Annual SKYJAM to lift off this weekend

Submitted photoHot air balloon rides will be featured at SKYJAM.

8/2/2006 - Area residents and visitors are invited to join Chautauqua Leadership Network members at SKYJAM 2006: A hot air balloon rally. This annual event is set for Friday and Saturday at the old Chautauqua County Airport off Route 60, north of Jamestown.

Gates open each day at 3 p.m., parking is $5 per vehicle and admission to the grounds is free. In addition to the balloon launches set for dusk on Friday and Saturday and dawn on Saturday, there will be bandstand entertainment, airplane rides, kite-flying opportunities, a variety of food vendors and other family-centered activities.“Over 17 hot air balloons will be at SKYJAM this year,” stated co-chairs Jean McGowan and Bill Burley. “Some returning favorites will be joining us, but there are some new balloons for the crowd to enjoy. In addition to flying over our county, the balloonists will return to the airport grounds each night for a spectacular balloon glow.”McGowan continued, “Bring a blanket or lawn chair and plan on spending the evening watching the balloons lift off, fill the skies and then return to light up the night with colors during the glow.”Burley added, “Bandstand entertainment this year includes Kokomo Time, Shotgun Suit and Emerald City Productions.

We’re especially excited to have contestants from the Chautauqua Lake Idol competition join us on Saturday night.”

Sponsors for the annual balloon rally include NRG; McDonalds; TPS; R and R Landscaping; Jamestown Plastics; Acu-Rite; The Gerry Rodeo; HSBC Bank; Buffamonte, Whipple and Buttafaro Accounting Firm; DFT Communications; Jamestown Savings Bank; Starbucks Coffee; Lamar Advertising; Lena’s Pizza; Murak and Associates; Peek and Peak; Greater Buffalo Savings Bank; The Resource Center; Smith and Short Insurance; Community Bank and Jamestown Mattress. Sponsored by Chautauqua Leadership Network, SKYJAM is designed to raise funds to provide scholarships for county residents interested in attending the leadership network classes. Classes begin each February and run throughout the year. The mission of CLN focuses on “identifying and nurturing regional leaders and providing them with the framework and network needed to become civic trustees helping their communities.”

More information about the CLN mission or enrolling in the 2006-2007 class is available at http://www.chautauqualeadership.org/ or by calling Coordinator Pene Hutton at 484-8814.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

SkyJam 2006

7/30/2006 - Balloonists Take Flight At County AirportArea residents and visitors are invited to join Chautauqua Leadership Network Members at SKYJAM 2006 — a hot air balloon rally. This annual event is set for Friday, Aug. 5 and Saturday, Aug. 6 at the old Chautauqua County Airport off Route 60, north of Jamestown.Gates open each day at 3 p.m., parking is $5 per vehicle and admission to the grounds is free. In addition to the balloon launches set for dusk on Friday and Saturday and dawn on Saturday, there will be bandstand entertainment, airplane rides, kite-flying opportunities, a variety of food vendors and other family-centered activities.‘‘Over 17 hot air balloons will be at SKYJAM this year,’’ stated co-chairs Jean McGowan and Bill Burley. ‘‘Some returning favorites will be joining us, but there are some new balloons for the crowd to enjoy. In addition to flying over our county, the balloonists will return to the airport grounds each night for a spectacular balloon glow.’’ McGowan continued, ‘‘ Bring a blanket or lawn chair and plan on spending the evening watching the balloons lift off, fill the skies and then return to light up the night with colors during the glow.’’SKYJAM is an activity sponsored by Chautauqua Leadership Network and designed to raise funds to provide scholarships for county residents interested in attending the leadership network classes. Classes begin each February, run throughout the year. The mission of CLN focuses on identifying and nurturing regional leaders and providing them with the framework and network needed to become civic trustees helping their communities.

Balloon rides are approximately $225 per person. Contact pilot directly at SkyJam.

SkyJam 2006 is powered by T.P.S.More information about the CLN mission or enrolling in the 2006-2007 class is available at www.chautauqualeadership.org or by calling Coordinator Pene Hutton at 484-8814.

