all over the country have registered for the 100 mile ride and we are still receiving registrations."
Proceeds from the Poker Run and Raffle will benefit the programs and services of Hospice Chautauqua County. Hospice services are designed to address the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of both the Hospice patient and the patient's families and loved ones. Musical entertainment provided by Sean Patrick McGraw. The day commences with the 4 p.m. drawing for the grand prize of a 2008 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Motorcycle of $15,000 in cash.
Riders will start their day with a continental breakfast before gearing up for their ride down the open roads in the towns and villages of Chautauqua County. At the end of their ride, participants will enjoy a picnic lunch, entertainment, a variety of prizes and will receive a raffle ticket for additional prizes.
Raffle tickets for the grand prize are still available for purchase and will be available at the park today. The Poker Run is still open to motorcyclists interested in participating with registration at the Lakeside Park today at 9 a.m. For more information on the event or on making a donation to Hospice, call the Hospice office at 753-5383
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Friday, July 18, 2008
Chautauqua County Airport in Jamestown, NY.
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Festive Summer Greets Bemus Bay Condo Buyers
The flowers and festivities are in full bloom as owners and potential purchasers of the Bemus Bay condominiums here flock to this Chautauqua Lake community's quaint shoreline.
Bemus Point, NY (PRWEB) July 17, 2008 -- The flowers and festivities are in full bloom as owners and potential purchasers of the Bemus Bay condominiums here flock to this Chautauqua Lake community's quaint shoreline.
"The shoreline of Chautauqua Lake is one of the most beautiful places to be," said condominium co-developer Lee Chilcote of Bemus Point Investments LLC. "We have 40 beautiful homes here that offer modern amenities in very stately buildings that reflect the character of this wonderful community."
"Residents will be able to move in before Labor Day," said co-developer Paul Goldberg, noting that the condo owners are not expected to be just seasonal, summer residents. "There is so much to enjoy here year around from the boating, fishing and golfing during the summer to the hunting, snow skiing and snowmobiling in the fall and winter." The summertime events were going strong recently with the Bemus Bay Pops concert performances underway at the Italian Fisherman restaurant's floating bandstand, boaters buoyed on the water's edge and shoppers filling local stores. "This is just wonderful," said a prospective condominium buyer who was touring the Bemus Bay condos for the first time. "My husband won't take a vacation, so I told him it's time to find a place to live where we're always on vacation. This is definitely the place to do it." Located just 1½ hours from Buffalo, 2¼ hours from Cleveland, 2½ hours from Pittsburgh and 3 hours from Toronto, the Chautauqua Lake region offers relaxation and recreation year around with a casino, many farm wineries and the world renowned Chautauqua Institution just a short trip away by car or boat. Each of the homes at Bemus Bay, www.bemusbaycondos.com, include one of the Chautauqua Lake boat slips, secured building entry, handicapped access, elevator service, a garage and a reserved parking space. Four different floor plans with three bedrooms and two or three baths include air conditioning, granite countertops, master suites with whirlpool baths and easy access to the courtyard's heated swimming pool.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com |
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Chautauqua Wine Festival to showcase local, state wines
FORESTVILLE - America's Grape Country Wine Festival, being held in Dunkirk, New York at the Chautauqua County Fair Grounds in August, will feature more than 23 wineries from across New York state. The festival will help support the viniculture found locally and in other New York grape growing regions. The festival is the kick off event for America's Grape Country Week between Aug. 9 and Aug. 17.
America's Grape Country Wine Festival will take place Aug. 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
The AGC Wine Festival is being held in the heart of the Chautauqua-Lake Erie wine region along the Interstate-90 thruway. This wine region is the oldest and largest Concord grape growing region in the world. It is also home to the largest grape growing region in the entire Eastern United States. The AGC Wine Festival was created and planned to celebrate the Chautauqua-Lake Erie wine region, as well as wines produced in New York state as a whole.
The AGC Wine Festival will not only showcase some of the state's finest wines, there will also be live musical entertainment all weekend. Food vendors, arts and crafts, farmer's market and educational wine seminars will all be available both Saturday and Sunday. Every winery in attendance will have their own booth offering free wine tastings and sales by the bottle.
Among the festivities available throughout the weekend, local artist Mark Baldwin will present his long anticipated illustration of the America's Grape Country regional geography and history. His presentation will be on Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. Baldwin is the artist responsible for the popular illustration of Chautauqua Lake sold in tourist shops throughout the county. He will be autographing copies of his map after his speech. Also, Shannon Brock of the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua will organize the educational seminars at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Aug. 9. The seminars will be instructed by a professional from the Wine and Culinary Center.
