Chautauqua County Fair advance sale ticket outlets announced

Discounted advance sale ticket outlets for the 2009 Chautauqua County Fair have been announced by the Chautauqua County Agricultural and Fair Assoc-iation, Inc. which owns and operates the county fairgrounds in Dunkirk. Advance sale tickets are sold at $6 per person compared to the daily gate tickets of $8 Monday-Thursday of fair week and $9 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All tickets offer the fair's pay-one-price benefit which includes unlimited mechanical midway rides and access to all Warren K. Brown Show Arena, Arthur R. Maytum Family Theater and Budweiser Grandstand events except demolition derby reserved seating. Proof of paid admission to the fair is required for entry to all Budweiser Grandstand events. Nearby locations where advance sale tickets can be purchased include: Cassadaga, Cassadaga Shur-Fine; Cherry Creek, Crossroads Grocery, Rodgers & Sons, and Cherry Creek Hardware; Dunkirk, One-Stop Food Mart, P & G Foods, Quality Markets, Tops Friendly Markets, Tractor Supply Center, Bed of Roses, Dunkin' Donuts, Flowers by Anthony, Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Kosciuszko Club, Matt's News, VFW John T Murray Post, First Ward Falcon Club, Pizza Village and The Book Nook; Forestville, Groll's Auto Service and Cave's Food Center; Fredonia, Fredonia Food Mart, NAPA, Valone Ford, American Legion Post 59 and Aldrich Vineyard Falls Mini Golf; Irving, The Stagecoach West; Mayville, Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and Quality Markets; Ripley, Meeders Restaurant; Silver Creek, NAPA, Quality Markets and Smith's True-Value Hardware; Sinclairville, Sinclairville Superette; and Westfield, Devlin Farm Supply, Lake County Dairy and Quality Markets. The Web site, www.chautauquacountyfair.org, offers fairgoers the ability to purchase tickets on-line. It provides exhibitor entry books and forms and events information. Combination advance sale and demolition derby reserved seat tickets are available at the fair office. The 128th edition of the Chautauqua County Fair runs July 27-Aug. 2 at the fairgrounds in Dunkirk.   Subscribe to The OBSERVER For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Bach & Beyond Fredonia Opera House

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Celoron’s Four-Day Rib Festival Begins

By Dennis Phillips, dphillips@post-journal.com POSTED: June 4, 2009 CELORON - The ribs officially starting sizzling Wednesday as award-winning national touring rib cooking teams converged in Celoron's Lucille Ball Memorial Park for the first day of the Wild Rib Cook Off & Music Festival. This is the second year the village has hosted the festival, but the first year Celoron officials had time to prepare for the rib cook-off event. Because of a last-second scheduling change last year, Celoron hosted the rib festival for the first time, when an estimated 25,000 people attended the four-day event. Kathi Danielson, Performance & Event Management coordinator, said the rib fest was much easier to prepare for this year because there was more time to plan. ''I'm very excited, so many new things introduced this year,'' she said. ''The village knew what they wanted and were able to attract more vendors because they had more time.'' This year's event will again be four days, running through Saturday. There are several rib vendors serving full and half rack barbecue ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Rib vendors include Pig Foot BBQ Company, Sgt. Oinks BBQ Co., Smokin' Joe's Hog Wild Barbeque, My Happy Place and Bulldog Barbecue. Also, there is barbecue chicken, lemonade, chocolate covered strawberries, kettle korn, roasted nuts, ice cream, chocolate cheesecake, fries, chicken fingers, funnel cakes, hot dogs, corn dogs and more. Along with the food, there is a ''Rib Kid Zone'' featuring rides for children that will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with ride tickets costing $10. There is also a ''Big Kids Zone'' featuring a mechanical bull and other activities. The festival also includes a motorcycle raffle sponsored by Hospice Chautauqua County, a beer garden and a Celoron history experience in the log cabin. There will be reserved parking next to the park to make going and leaving the festival easier. Also sever community organizations like the Moose Club, American Legion and the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association is helping to put on the festival, along with many community residents who have volunteered their time. ''I would just like to thank all the volunteers who have helped,'' said Robin Young, village trustee. ''Also, Jack Keeney and his team who put this all together. It's good to see the village active in a community function.'' For more information on the festival, visit its Web site at http://www.ribfestnewyork.com/. The event is being produced by Performance & Event Management based in Erie, Pa. Subscribe to Post-Journal For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Chautauqua County Calender of Events 6/1-6/7