Sponsors for the annual balloon rally include NRG, McDonalds, T.P.S., R and R Landscaping, Jamestown Plastics, Acu-Rite, The Gerry Rodeo, HSBC Bank, Buffamonte,Whipple and Buttafaro Accounting Firm, DFT Communications, The Resource Center, Starbucks Coffee, Peek ‘n Peak, Lamar Advertising, The Sign Lady, Merritt Winery, Radio Station SE93 and Truck Lite. Also, Jamestown Savings Bank, Lena’s Pizza, Murak and Associates, Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, Smith and Short Insurance, Community Bank, What’s Happening Western New York and Jamestown Mattress.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Local Chautauqua Events


8/19/2006 - Myers/Bennett Memorial Golf Tournament , Breezewood Golf Links, Falconer , Chautauqua County George Myers and Bill Bennett both served as Fire Chiefs in the Kennedy Fire Department. When George passed away Bill worked on a memorial tournament in George's name to Benefit Fire Prevention activities in the Falconer Schools. Bill passed away September 4, 2001 in an automobile accident in route to a call as chief of the department. So I carry on the names of both Bill and George and tournament in their names. Jon Payne, Kennedy Fire Department Cost is 55.00 per person. , More Info. at: 716-267-7955. 3369


8/19/2006 - The 3rd Annual Kristie's Kruise , Dewittville Fire Hall, Rt. 430, Dewittville , Chautauqua County Noon to 4pm. Classic Car Cruise-in, Tom's chicken BBQ, huge chinese auction, bake sale Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 716-753-7370. 3265


8/20/2006 - A Tribute to Elvis , 1 Lighthouse Point Dr. , Dunkirk , Chautauqua County Sunday Aug 20th 2 PM Patrick Johnson A Tribute to Elvis with Bigcity Thrill Band "Lighthouse Festival" Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: elvisliveslive.com. 3367


8/25/2006 - ZABAWA-- Polish Heritage Festival , East 23rd & Reed Streets, Erie , Erie(a) County Friday, 5-10pm, Saturday 1-10:30pm, Sunday 12-6pmLive Polka Music-bands from Erie, Pittsburgh and ToledoDancing and Polish Folk Dancers will be performingPolish Kitchen & BakeryPolka Mass - Saturday 5pm & Sunday 11amGames Raffles Children's Area Cost is FREE. More Info. at: 814-456-0671. 3365

8/26/2006 - Art at the Park , WWO building, Findley Lake , Chautauqua County Satisfy your appetite for art at the WWO building where artists of various mediums will gather for an art show and sale. Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 716-769-7190. 3305


8/26/2006 - Peter Phippen, World Flute Player , Community Center, Findley Lake , Chautauqua County Peter Phippen, World Flute Player will share his talent at the Community Center at 7pm. Brought to you by the Findley Lake Nature Center. Cost is N/A. , More Info. at: 716-769-7610. 3304


8/27/2006 - Glenn Miller Orchestra , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 7 p.m. Under Musical Director Larry O'Brien, the Glenn Miller Orchestra shows why it remains the most popular big band in the world today. Cost is $25 Reserved Seating ($23 Opera House members). , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3235


9/22/2006 - Wine Country Harvest Festival , Gravel Pit and Gibson Parks, North East, PA, Erie , Erie(a) County Wine Country Harvest Festival. 25 Grape Years! Celebrate with us! Winery tours, Wine by the Glass, Arts & Crafts, Grape Stomping, Cruise-In, Bike Wine Country, Entertainment, Food and Fun! Call 814-725-4262 for more information or visit www.nechamber.org/winefest Cost is Gravel Pit Park $5; Gibson Park Free. , More Info. at: www.nechamber.org/winefest. 3319


9/22/2006 - Jeremy Kittel Trio , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 pm. US National Scottish Fiddle Champion Jeremy Kittel "plays with the skill, sensitivity and fire of the best Celtic fiddlers out there." Cost is $12 General Admission ($10 for Opera House members). , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3270


