Blog
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
During the week of September 21, Fulton County had the opportunity to welcome the Outdoor Channel’s Fishing University hosts, guests, and crew. The fishing legends who host Fishing University, Charlie Ingram and Ray Brazier, were graciously greeted with warm upstate New York hospitality wherever they went in the community. “From the car wash to restaurants to marinas” they were welcomed with open arms.
Fulton County should be proud of the reception these important guests received and proud of the final product that will air in early 2015. Fishing University’s season includes 13 episodes, two of which were filmed in Fulton County. The show filmed on the Great Sacandaga Lake and Canada Lake as well as school segments at Mayfield High School and Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Educational Services (HFM BOCES). Each episode will air six times during the season and has the potential to reach 40 million viewers.
The filming of these episodes could not have taken place without the help of the sponsors, guides, businesses, and community members that 
helped make this happen. Thank you to John Havlick and Frank’s Gun & Tackle Shop for helping sponsor the filming and the “Meet & Greet” at Lanzi’s on the Lake, coordinating the week’s events, and so much more. Thank you to Jason Pajonk, David Karpinski and Taylor Made Products for helping sponsor the filming and for the fantastic factory tour of the Harrison Street, Gloversville facility. Thank you to Stephen George of Allwater Guide Service and Rob Javarone for guide services and fishing coordination. Thank you to the Holiday Inn staff, Cranberry Cove Marina, Canada Lake Store and Marine, Lanzi’s on the Lake, and many others for their hospitality and service. Thank you to Mayfield High School and HFM BOCES students and staff for helping us highlight the great assets of Fulton County. And thank you to the Fulton County Board of Supervisors for their continued support and awareness of the importance of tourism in Fulton County.
Sincerely,
Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director
Fulton County Tourism Department
Harvest Tour Maps Available
The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Business Development Center, and Montgomery County Agriculture Economic Development have announced that the official 6th Edition Harvest Tour in Fulton & Montgomery Counties Map has been revised, printed, and ready for distribution. The 2-county map is a guide of agritourism properties that exist in both counties.
Agritourism is tourism based on attracting visitors to agricultural operations. This type of tourism is comprised of businesses such as crop and animal farms, u-pick operations, wineries, aquaculture and for-fee fishing operations, Christmas tree farms, herb farms and greenhouses, maple syrup and cheese producers, and farm stands.
“The Harvest Tour Guide is a great tool to showcase our local farmers and producers. Fulton and Montgomery Counties have such a variety of fresh local products as well as wonderful resources that reflect the area’s agricultural heritage, and it is important to continue to promote that aspect of our region,” states Karl Gustafson, Economic Development Specialist, Montgomery County Business Development Center. “This year’s map has an updated look, new categories, and includes information about the regional CNY Fresh campaign and the new Fulton Montgomery Quilt Barn Trail
.”
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Montgomery County to produce this valuable guide which provides added resources and cost-savings to each organization. Visitors and residents are exposed to a tremendous amount of information about our combined counties and the agri-businesses located here,” adds Director of Tourism for Fulton County, Gina DaBiere-Gibbs. “This valuable resource for tourism in the area highlights the vast agricultural community that many visitors from the New York City and Albany areas may not be regularly exposed to. Many want to see how cheeses and milk are made and want to know where their vegetables and meats come from. Many of the farms and businesses on the map not only sell you the product, they will show you how it’s made,” continues DaBiere-Gibbs.
The FREE agritourism map is available at the following locations:
Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, 2 North Main Street, Gloversville
Fulton County Visitor Center, State Routes 30 & 29, Vail Mills
Montgomery County Business Development Center, 9 Park Street, Fonda
Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District 4001, State Highway 5S, Fultonville
For more Montgomery County tourism information logon to www.visitmontgomerycountyny.com. For more Fulton County Tourism information visit www.44lakes.com.
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of October 1-7
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 10 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins Week of October 1
Reporting station Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins, Pine Lake (Adirondack Park) and Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend 95% higher elevations and 50-75% lower elevation (another week or so for peak)
Brilliance Average-Bright/Vibrant
Predominating colors Bright reds and oranges, yellows, and rusty reds, with only a few spots of green still visible (still spotty green in lower elevations)
Rating Near Peak to Peak
Parts of Fulton County are within the Adirondack Park; these locations will reach peak color this weekend. Some trees have started to drop leaves and Saturday’s weather forecast is rain. If you can visit during the week, you are likely to see some beautiful colors and landscapes.
Lower elevations are likely to reach peak the following week around Columbus Day Weekend. Let’s hope for sun and not too much rain and wind to keep the leaves on the trees a little longer.
There are still many fall events happening and plenty of apples and pumpkins to be picked!
FREE Harvest Tour, Route 29A Chain of Lakes, and Great Sacandaga Lake informational maps are available.
1.800.676.3858
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 24-30
Treeline at Rogers Family Orchard week of September 24
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 10 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Tree changing in Johnstown week of September 24
Reporting station: Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins, Pine Lake (Adirondack Park) and Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 50% in higher elevations and 40% lower elevations
Brilliance: Average-Bright
Predominating colors: Yellows, Oranges, Reds… still patchy in some locations but the green that remains have a yellow or rust tint.
