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Holidays in Fulton County
This morning there was a little snow in the air and on the ground. The light covering transformed the scenery along country roads in Fulton County to a beautiful winter picture. This added to the holiday spirit already present everywhere you turn.
Many events are scheduled for the weeks ahead to enhance your spirit, support the local business and arts community, and just give old-fashioned holiday cheer!
This Friday, November 16 is the Classic Image Johnstown Holiday Parade. The traditional parade features floats, marchers, bands, Santa and more. The route starts 7PM at the Wells House on Madison Avenue, going past Pineview Commons, over Main Street and ending at Chase. It is free to the public.
From 12-9PM enjoy music in the Sir William Johnson Park and shop with various vendors. Food will also be catered by Vic’s Tavern and the Holiday Parade team will offer hot chocolate and coffee and tea.
On Sunday, November 18, the Hadassah 31st Annual Craft Fair will take place at the Gloversville Middle School from 10AM-4PM. This juried show features over 120 crafters. The wide variety of vendors include quilted items, pottery, jewelry, soaps, jams, dips, cheese, chocolates, maple products, photos, art, tee shirts, horseradish, herbs, florals, candles, tole painting, furniture, lotions, leather, and more.
Also available is a bake sale and a cafeteria for lunch and hot and cold drinks. A variety of theme baskets as well as a cedar log head and foot board for a king size bed, a crafted jewelry set, leather hand bag, fabric bag and many more items will be raffled off. Proceeds benefit Hadassah’s Cancer Research Program and Hadassah Medical Organization.
The Gloversville Symphonic Brass will hold their Winter Concert at the Glove Performing Arts Center on November 24 at 7:30PM. This concert will include music for Christmas and Hanukah, as well as classical masterpieces. The group is comprised of professional musicians from throughout the Northeast. This concert is presented by Gloversville Community Music.
On November 30 various activities will be happening in conjunction with each other on North Main Street in Gloversville. Included in these activities is the Micropolis Gallery unveiling of a new display of art and unique gifts, including a tree of ornaments.
Micropolis will host a full day of activities: special guest artist Stan Plotner will be in the gallery between 11:30AM and 7PM presenting a collection of his exquisite, handcrafted silver jewelry, all available for sale, and speak with shoppers about his design work. A Meet the Artists reception will conclude the day with refreshments served between 5-7PM.
The Gloversville Holiday Tree Lighting on that evening will be at 6PM followed by the arrival of Santa with caroling, cocoa, and cookies in the Chamber lobby. The Gloversville Business Improvement District is sponsoring the annual event.
For more event information and additions check the calendar. And for more shopping ideas visit our map. Check back for another holiday edition blog with more events happening and offering a variety of gift ideas!
Barbara V. Spraker Tourism Partner Award
Both Fulton and Montgomery counties have a strong history of partnering with organizations, businesses, and individuals to promote tourism and our community. Each Chamber has recognized the significance the tourism industry provides to our area.
As the Chambers merge together, this year will be no different. The Tourism Department is accepting nominations for the newly named Barbara V. Spraker Tourism Partner Award until Friday, December 21.
The tourism award will be presented at the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber’s Annual Dinner on Friday, January 18. Criteria: This award is given to an individual, event, business, or attraction that is a Chamber member and has done an outstanding job the past year in bringing visitors to the area while promoting the positive aspects of our community.
The award honors Barbara V. Spraker for her innumerable efforts in support of Montgomery County and Mohawk Valley tourism. Her noteworthy accomplishments include spearheading initiatives including the Canajoharie Information Booth, the bicycle path, and having served as a commissioner for the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission.