9/23/2006 - Wine Country Harvest Festival , Gravel Pit and Gibson Parks, North East, PA, Erie , Erie(a) County Winery Tours, Cruise-In, Grape Stomping, Entertainment, Arts & Crafts, Bike Wine Country, Food and Fun! 25 Grape Years! Celebrate with us! Cost is Gravel Pit Park $5; Gibson Park Free. , More Info. at: www.nechamber.org/winefest or 814-725-4262. 3317


10/21/2006 - Peek 'n Peak Fall Fest , Peek 'n Peak, Findley Lake , Chautauqua County 10/14/2006-10/15/2006 and 10/21/2006-10/22/2006.Two weekends of family fun during our beautiful fall season. 75 juried crafters, farmers market, snow sports equipment swap, special kids activities and much more! Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 716-355-4141. 3310


10/25/2006 - Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 pm. The 1920 classic silent film starring John Barrymore brought to life with live original music performed by Devil Music Ensemble. Cost is $10. , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3273


10/27/2006 - Norman Foote , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, Fredonia , Chautauqua County 7 pm. Award-winning entertainer/puppeteer Norman Foote puts his theatrical and comedic talents to use in a concert that is both interactive and original. His "props with an attitude" and nursery rhymes sung by rock stars make him a hit with children and adults alike! Cost is $12 General Admission ($10 seniors & students, $8 children under 12). , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3274

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Friday, Aug 4th


PARKING $5

3:00pm - 10:00pm
Official Opening of Sky Jam 2006

3:00pm - 10:00pm
Food Vendors

3:00pm - 6:00pm
Kite Flying

3:00pm - 10:00pm
Vendors/Crafters

3:00pm - 8:00pm
Petting Zoo

4:00pm - 6:00pm
Live Entertainment Featuring:
Emerald City Productions: the Volcaleeze Show

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Airplane Rides

6:30pm
Balloon Launch (weather permitting)

7:00pm - 9:20pm
Tethered Balloon Rides (weather permitting)

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Live Entertainment Featuring: Kokomo Time Band

9:15pm
Balloon Glow (weather permitting)

10:00pm
Day One Closes

Balloon Rides approximately $225 Per PersonContact Pilot Directly at Sky Jam

Saturday, Aug 5th

PARKING $5

6:30am
Balloon Launch (weather permitting)

3:00pm
Day 2 Official Opening of Sky Jam 2006

3:00pm - 10:00pm
Food Vendors

3:00pm - 6:00 pm
Kite Flying

3:00pm - 10:00pm
Vendors/Crafters

3:00pm - 8:00pm
Petting Zoo

4:00pm - 6:00pm
Live Entertainment Featuring: Shotgun Suite

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Airplane Rides

6:00pm - 6:30pm
Balloon Basics Workshop

6:30pm
Balloon Launch (weather permitting)

7:00pm-9:20pm
Tethered Balloon Rides (weather permitting)

7:00pm-9:00pm
Live Stage Entertainment: Chautauqua Idols

9:15pm
Balloon Glow (weather permitting)

10:00pm
SkyJam 2006 Closes

Balloon Rides approximately $225 Per PersonContact Pilot Directly at Sky Jam

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

DEC ACQUIRES CHAUTAUQUA LAKE WATERFRONT PROPERTY
Over 2,000 feet of Undeveloped Lake Frontage Protected

