Chautauqua County looking for something fun

MAYVILLE - With gas prices remaining high, and the summer season winding down, many Chautauqua County residents are looking for something fun and exciting to do before the kids have to head back to school and the crisp autumn winds begin to blow. Earlier this summer, Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards encouraged all County residents to consider a "staycation" and remain closer to home for their summer vacation. With the U.S. economy sagging, and the nationwide average price for unleaded regular gas surging past $4 per gallon this summer, a pricey destination holiday was well beyond the reach of many Americans. Not wanting to experience a summer devoid of well-deserved R&R, many families traded in their travel plans for a stay-at-home vacation. These "staycations" took many forms, including backyard camping "expeditions" and romantic "escapes" to a local hotel. "Thankfully, in Chautauqua County, there are plenty of things to see and do for those who didn't want to spend a lot of their hard earned money to travel out of the region," Edwards said. One example is Chautauqua Institution, which experienced one of its best seasons. "Chautauqua Institution enjoyed a remarkable 2008 season," said Director of Institution Relations and Public Affairs Michael Sullivan. "Attendance was up in almost every category, including both long-term and day tickets. Sullivan said that their visitors praised every element of the program from dance, symphony and opera to theater, their lecture programs, visual arts and recreation. "This coming on the heels of a very successful 2007 season is especially rewarding," Sullivan concluded. Keeping the "staycation" theme in mind, Edwards said there are plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement in Chautauqua County this upcoming Labor Day weekend. The Findley Lake Harvest Festival is taking place through Sunday, Aug. 31. For more information, you can go to http://www.findleylakeinfo.org./ Cross Roads in Westfield will be holding their Labor Day Countywide Yard Sale today and Monday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at their market on County Road 21. For more on that, go to www.thecrossroadsmarket.com. Jamestown's Annual Labor Day Festival will take place this Sunday from noon until 8:30 p.m. And, perhaps one of the most exciting events that will be happening in Chautauqua County this summer, and in the past few summers, will "explode" on Sunday. "Light the Lakes" is a groundbreaking historical event where the sky will be lit up with one of the largest fireworks display in North America that can be seen from space. It will be one of the largest fireworks shows in America - so powerful it can be seen from NASA's space station! All of Chautauqua County is invited to participate as this event draws spectators regionally, as well as locally, to our area. For more information, go to http://www.ilovenylakes.com./ Subscribe to Observer For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com