Award nomination forms can be found on the Chamber website and submitted to:
Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce
2 North Main Street
Gloversville, NY 12078
Fax: 518-725-0643
Email: events@fultoncountyny.org
Previous Winners:
TOURISM PARTNER AWARD
2011 Bob Kazmierski, Wildlife Sports & Educational Museum
2010 Sacandaga Valley Arts Network
2009 Louis Stutzke, Fuel-N-Food
2008 Mike Hauser, Twin Cities Sports Promotion
2007 Ann & Olavi Hirvonen, Lapland Lake
2006 Jim Landrio and the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Gloversville
BARBARA V. SPRAKER TOURISM AWARD
2011 Amsterdam Castle
2010 Light Up the Sky with the Marching Rams
2009 Fonda Speedway
2008 Holding Down the Fort, Fort Plain Museum
2007 Arkell Museum and Canajoharie Library
2006 The Fonda Fair
2005 Old Fort Johnson
Arts & Culture in Fulton County
Performing arts and visual arts are vital in Fulton County; community theater and civic bands are a presence in both Johnstown and Gloversville. There are a number of art galleries in the county, including the Perrella Gallery at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, the Art Gallery housed at the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Micropolis Art Gallery in Gloversville. There also are several smaller galleries throughout Fulton County operated by individual artists who work in various media including metal, oil, watercolors, textiles and wood. Additionally, the Sacandaga Valley Arts Network, an all-volunteer, not-for-profit, cultural development entity, annually sponsors concerts, home-studio visits, slide shows, lectures and field trips. They also curate a gallery at the Vail Mills Tourism Information Center at the intersection of Routes 29 and 30 in Vail Mills.
The Glove Performing Arts Center in Gloversville and Colonial Little Theatre in Johnstown offer great community theater. Libraries are located in the cities of Gloversville and Johnstown, and in the villages of Mayfield and Northville.
Upcoming Art Performances
Susan B. Anthony The Invincible
November 4, 1pm- 4pm
Come meet Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s Long-Time Friend, SUSAN B. ANTHONY – THE INVINCIBLE as portrayed by Sally Matson. Learn about Susan B. Anthony – Women’s Rights Campaigner, Educational Reformer, Temperance Supporter, Newspaper Publisher, Teacher, Abolitionist, Suffragist and Labor Activist!
Celebrate Women’s Right to Vote and Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s Birthday on the eve of the November 6th Election!
Sponsored by the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Women’s Consortium. Tickets available at various locations; $5 adults/$2 students – please call Jo-Ann Clear at 518-725-7791 or at the Glove Theatre, Main St., Gloversville on the day of the performance 4th. Doors will open at 1pm. Refreshments will be available.
Stories from the Mohawk Valley
November 8, 7pm-9pm
History book author, newspaper columnist, and radio personality, Bob Cudmore will talk about stories from his most recent book, “Stories from the Mohawk Valley”.
Refreshments will be served after the program. The public is welcome. Free and donations are appreciated. For more information please contact: Joan Loveday 518-725-8314.
David Roth
November 16, 7:30pm
SkyHeart Studio is thrilled to host David for a third time. Laugh, cry, sing, ponder and leave feeling like a million bucks! David is warm, real and effortlessly lifts your spirits.
David Roth strikes many chords, hearts, and minds with his unique songs, offbeat observations, moving stories, sense of the hilarious and powerful singing and subject matter. As singer, songwriter, recording artist, keynote speaker, workshop leader, and instructor, David has earned top honors at premier songwriter competitions – Kerrville (TX) and Falcon Ridge (NY) – and taken his music, experience, and expertise to a wide variety of venues in this and other countries full-time for more than two decades.
$25 advanced tickets sales only, paid online at www.skyheartstudio.com. Doors open at 7pm. Festival seating. Complimentary gourmet desserts, coffee and tea at intermission. Handicap accessible. For more information please contact: Hannah McAllister 518-725-4441.
For more Fulton County events visit Events Calendar!
Protecting Your Hearing While Hunting by: John O’connor, Guest Blogger
Hi my name is John O’Connor, I am a father, outdoorsman and passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. Over the past few years I have become more and more interested in hearing loss. My father and grandfathers, who are and were all hunters, are affected by hearing loss. I feel that there is a general lack of understanding around the issue and it is our job to spread awareness where we can. Check out my new blog at bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com!
Protecting Your Hearing While Hunting
Hunting is a hobby, sport and way of life in many parts of the world. Some hunt for meat while others hunt for trophy’s like the horns or the antlers. One thing all hunters have in common is the risk of hearing loss due to the sound of the rifle or gun they are using. The risk of hearing loss is not just for the one who is shooting the shooting, in fact, it can happen to anyone who is standing around the shooter, therefore, anyone who is around the shooter should take precautions to protect their hearing. My father for many years neglected his hearing while out in the woods and now is severely affected by hearing loss and wears hearing aids to help him hear better. His doctors say that, although not the only cause, hunting has played a major role in damaging his hearing levels. There are some things that hunters and recreational shooters can do to reduce the risk of hearing loss and protect their hearing for the future.