ALBANY, NY -- (07/28/2006; 1520)(EIS) -- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that the State has acquired 23.7 acres of shoreline property along Western New York's Chautauqua Lake in the Town of Ellery, Chautauqua County. Acquisition of the remaining parcels of the former Cheney property provides the State with an additional 2,246 feet of undeveloped lake frontage.
"New York State's acquisition of this beautiful shoreline property will help protect water quality and the ecological health of Chautauqua Lake," Commissioner Sheehan said. "DEC will continue working with our partners on the State and local levels to fulfill Governor Pataki's commitment to open space preservation so that significant fish and wildlife habitat, public recreational opportunities, and tourism can continue to be protected and fostered across New York."
The first of four parcels of the lakeside portion of the former Cheney property was acquired by the State in 1998 from Mr. John Cheney. That purchase protected 10.3 acres of land with 1,200 feet of lake frontage. The current acquisition from Cheney's siblings - Anabel Weise, Donna Stage, Edith Johnson and Rhea Cheney- was purchased using the State's Environmental Protection Fund and brings the DEC's holdings to 34 acres with 3,446 feet of undeveloped lake frontage.
This 23.7-acre shoreline property will protect spawning and nursery areas for important fish species, such as muskellunge, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie and panfish. DEC will manage the Cheney lakefront parcels as a low-intensity access site offering shoreline fishing. A small parking area will be developed to allow parking for day use of the site.
Assemblyman William L. Parment said, "Chautauqua Lake preservation has always been a priority for me as a one of our community's most precious natural assets. We have worked on this important land acquisition for quite some time and I am pleased that the project has finally reached fruition. The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and the Cheney families deserve much credit for their commitment to preserving this beautiful open space."
Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards said, "The completion of the purchase of this shoreline property highlights the importance of Chautauqua Lake to Governor Pataki and the Cheney family. All of the residents of our County are the benefactors of this significant step toward preserving our lake which is an essential part of the economic stability of our Region. The County of Chautauqua did not have the resources to secure this property and I am deeply grateful to those who promoted this project at the State level. This purchase will provide local access to the lake along with the environmental benefits of protecting this habitat. Hopefully this will be another step toward securing the additional resources necessary to address the many other issues effecting Chautauqua Lake."
John Jablonski III, Executive Director of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, said, "Conserving this lengthy natural shoreline has been one of the highest priorities of the Conservancy since it's founding. We highly commend these families, State leaders and DEC staff for committing this site for the benefit of the public now and for generations to come. This action conserves the watershed water quality functions of this lakeshore as a pollution filter, helping to protect the lake against excess nutrients and sedimentation that fuel nuisance plant growth."
Centrally located in Chautauqua County, the 13,000-acre Chautauqua Lake provides anglers with tremendous fishing opportunities. The Lake is annually stocked by DEC with 13,000 muskellunge fingerlings from the State's Chautauqua Prendergast Hatchery, along with 200,000 walleye fingerlings from DEC's Chautauqua Prendergast and Oneida hatcheries.
The former Cheney properties were identified as important priorities for conservation in the State's Open Space Conservation Plan. The Regional Open Space Advisory Committee nominated these parcels under the "Chautauqua Lake Access, Shore Lands & Vistas" category and recommended their purchase. This acquisition is especially important, since less than 12 percent of the Lake's shoreline remains undeveloped.
Since 1995, the State has committed to the acquisition of nearly 960,000 acres statewide to be conserved and protected for public benefit and enjoyment. The acquisition of the Cheney property builds upon the permanently protected open space in Chautauqua County, such as the historic Midway Park site announced by Governor Pataki and for acquisition by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in 2005. Midway Park, built in 1898, is located at the northern end of Chautauqua Lake. It is nationally recognized as the 16th oldest continuously operated amusement park in the county, is open seasonally and has been in operation for 107 consecutive years. Midway Park is one of only 12 remaining "Trolley Parks" in the United States.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit www.chautauqualakehomes.com

125th Chautauqua County Fair

Three-ring fun Silly Family Circus proves a hitBy MICHAEL A. RUKAVINA OBSERVER Staff Writer

OBSERVER Photo by Mike RukavinaTyler Blevins, right, of Virginia, shows off his muscles during Wednesday’s Silly Family Circus at the Chautauqua County Fair.


7/27/2006 - Balloon animals, juggling, crazy weight lifting contests were all showcased during Wednesday’s Silly Family Circus at the Chautauqua County Fair. Paul Jackmen of Syracuse has been entertaining for two years now and says everything has been going great at this year’s fair. “The people in the area have been great, this weather has been terrific, I mean except for the wind sometimes everything is going well,” said Jackmen. The Silly Family Circus is a free show which offers fun for the whole family with emphasis on audience participation. “I make balloon animals, do some juggling, I like to involve the children cause it’s all about them,” said Jackmen about what motivates him and the show. The show is running three times a day until the Fair concludes in the Arthur R. Maytum Mini-Stage

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Theater at Chautauqua
by Anthony Chase



"The Art of Coarse Acting" runs through July 30 at Chautauqua.