Rating: Mid-Peak
According to Dave at Southern Adirondack Pines, “The colors are coming on strong and we’ll be at mid-peak by the weekend. There are a lot of yellows, rusty reds and large patches of bright red highlights. The remaining greens are nearly gone & the colors are getting quite vibrant. The drive up Route 29A from Johnstown/Gloversville to the north end of Fulton County is beautiful.” Others have reported that the leaves at West Lake and Canada Lake are a “perfect backdrop”.
The weather forecast is sunny and mid-70s. In the coming week, if we get any rain it may take that opportunity away.
Come stay for the weekend… the farm markets are open, “The Addams Family” is at The Glove Performing Arts Center, and Fulton County’s Day at the Farm is on Sunday. Visit our calendar to help plan your autumn getaway.
FREE Harvest Tour, Route 29A Chain of Lakes, and Great Sacandaga Lake informational maps are available.
1.800.676.3858
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 17-23
View across Pine Lake from Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins on September 15
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 10 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Reporting station: Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins, Pine Lake (Adirondack Park) and Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 30% in higher elevations and 15% lower elevations
Brilliance: Dull-Average
Predominating colors: Greenish-Yellow, Rusty Red with touches of Orange and Brighter Red
Rating: Beginning to Midpoint in some locations
While this morning is gloomy, the autumn colors are starting to appear at a faster pace than the previous week. The recent crisp mornings are a reminder of the many fall events happening and the Adirondacks are a great place to see the foliage change.
Many trees are changing from green to yellow. Some have a brownish red peeking through and hints of orange and brighter red are starting to appear. At this point, very few have deep vibrant colors. Within the next two weeks, we should see a brilliance of color and reach peak leaf peeping.
The mountain views showcase a progressive timeline in the change of colors. The higher elevations tend to change slightly earlier. If enjoying scenic rides through Fulton County, expect to visit the higher elevations a few days earlier than lower elevations.
Call for a free copy of our Harvest Tour map to accompany your Fall Foliage ride! The Harvest Tour map will assist in finding apples, cider, pumpkins, mums, baked goods, and so many more seasonal products.
We also have the Route 29A Chain of Lakes map and the Great Sacandaga Lake map; both maps include attractions, shopping, dining, and much more to help plan your Fall Getaway!
1.800.676.3858
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 10-16
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 10 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Our Fulton County Report for the Week of September 10-16:
Reporting station: Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 5%
Brilliance: Dull
Predominating colors: Still green, starting to yellow and brown
Rating: Just Beginning
In years past travelers who signed the guest book at the Fulton County Visitor Center rated the best scenic rides through Fulton County. Today, we feel, these still hold true.
- The most popular drive, Rt. 29A West/Rt. 10 North through the Caroga Lake, Pine Lake area, and 29A west through the Town of Stratford.
- The second most popular scenic drive is north Rt. 30 North through Northville around the Great Sacandaga Lake and then south down Lakeview Road through the Town of Broadalbin.
- The third favorite starts Rt. 334 and runs South through the community of Sammonsville.
We also recommend taking the hike up Kane Mountain (prior to hunting season) for a spectacular view. Please be aware of your surroundings and be cautious.
In the villages and cities many properties have the best trees that turn color year after year. A great example would be the Fulton County Courthouse on N. William Street in Johnstown. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in Fulton County especially during peak season when the leaves have turned 100%.
Please enjoy the “Leaf Peeping” season and the many autumn activities Fulton County has to offer.
Stars of Fishing University Filming in Fulton County
The Fulton County Tourism Department announces fishing pros and legends, Charlie Ingram and Ray Brazier, will be in Fulton County with their TV show, Fishing University, to film two episodes. The Outdoor Channel show is in its 28th year making it the second longest running outdoor show of any type anywhere. The stars and filming crew will arrive in Fulton County on Saturday, September 20 and will be in the area through Sunday, September 28. They are planning on filming one episode on the Great Sacandaga Lake and the other on Canada Lake.
While in Fulton County, Ingram and Brazier will be available for autographs and pictures at a “Meet & Greet” event on Thursday, September 25 at Lanzi’s on the Lake, 1751 St. Hwy. 30, Mayfield. “We hope everyone will come out and visit for a while,” said Debra Talley, Vice President of Fishing University. “The guys would love to talk to local anglers to find out their secrets of catching the big ones. And the first 24 people through the door will each receive a spool of Tuf-Line fishing line and get the opportunity to meet the Sales Director of the company, Ted Thibault. Joining Charlie and Ray on this episode will be B.A.S.S. Elite Pro, James Niggemeyer, who will also be present to visit with everyone,” continued Talley. 
“We are pleased to be welcoming to Fulton County the notable hosts and crew of Fishing University,” states Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism. “The show will highlight the positive aspects of Fulton County and help draw visitors to our area in the future. The episodes will air early in 2015 just in time for people to plan their summer vacations. A national show that has been on the air for so many years is a great way to promote Fulton County,” adds DaBiere-Gibbs.