Ear Plugs
Earplugs are one of the most popular things that help to protect hearing while shooting. They are small pieces of foam that mold to the shape of the inner ear to help cushion any sounds that cause hearing loss. These plugs can fit directly into anyone’s ears, from small children to adults and the price for the plugs are typically very cheap.
The earplugs are easy to use and allow the user to continue to hear the things going on around them while protecting their hearing from the loud shot of the gun. These are one of the more popular types of hearing protection although they are not as effective as some of the other options.
Earmuffs and Electronic Earmuffs
Earmuffs are more effective than the earplugs although they are bulky and they eliminate all sounds. The typical earmuffs are placed over the ears and protect the hearing the best from even the loudest noise. While these work great for those who are simply shooting at a gun range for a short period of time, hunters who are out in the woods for hours at a time do not like them because of the weight and the fact that they cannot hear anything around them.
Electronic earmuffs are the newest craze that shooters and hunters are enjoying. These feature all of the benefits of the traditional earmuffs as far as protection for the hearing although it adds a bonus. These earmuffs can detect certain sounds like a normal speaking voice so that the user can still listen to their surroundings while protecting their hearing.
Avoid Shooting Inside
Many shooting ranges offer indoor shooting. This is a great benefit for many shooting enthusiasts who do not want to brave the hard winters in their area to shoot but they want to remain accurate. The downside is that shooting in enclosed environments create an echo that amplifies the sound of the gun which also damages hearing, even when precautions are taken.
It is extremely important to protect hearing from the start. Once a portion of the hearing is lost, it cannot be regenerated; it is simply gone. Earmuffs, electronic earmuffs or ear plugs should be worn every time a gun is fired, whether you are hunting for food or shooting at a range for sport.
Contact one of Chamber Members if you are concerned about your hearing!
Halloween Happenings
Are you in the Halloween spirit? Are you craving the Treats? Can’t possibly wait to wear your Halloween costume or do you love it so much you want to wear it over and over? Well, here are your chances and family fun activities. Have a spooktacular time!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
11:00am – 3:00pm
Haunted Happenings and the Witch’s Jamboree
Glove Performing Arts Center, 42 North Main Street, Gloversville
(518)773-8255, www.glovetheatre.org
Haunted Happenings is a community Halloween Party for Children, Adults, and Ghouls alike: go through the Haunted House, play games, decorate cookies and pumpkins, a Fortune Teller, Halloween Costume Parade. There will be plenty of activities, and prizes. Anything can happen at the Haunted Happenings.
This year Antiques N’ Uniques on Main Street is joining with the Glove Performing Arts Center with The Witch’s Jamboree featuring: free cider and donuts, a Witch’s Hat contest and a continuing costume parade with prizes. All ages wear a costume and come celebrate a wonderful afternoon for the whole family.
General Admission: $3.00. Children up to 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the box office and by calling 773-8255 Ext. 25.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26
1:00pm – 5:00pm
HARVEST HEALTH FAIR
Johnstown Mall, 220 North Comrie Avenue (Rt. 30A), Johnstown
(518)736-1120, www.nlh.org
Healthy fun for everyone, bring the whole family! 17th annual free event featuring: free health screenings, demonstrations & exhibits, health & wellness information provided by Nathan Littauer Hospital departments, community health & human service agencies, health & wellness related businesses.
Kids’ activities, games, prizes, face painting, Halloween bags & treats! Entertainment, refreshments, samples, giveaways…and much more! Join us in a costume!
Free and open to the general public; no appointments necessary.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31
TRICK OR TREAT SCHEDULE
5:00pm – 7:00pm for the following locations:
Village of Dolgeville – with costume judging at 7:30
Village of Northville
Town of Perth
Town of Stratford
Town of Oppenheim
6:00pm – 8:00pm for the following locations:
City of Gloversville
City of Johnstown
Town of Caroga
Village and Town of Mayfield
Village of Broadalbin
Town of Ephratah
Click here for more Fulton County events!