"When people realize that we produce wine in New York state, they ask what Finger Lake we're on. This area needs this festival. The festival will help local wine producers to become recognized for being in a wine region, not just a grape juice region. And it will also help strengthen the New York State wine market as a whole," said Bill Merritt, President of Merritt Estate Winery in Forestville.
The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail has 21 wineries between North East, Pa., and Silver Creek. Most of the Chautauqua County wineries will have booths at the AGC Wine Festival. "Wine production is a huge tourist attraction for Chautauqua County. The wine industry in New York state averages around 4.2 million tourist visits each year," said Edwin Rodriguez, Marketing and Promotions Director for Merritt Estate Winery. "That number alone can tell you something about the popularity of wine and grape products in our state." According to the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, the wine industry accounts for approximately $3.4 billion in total economic impact for the state. "We really want to show visitors from other states and individuals in our own communities just how proud we are to offer such a wonderful product, and this festival is the perfect time," Rodriguez said.
To purchase tickets to America's Grape County Wine Festival or to find out more information, call 1-888-965-4834 or visit www.agcwinefestival.com. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie wine region is the largest grape growing region of New York State. The grapes and wines produced in this region rival the quality of premium vintages throughout the world.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Monday, July 14, 2008
Art Gallery Opens In Mayville
) The Art Loft is now open in Mayville. Located at 4994 W. Lake Road, the Art Loft is Chautauqua County's newest art gallery and gift shop. Previously a lumber mill, the Art Loft building, pictured, is a century-old structure with a rich history, according to its owners, the Beyers. Submitted photo With 45 artisans already on exhibit, Mrs. Beyer said the Art Loft features local, regional and national works in a variety of mediums - including jewelry, fiber, pottery, fine art, glass, woods and metals.
''My husband and I have lived in Fredonia for 38 years, and I'm a jeweler,'' Mrs. Beyer said.
''I've been doing art festivals for the last 32 years. We love the Chautauqua area, and I've always done the show at Chautauqua Institution. We love going out there. And so when this house came up for sale, it just seemed like a wonderful opportunity to bring in other artists from the area and from all over the country.''
A private reception was held Saturday at the Art Loft's location in Mayville, signaling its official opening for business.
''We're located in a building that used to be a lumber yard, so it's a big huge double-story barn with open rafters. It's really turned out beautifully,'' Mrs. Beyer said. ''It's a very inviting space. It's open and beautiful and the art work just enhances it even more. I think that this is something that the area will embrace because it's high-quality assortment of artwork by a lot of very talented people.''
A part-time Arizona resident, Mrs. Beyer said her other home has put her in contact with West Coast artists who she hopes to bring to the area.
Located at 4994 W. Lake Rd. in Mayville, the Art Loft can be reached by calling 753-5638. The Art Loft is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy
BEMUS POINT - The importance of shoreline maintenance and its effect on Chautauqua Lake was clear during a presentation sponsored by the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy at the Village Casino in Bemus Point on Wednesday.
The conservancy's shoreline treatment presentation included three presentations: Robert Johnson, Cornell University professor, discussed shoreline and Chautauqua Lake plant conditions; Janis Bowman and Christopher Ecker of Jamestown Community College discussed shoreline and lake insects, worms and fishery food chain health; and John Heibert of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources discussed shoreline treatment and fishery impacts.
Johnson discussed how moths and weevils are the new allies for lakeshore residents. The insects work to destroy the invasive weed Eurasian milfoil in Chautauqua Lake. ''They're keeping milfoil in check,'' he said. Johnson discussed how, with less weeds in the lake this year so far to appear than in past years, it could mean fewer weevils and moths to fight the invasive weed in future years. ''We're going to watch what happens out there,'' he said.
Ms. Bowman discussed shoreline ecology and its importance to the health of the lake. She said the more diversity of insects, the healthier the lake. ''Chautauqua Lake is a healthy lake overall. However, there are some spots that aren't so healthy,'' she said. Ms. Bowman said, while doing her research on the lake, she has seen several residents doing what is necessary for the lake. ''A positive is we've seen people with good lake shore maintenance,'' she said. Hiebert, who has done renovation work on lakes in Minnesota, said residents working together along the lake to improve shoreline maintenance is a first step in the right direction.
'Building knowledge that knowing everyone need to make a change is important,'' he said. Hiebert said no matter what residents and organizations do along the lake, if the watersheds also aren't cared for lake maintenance is pointless. ''If you don't solve the watershed issues, you will never solve the problem,'' he said.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Chautauqua Idol Kicks Off
Five Contestants Move On After Opening NightBy Nicholas Dean, ndean@post-journal.com POSTED: July 8, 2008 BEMUS POINT - Chautauqua Lake Idol's 2008 season started strong Monday night as 10 soulful singers sang their hearts out for a packed crowd in Bemus Point. As the first of two preliminary rounds, only five of Monday night's performers were selected to continue on in the regional vocal competition - Julie Haight, Billy Thomas, Karen Buck, Brian Chase and Kenny Fabritius.