6/1/2009 - 6/30/2009 10 AM - 4 PM Daily "Intersections" Underground Railroad" Fenton History Center, 67 Washington St., Jamestown 716.664.6256 www.fentonhistorycenter.org A permanent Fenton exhibit highlighting the locations and history about the underground railroad here in our own county. 6/6/2009 & 6/13/2009 8 AM - 2 PM Westfield Farmers Market Moore Park, Rts. 394 & 20, Westfield 716.326.4000 Every Saturday - featuring dozens of local farmers & wineries offering hundreds of fresh products for sale. 6/1/2009 - 6/5/2009 NJCAA National Golf Championship Chautauqua Golf Club, Route 394, Chautauqua 716.338.1265 www.sunyjcc.edu NJCAA Division III men's national golf championships sponsored by Jamestown Community College 6/1/2009 - 6/30/2009 10 AM - 4 PM Mon. - Sat. "In the Mood" Dance Bands in Chautauqua County Fenton History Center, 67 Washington St., Jamestown 716.664.6256 www.fentonhistorycenter.org Remember the Swing, Fox Trot & the Hop? Posters, photos and reminiscences of past dance events at Celoron Park, Bemus Point, Jamestown and Chautauqua will be on exhibit. 6/2/2009 7:30 PM CINEMA - "The Great Buck Howard" 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9-11 Church St., Fredonia 716.679.1891 www.fredopera.org A gentle charmer about a bona fide washed-up star. Stars Tom Hanks and John Malkovich. Rated PG for some language, and a drug reference, 87 mins. 6/4/2009 - 6/7/2009 Roger Tory Peterson Institute Birding Festival Roger Tory Peterson Institute, 311 Curtis St., Jamestown 716.665.2473 www.rtpi.org This innagural event features an entertaining & educational experience-workshops, field trips to birding hotspots , speakers, remastered Peterson films. 6/4/2009 & 6/11/2009 Thursdays 5 PM 9 PM Cruise-in at the Creek Willow Creek Winery, 2627 Chapin Rd., Sheridan 716.934.9463 www.willowcreekwinery.com Classic car cruise-in with live music, food, free wine tasting, raffles, giveaways. Kids activities. Register to win a 1977 Corvette Stingray! 6/5/2009 Fridays 10 AM - 4 PM Downtown Jamestown Farmer's Market 19 W. Third St., Jamestown 716.664.2477 www.discoverjamestown.com Every Friday the Veteran farmers are at the downtown market include Abers Acres, Busti Cider Mill and Farm Market, Anderson's Produce and Scott's Farm and Greenhouse & More! 6/5/2009 11 AM First Friday Lunch Bunch Jamestown Audubon Centerd, 1600 Riverside Rd., Jamestown 716.569.2345 www.jamestownaudubon.org First Friday Lunch Bunch - bring your own lunch - Nature speaker Ann Beebe - Audubon Gardens. 6/5/2009 - 6/7/2009 8 AM Gus Macker Basketball Tournament Downtown Streets, Jamestown 716.661.1477 www.trcny.org 3 on 3 basketball tournament played in the streets of downtown. Macker Headquarters at JSB Ice Arena, 319 W. Third St. 6/5/2009 - 6/7/2009 Attic & Seller Days Villages of Fredonia, Dunkirk to Westfield 716.679.1565 www.fredoniachamber.org 20 Miles of Attic & Seller Sales! Once again, Fredonia, Dunkirk and Westfield will be participating in the 20 miles of super yard sales 6/6/2009 7:30 PM All-County Music Festival The Ampitheater, Chautauqua Institution www.ciweb.org 10 ensembles of area high school musicians, hosted by the Chautauqua County Music Teachers Association 6/6/2009 8 AM - 1 PM Fredonia Farm Market Church St at Village Hall, Fredonia 716.672.4818 www.village.fredonia.ny.us Locally grown produce, maple syrup & honey, quilts, flowers, baskets, soy candles, artisans & more! 6/7/2009 12 PM - 6 PM 53rdAnnual Columban Sisters Spring Festival St. Columban's Retirement Home, 2546 Lake Rd., Silver Creek 716.934.4515 www.stcolumbanshome.org A day filled with fun! Gift & Craft Booths, Entertainment, food. Games & activities, $5000 cash prizes. Chiavetta's BBQ.Classic Car Cruise-in; 6/7/2009 12 PM - Dusk "Scout Day" Midway Park, Route 430, Maple Springs 716.386.3165 www.midway-park.com Bring your scout I.D. and receive discount ride admission for you and your family. Courtesy of Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau www.tourchautauqua.com Always check dates & times For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Mayville NY Bluegrass Festival

