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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