The Chautauqua Theater Company is the resident professional theater and conservatory of the Chautauqua Institution. Now in its 23rd season, the company works with a resident company of 16 young actors from some of the best drama programs in America, and with principle players brought in to play featured roles. Under the leadership of co-artistic directors Vivienne Benesch and Ethan McSweeny, the programming has become increasingly challenging and wide-ranging, more in keeping with the mission of the venerable Chautauqua Theater Company itself.
This summer the season roared to a start with Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, a large-cast classic with doom and gloom aplenty. This has been followed by The Art of Coarse Acting by Michael Green, an unbridled evening of pure silliness, which played through July 30. The season will close out with Shakespeare’s comical and romantic Twelfth Night.
Along the way, the Chautauqua Theater Company is presenting readings of some intriguing new plays. Last week, for instance, the festival featured a world premier reading of New Burlington adapted by Jonathan Walker from John Baskin’s book, New Burlington: The Life and Death of an American Village, about a small town in Ohio that was intentionally drowned out of existence by the Tennessee Valley Authority as part of its flood control projects. Fascinatingly, a principle role was played for the one-night-only event by the remarkable Sada Thompson, the Tony and Emmy award-winning actress best known as the mother, Kate Lawrence, on the long-running television series “Family.”
“I had never been to Chautauqua before,” reveals Thompson by telephone from her home in Connecticut. “I first heard of Chautauqua in a Civil War novel, I think! I was intrigued to do this project because I had actually read John Baskin’s book and had suggested that it would make a marvelous stage adaptation. The part was not written specifically for me, but I am delighted to be able to help take the play on this part of its journey.”
The ability to attract big names is a hallmark of the Chautauqua experience, and in the theater, Benesch and McSweeny have interpreted this call to mean important actors from the Broadway and off-Broadway theater. Tucked into the cast of The Art of Coarse Acting, for example, are Dylan Baker (currently starring on NBC’s “Book of Daniel”) and Marylouise Burke, two actors whose names you may not know, but whose faces you will certainly recognize.
Burke is the muse of playwright David Lindsay-Abaire (Tony nominee this year for Rabbit Hole), and appeared in his plays Fuddy Meers, Kimberly Akimbo and Wonder of the World, earning enormous praise from New York critics for all three performances. She is featured in Robert Altman’s new film, A Prairie Home Companion, and will be remembered in Buffalo for her performance as the mother in the Kaufman & Hart comedy, You Can’t Take It With You. A first-rate character actress and comedienne of extraordinary talent, Burke explains, during a break from rehearsal that this is her first time at Chautauqua.
“I knew Vivienne [Benesch] because we had done The Matchmaker together at the McCarter in Princeton. And I knew Dylan’s work, but did not know him personally. My main motivation to come was that I really wanted to work with Dylan. But everybody told me that Chautauqua is just a beautiful place and they are right. Now that I am here I am enjoying the very supportive community. Everyone is very aware of the theater and very encouraging. I also enjoy the history of Chautauqua; I have a friend who is a retired minister, and when I told him I was coming here, he said, ‘Oh Chautauqua! I saw FDR speak there!’ I enjoyed that.”
The press materials describe The Art of Coarse Acting as “Noises Off meets Monty Python when the Bakersberg Community Theater undertakes an evening of chestnuts and masterpieces. From “The Cherry Sisters” (a hitherto undiscovered Chekhov fragment) and “Streuth” (not by Agatha Christie) to “All’s Well That Ends As You Like It” (based on an idea by William Shakespeare), BCT tackles the classics—and flattens them.
The range and aspiration of the Chautauqua Theater Company certainly bodes well for the future of theater at the festival, and its ability to continue to attract some of the most interesting theater practitioners working today.
The Art of Coarse Acting runs through July 30th, to be followed by Twelfth Night. A reading of 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor, about the life of a priest questioning his vocation, two teenagers searching for meaningful connection and a cleaning lady seeking revelation will take place August 3-5.
Further information and tickets can be obtained by visiting www.ciweb.org, by telephone at 716-357-6250 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm), or at the Institution ticket offices in the Colonnade lobby (Mon & Fri, 9am-5pm), the Main Gate Welcome Center and the Turner Community Center (Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm).