While in Fulton County, two high schools will be included in the filming of Fishing University. Ingram and Brazier and other special guests will be discussing career options in the outdoors and the importance of an education. The school segments will be featured in each episode when they air.
The public is invited to the “Meet & Greet” on Thursday, September 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 at Lanzi’s on the Lake located at 1751 State Highway 30, in Mayfield. The event is free and light refreshments will be sponsored by Frank’s Gun and Tackle Shop and Fulton County Tourism. If you have any questions please call DaBiere-Gibbs at (518)725-0641.
Triathlon Donates to Local Charity
111 athletes participated in the Fifth Annual Peck’s Lake Challenge Sprint Triathlon, held on Saturday, August 2 on and around Peck’s Lake, located in the towns of Johnstown and Bleecker in Fulton County. $1,000 was raised by the event to benefit Mountain Valley Hospice. The event was co-presented by the Peck’s Lake Protective Association and the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“We are pleased to help present a positive event such as the Triathlon in our community and to be able to donate a portion of the proceeds to such a worthy cause,” stated Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism for Fulton County. “Fulton County is fortunate to have such a great event that showcases the area to visitors. And Mountain Valley Hospice is an essential agency providing care and support to our residents and the surrounding area.”
Mountain Valley Hospice seeks to make hospice care available to all appropriate patients and families in Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery and Saratoga counties. In providing care to persons with life-limiting illnesses, the goal of hospice is to alleviate symptoms enabling patients and families to concentrate on living as comfortably and fully as possible. Mountain Valley Hospice provides care that is palliative, holistic and supportive. For more information about Mountain Valley Hospice, please call (518) 725-4545 or visit www.mvhcares.org.
Triathlon results for all participants can be found on the Fulton Montgomery Chamber website at http://www.fultonmontgomeryny.org/pages/PecksLakeSprintTriathlon/. Photos from the event can be found on the Visit Fulton County, NY Facebook page.
Sixth Annual Walleye Challenge Ice Fishing Tournament Gives Back to The Great Sacandaga Lake
Representatives of the Sixth Annual Walleye Ice Fishing Tournament presented a $1,500 check, as well as $770 from a special raffle raised by Lou Stutzke, to the Great Sacandaga Lake Fisheries Federation for fish stocking this fall. The Walleye Challenge this year was held on held on January 25 on the Great Sacandaga Lake. Event Coordinators Lou Stutzke (Owner of Fuel-N-Food of Mayfield), Hank “Beaver” Ross and Fulton County Director of Tourism, Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, presented the check to Randy Gardinier of the Great Sacandaga Lake Fisheries Federation at a recent ceremony at the Fulton County Visitors Center in Vail Mills.
The tournament registered 1750 fishing enthusiasts, a 250 person increase from previous years, with approximately 54% of participants from outside of Fulton County from eleven states and various parts of New York State. The event has sold out in each of the six years it has been held. Besides cash prizes for the heaviest fish caught in each hour (between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM), there were several door prizes awarded throughout the day, and two recreational vehicles and a snowmobile were given away to three of the participants.
The 2015 Walleye Ice Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2015. Anyone interested in adding their name to the event’s mailing list is asked to call the Fulton County Tourism Department at (518) 725-0641 or to send a request via e-mail at events@fultonmontgomeryny.org.
Click here for photos from the 2014 Walleye Challenge.
Fulton County Tourism Celebrates the 20th Annual $10,000 Bet on Fulton County Raffle
From left, Raffle Winners Darla Perham, Priscilla Curthoys, David and Jennifer Connolly split $11,000.
The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce held the 20th annual fundraiser for the Fulton County Tourism Department to help their work in promoting the area to visitors on Friday, July 25, 2014 at the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Gloversville.
Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Fulton County’s Director of Tourism said, “I’m grateful to the community for their support of our tourism program and am pleased with the attendance during the evening’s festivities. We are fortunate to have held this raffle for 20 years and to still have the continued support each year.”
The final two tickets holders for the evening’s raffle decided to split 1st & 2nd Prizes of $10,000 and $1,000, each receiving $5,500.
1st Prize & 2nd Prize Shared Winners of a total of $11,000, Ticket numbers 118 and 128 were Dave and Darla Perham and David and Jennifer Connolly and Priscilla Curthoys
3rd Prize $1,000, Ticket # 271, T.J. Bradt
4th Prize $200, Ticket # 107, Hershel Coloney
5th Prize $100, Ticket # 296, Jonny/Steven
6th Prize $100, Ticket # 077, Frank and Tammy Malagisi
7th Prize $100, Ticket # 086, Anne Marie Dalfonso
Consolation Prize (1st Ticket Drawn) $100, Ticket # 217, Bernie and Helen Andrzejeuski
For more information about Fulton County call (518) 725-0641 or visit our tourism website at www.44lakes.com. Additional photos from the evening can be found on the Visit Fulton County, NY Facebook page.