Next Monday, a second set of 10 contestants will compete in the event's second preliminary round - with the five best singers joining last night's winners on July 21 for the WJTN and WKSN Oldies Night.
''It felt great,'' Chase said of performing on the Floating Stage. ''I'm just really happy. I was a little surprised because I do this a lot, playing music and singing, but I was a little nervous up there. The competition made me nervous.''
Praising Chase after his performance, judges Tim Edborg and Mike Quimby told the singer that they expect big things from him - adding that they think he has a little bit more to give and that they are anticipating future performances.
''I'm looking for somebody to blow me away,'' Quimby said of his ideal Idol. ''They've got to have the confidence, first of all. If you don't have the confidence, I don't care how good you are. You've got to give it all that you've got.''
Similarly, judge LouAnn Dobmeier said she is expecting big things from this year's performers, and explained that, as always, the audience is a big factor in gauging a quality contestant.
''I really want the performers to get the audience involved,'' Dobmeier said. ''They can hear what's good and they want to see more of a performer. They really have high expectations. Whoever can get that audience riled up, that's important. It's important for a singer to sell it and bring it on. The person that will go a long way in this competition is the one that picks the right songs for them and for the audience.''
Chautauqua Lake Idol is organized each year by WWSE 93.3 FM, a Media One Group radio station.
Now in its fifth year, the 2008 Chautauqua Lake Idol Regional Vocal Competition will consist of six shows total. After next Monday's preliminary event, there will be three theme nights and a finals night.
Echoing Chase's comments about performing, contestant Karen Buck described performing on the Floating Stage as amazing. ''There's nothing quite like it,'' she said.
For more on the contestants or the coming weeks' theme rounds, visit www.chautauqualakeidol.com. Questions can also be directed to WWSE 93.3 FM by calling 487-1151.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Sunday, July 06, 2008
Chautauqua Lake Idol Starts Monday
BEMUS POINT - After its one-week delay, Chautauqua Lake Idol will get its start Monday with 10 of the 20 finalists selected to compete in this year's competition. The 10 singers who were supposed to have performed last Monday will now compete July 14, as the June 30 opening night was canceled due to rainy weather.
Out of each of the two groups of 10, five singers will be selected to continue on to the competition's first of three theme nights - the July 21 WJTN and WKSN Oldies Night. A country music night and classic rock night are scheduled for July 28 and Aug. 4 respectively. The 2008 contest will conclude Aug. 18.
According to Andrew Hill, Chautauqua Lake Idol producer, SE93 is looking for someone with a little bit of everything this year.
''From slow, meaningful ballads to the entertaining performance that forces the audience on their feet, we are looking for a singer that the general audience can connect with,'' Hill said recently. ''I think our past winners have shared the ability to entertain and make the audience 'want more.' Sue (Waite), Marla (Harris), Lauren (Cecchini) and Ben (Blood) have been true professionals and certainly won over the crowd and judges.''
Chautauqua Lake Idol is organized each year by WWSE 93.3 FM - a Media One Group radio station. For more information, visit www.chautauqualakeidol.com or the Media One Group studios. Questions can also be directed to WWSE 93.3 FM by calling 487-1151.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Chautauqua Lake Flare Displays
| I have had the pleasure of enjoying the 4th of July holiday for about 27 years now on Chautauqua Lake. The fireworks displays are fabulous and no matter where you look there are beautiful displays in the evening sky. Nothing however compares with the spectacular lighting of the lake with flares - it is truly an incredible sight to behold!!
One thing that I have noticed on the 4th in the last year or two, though, is that folks do not seem to know what time to set off their flares. As long as I can remember the flares have been lit at 10 p.m. - everybody in unison with their neighbors. It makes for such a marvelous sight to see! In the last few years though, people have been lighting flares as early as 9 p.m. - and at all different times so that the full effect is not reached. The object is to have all the flares lit all around the lake at the same time - 10 p.m.
Folks on the lake - PLEASE wait until 10 p.m. this year. The holiday falls on a weekend, so the lake will be jammed packed with partyers, lots of fireworks wherever you are and more fun that you can imagine. Let's ALL wait till 10 p.m. for flare lighting so we can ALL enjoy the sight that has been a tradition for so many years in Chautauqua. It will be well worth the wait - Believe me!!
Thanks - and hey..... Y'all be safe out there and enjoy this time with friends & family!!!
Nansea Meyer Jamestown
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