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Ship to sail on Chautauqua Lake

Submitted PhotoA replica of an authentic Viking ship is scheduled to sail along Chautauqua Lake today

7/26/2006 - As a prelude to the Fifth Annual Scandinavian Folk Festival being held at Jamestown Community College’s Jamestown Campus July 28 through 30, a replica of an authentic Viking ship is scheduled to sail along Chautauqua Lake today. The Norseman and its nine-member Viking crew will visit students at Love Elementary School early in the morning before entering the lake at Long Point State Park at 11:30 a.m. to sail to Bemus Point where they will dock from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The next stop for the ship is Chautauqua Institution where the crew plans to dock from 3 to 4 p.m. before traveling to the Viking Lake Park to dock from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m. The ship will return to Bemus Point to dock from 6:30 to 8 p.m. At each point in the itinerary, crew members will discuss the ship and Viking traditions. Throughout the festival, the Norseman and its crew will be part of the Viking Village on the JCC Campus. The Norseman is one of two replicas operated by Leif Ericson Viking Ship, Inc. of Philadelphia, Pa., a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the study, education, and promotion of Leif Ericson as the first European to set foot upon and explore the North American Continent and of Vikings in general. For additional information on the festival, call 716/338-1187 or visit http://www.scandinavianjamestown.org./

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Chautauqua County Fair Begins With A Bang

By ASHLEY PADDOCK

County Executive Greg Edwards, left, watches as Chautauqua County Fair President Jeanne Stewart and county legislators Sallie Pullano and Fred Croscut cut a cake celebrating the fair’s 125th year. Photo by Ashley Paddock


7/25/2006 - Special to The Post-Journal: The third time is the charm, or so the motto was for the opening ceremonies of the 125th Chautauqua County Fair on Monday as fair board members tried lighting the Revolutionary War-era cannon. The third try proved a success as the cannon surprised the crowd of legislators and county officials with a loud boom. Fair President Jeanne Stewart welcomed the crowd and the 4-H Teen Ambassadors sang the National Anthem. While the entries have been judged and people were able to see the winners, Stewart explained that some vendors had not yet arrived and the midway rides would not begin until early afternoon. Heavy rain earlier in the week caused a delay in preparing the rides for the event. ‘‘Today we’re making sure everyone is here and in place, the entries have been judged and you can see the winners,’’ Stewart said. ‘‘The weather looks beautiful and so far nothing has gone wrong.’’Following the opening events, legislators and county officials were given a tour of the fairgrounds, with the trolley dropping the guests off at the dairy barn for the unveiling of the newly renovated barn.Barn Renovation Committee members Robin Ormond and Diane Moss spoke of the new steel roof and steel end walls set in place by Mike Pinzok Construction of South Ripley. The renovations were made possible with the gracious donation of $32,000 by businesses, 4-H families and past 4-H family members. A sign was unveiled, located next to the 4-H Snack Shack, listing the names of families and businesses who donated funds for the project.‘‘Our roof was in desperate need of repair,’’ said Ormond. ‘‘We said that when you got wetter in here (the barn) than on the midway, it was time to get a new roof.’’‘‘A lot happened in a very short time and we’re very happy with the end result,’’ Moss said.Ormond added, ‘‘We can’t thank everyone enough, we’re so amazed with the support we’ve been given.’’Led by the 4-H Teen Ambassadors, the guests were treated to a tour of the agricultural barns. A cake and punch reception was held following demonstrations by 4-H members and the unveiling of a memorial for the late senator Patricia McGee.Senator Catharine Young was unable to attend the opening ceremonies. She was called back to Albany on business. However, she will be in attendance Thursday night when she will tour the barns, according to Kevin Muldowney, district representative for Sen. Young’s office.‘‘Growing up on a dairy farm, this is important to her,’’ he said. ‘‘She really loves it. It’s so great to see so many young kids involved. Involved kids are good kids.’’Other than the cannon malfunction, fair Manager Karen Cave said the event began very well. ‘‘It’s always a slow start opening day,’’ she said. ‘‘We have a full midway and the circus is up and running for two shows. I think it’s great.’’The nice weather drew in a respectable crowd. But, with midway rides down and vendors coming in late, this made for disconcerted fair goers. Bob and Becky Vass explained they came to walk around and see the exhibits, people and vendors, but discovered not everything was open. ‘‘We got here at 10 a.m. The fair opens at 10,’’ she said. ‘‘The fair should be open, not all the vendors were there to man their booths yet.’’Mr. Vass explained the rain slowed everyone down a day, however, he felt they still should have been prepared for the opening.Marilynne Northrop and her husband brought their two grandchildren, 6-year-old Ben and 3-year-old Neal Bachman, to the fair while their daughter delivers a baby. While the two cheered ‘‘yay, yay, yay’’ patiently waiting for the midway rides to begin, their grandmother explained the animal barns are her favorite part of the fair experience. Having strated showing cattle at 7 years of age, the animals bring back fond memories for her. Her husband and children were members of 4-H also. ‘‘These are our grandkids and we’re bringing them back to see this,’’ she said pointing to the barn. ‘‘They don’t raise animals,’’ she said. Ben then chimed in with, ‘‘We do raise two fish, Grandma.’’Visitors came from all over the county and even from out of state too. Scott and Sherrie Meyers of Nashville, Tenn. brought their son, while Jennifer Spencer brought her son, two nieces and nephew from Wilksboro, N.C.Despite the slow start, the promise of fun, excitement and laughter loomed in the midday sun.‘‘Come on down,’’ Stewart concluded. ‘‘The fair board directors have done a lot of work. So, come down and enjoy!’’