The 8th annual Mayville Bluegrass Festival
June 20-21, 2009

Tickets now online!

www.mayvillebluegrassfestival.com

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Chautauqua Lake Idol Auditions Take Place

By Nicholas L. Dean, ndean@post-journal.com MAYVILLE - Dozens of singers turned out Friday to audition for Chautauqua Lake Idol. Held at the Chautauqua Suites Meeting & Expo Center in Mayville, the open audition was the sole qualifier for the sixth annual regional vocal competition. "We had a pretty good showing," said Andrew Hill, host of the event and SE93 on-air radio personality. "We had about 50 people pre-register online and we've had some people come in off the street as they always do every year." Judges Mike Quimby, LouAnn Dobmeier, Sarah Malinoski and Tim Edborg listened as potential competitors sang a cappella for 60 seconds. From the many who auditioned, a total of 20 will be chosen to compete in Bemus Point this summer. For the past five years, Monday nights in Bemus Point have been synonymous with sunshine and the soulful singing of Chautauqua Lake Idol contestants. Organized each year by Media One Group radio station WWSE 93.3 FM, draws contestants and spectators from throughout the county and region. In past years, the contest has consisted of six shows. Following two preliminary rounds, where 10 of the competition's 20 contestants are eliminated, finalists then perform in three theme nights with a finals night determining the year's winner. For more information about the annual event, visit http://www.chautauqualakeidol.com/ or the Media One Group studios. Questions can also be directed to WWSE 93.3 FM by calling 487-1151. To read a full interview with Hill about the coming 2009 Chautauqua Lake Idol regional vocal competition, visit "The Dean's List" blog online at http://www.post-journal.com/. Subscribe to Post For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Chautauqua Lake Ferry Season To Begin

BEMUS POINT - The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry is set to start the season today, traversing the narrows of Chautauqua Lake between Bemus and Stow. The ferry has had much work done in the past several weeks and received a new paint job. The ferry will continued its nearly 200-year history when it ''sets sail'' at 4 p.m. today, weather permitting. The regular summer schedule will be 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. The schedule, however, is subject to change due to weather, mechanicals or local events. This Memorial Day weekend, the ferry service between Bemus and Stow will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday. On Sunday it will open at 11 a.m. but because of a car show in Bemus Point, the ferry will likely carry only walk-ons and bicycles until around 5 p.m. Sunday. The ferry is adding Memorial Day to its schedule this weekend - noon until 4 p.m. Monday. The cost of the ride is only a donation. For more information, go to sealionprojectltd.com. Subscribe to Post-Journal For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Buffalo Airport to Chautauqua Institution 2009 Rates Announced