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of October 17-23
I LOVE NY started the “State’s Official Fall Foliage Color Reports” on September 12 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 October 17-23:
Reporting station: Adirondack Country Store, Northville, Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, Benson & Peck’s Lake Enterprises, Inc., Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 100%.
Brilliance: Dull
Predominating colors: Little color remains (many leaves down)
Rating: Past Peak
All of the Fulton County reporting stations have reported that the leaves are past peak and many of the trees have lost their leaves. The colors are starting to become dull and signs of winter are ahead.
This past week we had temperatures in the 20s and higher elevations throughout the state reported snow dustings. We are hoping for a better winter than last year. Many people are looking forward to snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing in the coming months.
Watch for details about the 5th Annual Walleye Ice Fishing Challenge. And you can start preparing for your winter adventures with the Fulton Montgomery Snowmobile Trail maps which are available.
1.800.676.3858
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of October 10-16
I LOVE NY started the “State’s Official Fall Foliage Color Reports” on September 12 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 October 10-16:
Reporting station: Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, Benson
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 100%.
Brilliance: Bright
Predominating colors: Gold, Red, Orange
Rating: just past Peak
Ann from Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center reported that all the leaves have changed and they are still bright and pretty. They are just past peak, but colors are still evident.
In the southern portion of Fulton County, I have noticed many of the leaves changing to bright autumn colors. Nonetheless there is still a lot of green intermingled. I have also seen many trees already losing their leaves which make for colorful lawns and leave piles. There is still time to see the remaining beauty of the fall but it is not going to last much longer.
Is it too early to remind you that Fulton Montgomery Snowmobile Trail maps are available?
1.800.676.3858
Visitors Center Fall/Winter Hours
The Vail Mills Visitors Center, located at the corners of State Routes 29 and 30, will have special October hours following Columbus Day of Friday-Monday 10:00am-4:00pm. The Visitors Center will remain open with winter hours of 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays during November through April. Our wonderful Visitors Center staff members, Bill VanVoast and Eunie Davis, will continue to be our Fulton County Ambassadors. During off hours a brochure rack is conveniently located outside stocked with Fulton County maps, travel guides, attraction information, and much more. Brochure updates to stock our popular information center are always welcome.
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 5th Edition Harvest Tour in Fulton & Montgomery Counties Map is 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 Missy Potter, Montgomery County Agriculture Economic Development Coordinator.
“We are pleased to partner with Montgomery County to produce this valuable guide. Working together 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 Fulton County Tourism Director, Gina DaBiere-Gibbs.
“This valuable resource for tourism in the area highlights the huge 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,” says Jacki Meola, Economic Development Specialist, Montgomery County Business Development Center.
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 a PDF of the Harvest Tour map and 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 3-9
I LOVE NY started the “State’s Official Fall Foliage Color Reports” on September 12 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 October 3-9:
Reporting station*: Adirondack Country Store, Northville, Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, Benson & Peck’s Lake Enterprises, Inc., Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 100%.
Brilliance: Bright
Predominating colors: Gold, Red, Orange
Rating: Peak
It seems our prediction is correct with peak season this week. I drove up Route 29A through the Peck’s Lake, Caroga Lake, Canada Lake, Pine Lake areas, and beyond. It was a GORGEOUS drive on a sunny day. The colors were very brilliant looking like a rainbow of leaves. Our Peck’s Lake spotter and I agree this may be the last weekend to see their brilliance.
I also had lunch with my family at Lanzi’s on the Lake on Route 30, Mayfield, on a dreary rainy day. But even with the mist you could see the colors of autumn surrounding the Great Sacandaga Lake. Don’t let the weather discourage you; take a fall foliage ride before your opportunity is gone for another year.
Still available are the Route 29A Chain of Lakes map which includes Peck’s Lake and the Great Sacandaga Lake map including Northville/Benson area. Both maps include attractions, shopping, dining, and much more to help plan your Fall Getaway!
1.800.676.3858
*Please note that these locations are in the Adirondack Park and the northern part of Fulton County. The southern part of the county is still changing and has not reached peak, yet.