For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

125th Chautauqua County Fair

TIM LATSHAW OBSERVER Staff Writer

7/24/2006 - Before the Chautauqua County Fair opens its gates to the public, a whole lot of equipment, people and animals must make their ways in first.Vendors, operators and other participants of the fair’s events and attractions made final preparations Sunday in anticipation of its 125th year grand opening today at 9 a.m.While many arrive two days prior to the fair’s opening to begin their preparations, Board of Directors President Jeanne Stewart said that heavy rains on Saturday gave some cause for worry.“A lot of people did not come yesterday (Saturday) to set up,” she said. “We were concerned, but they are here today.”J & J Amusements, the company responsible for the majority of the midway rides and attractions at the fair, made it to the fairgrounds after becoming stuck in mud at their last venue, Stewart said. The grounds began to take a familiar appearance Sunday evening as rides were erected into the sky and cars were added one-by-one to the Ferris wheel.The Victoria Circus, a new attraction to the fair, was also expected to make it in Sunday night. Planned acts from the circus include two different highwire acts, a motorcycle “globe of death” and a comedy trampoline routine.Preparations were going on inside the fair’s display barns and buildings as well. A team of approximately 18 judges had already finished distributing awards to the variety of arts, crafts and foods that fill Floral Hall, but workers were still busy preparing an area to host demonstrations throughout the week.“We’re glad we’re almost to the point of opening,” said hall superintendent Ann Woolley. “The hardest part is done.”Participants who brought more animate entries — cows, sheep, pigs, etc. —often have a little more time to prepare them for judging, but that doesn’t mean there is much time to loaf. Felicia Winton moved in 18 cows from her family’s Arlaine Farm on Saturday. Even with help from her brother Brooks, only about half of the cows were prepared for judging Wednesday.Glen Moss, who has been part of the fair for about 10 years, was preparing his own cows in another barn. When asked what he had done since 9 a.m. Saturday morning, he simply replied, “Everything.”“I’ve been getting the display ready, milking the cows and washing the cows,” he explained. Like many other animal keepers, Moss will be staying with his cows around the clock, sleeping on the fairgrounds until festivities end next Sunday.The fair’s opening ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m., with state Sen. Catharine Young expected to speak. The dedication of the new dairy barn roof, made possible through over $25,000 of funding raised by 4-H members, will also be made.And while it may take quite a lot to be ready for that opening, Stewart is confident that the talents of all those involved in the preparations are enough to get the job done. “Everybody seems to take on a particular area,” she said, “but everyone pulls together and it all works out well.”


For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com