Magic Mist Limousine 716-284-7040 Are you visiting Chautauqua Institution this summer for art or just the summer experience? We service to and from Chautaqua Institution daily with private car and limousine service. There is no need to take a cramped shuttle when our affordable car service to and from the area is available. No matter what time your flight comes in to the Buffalo Airport, we can have a regular Lincoln Towncar or Stretch Limousine waiting for you. We supply reading materials as well as beverages and snacks for your 1.5 hours ride from the Buffalo Airport to Chautauqua Institution. Let our friendly chauffeurs assist you or your family members in and out of our vehicles. Special needs and luggage assistance are standard. Our 2009 rates to Chautauqua are: Luxury Sedan (up to 4 with Luggage): $165 Stretch Limousine (6-8 with luggage): $215 Book a round trip with us and receive a $10 discount. Here is a previous comment from one of our Buffalo Airport Transportation customers to Chautauqua had to say about our service: "We just wanted to tell you how pleased we were with our transportation from Chautauqua to Buffalo airport. Our driver was excellent - right on time to pick us up and most pleasant as well as being a very good driver. I would recommend your service to anyone." Sara and Fred M For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: http://www.chautauqualakehomes.com/

Housing Market Looking Up

County, State Sales, Prices Increase By Dennis Phillips dphillips@post-journal.com POSTED: May 5, 2009 The number of homes being bought and the selling price for those homes increased in March for the first time in 2009 for both the state and the county. Jan R. Murray, Chautauqua County Board of Realtors Inc. executive officer, said March 2008 housing numbers compared to March 2009 showed an increase in the number of homes sold by 3.9 percent and the median price increase from $61,700 to $69,000 - an 11.8 percent increase. ''It is a pretty good jump,'' she said. ''In November and December 2008, we noticed things were slow a bit, but with the brutal winter we didn't know how much was due to the economy or the weather. Things are taking off now compared to last year at this time. The increase is a good sign.'' On the state level, the New York State Association of Realtors Inc. reported that March featured a 14.1 percent increase in home sales compared to February and the statewide median rose 6 percent to reach its second highest level in the past 12 months. ''It is important to note that buyers who are waiting for the theoretical 'bottom' of the market have already missed it,'' said Duncan R. MacKenzie, NYSAR chief executive officer. ''Prices have been fairly stable for the past 12 months and are now expected to begin to climb slightly. The market typically gains momentum in the spring and summer months.'' Murray said with low mortgage rates and moderate prices, it is a great time to invest in the housing market. Plus, if you're a first-time buyer there is a possible $8,000 housing credit thanks to President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan. The latest federal economic stimulus plan includes the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers who purchase a home on or after Jan. 1 and before Dec. 1. Unlike previous tax credits for first-time buyers, this one doesn't have to be repaid. The $8,000 tax credit is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that was recently signed into law by Obama. The National Association of Realtors estimates the new tax credit will boost first-time buyer home sales by 300,000 this year. ''This is a good incentive to buy,'' Ms. Murray said. ''If you're on the fence about buying a home, this should help make the decision.'' Subscribe to Post-Journal For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate and Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Boater safety courses start today

MAYVILLE - The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office will be holding four boater safety courses this spring. There is no pre-registration required for any of these courses and the courses are free to everyone under the age of 18. Those over the age of 18 will be required to pay a $10 fee to New York State prior to receiving the certification card. These classes are New York state approved boater safety classes required for anyone 10 years old and above to operate personal watercraft (jet skis) and between 10 and 18 to operate a regular motor boat. The courses will be offered today at the Cassadaga American Legion, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. The courses will also be offered May 9 and 16 at Southwestern Middle School - courses start at 8 a.m. and end at noon both days. Attendance at both four-hour courses is mandatory. Also on May 30 at St. Timothy's Church in Bemus Point. Course starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Attendance at each of the four-hour courses is mandatory at the Hartfield Fire Department June 6 and June 13 with the course starting at 8 a.m. and ending at noon both days. Subscribe to The OBSERVER For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com