Paddling Events for Spring and Early Summer 2024
![A photo of some kayakers on the Tunungwant Creek during the 2021 Tame the Tuna Regatta](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/20210814_152648.jpg?itok=BCcwhUAk)
Through the generosity of the community businesses and organizations listed below, the City of Olean Youth Bureau & Recreation Department is offering free admission for public ice skating the following dates and times. There is a $3.00 skate rental fee.
Special appearance by Santa on December 24th from 12-2pm. Free admission, just a $3 rental fee. Sponsored by the Olean Rotary Club.
Santa Claus will be back in the Town of Olean at his cottage in Lincoln Park on December 13th from 5:30-8:30 pm.
Kids can leave letters for Santa in a mailbox outside his cottage created by families of the EvenStart program. Kids will also receive a small treat from Mrs. Claus!
"Group B" of the Tourism Promotion Grant Program (Bed Tax Program)
A portion of bed tax is intended to provide grants for advertising and promoting various new or expanded tourism events, unique festivals, attractions and experiences that will attract more visitors for extended stays, overnight visits and day getaways. This grant program seeks to establish the importance of programs and opportunities that promote or support the development of specific themes or significant attractions and events, all of which enhance the level of visitor experience in the area. Any eligible grantee will partner and coordinate with the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism (EDPT).
The funds supplied by this grant, the funding source, are from the County's share of taxes collected from overnight stays, bed taxes, within the County.
This funding is intended to supplement your marketing campaign's advertising budget and not meant to be your entire advertising budget; therefore a match or share of cost is expected.
Chambers without full-time staff, business associations, non-profit organizations, events, festivals and other tourism associated activities.
The funds in this group will be administered by EDPT. Grantees will partner and coordinate with EDPT.
Applications are accepted after they are released from late October to early December. Catt. County EDPT will announce the release of the application in October.
Complete an application for each marketing campaign project.
A marketing campaign could contain any of the following:
Print materials
Online Advertising
Radio Advertising
Television & Video Advertising
Possible applicants should have, at least, a rough project plan using the example application for one marketing campaign
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HoliMont Contractor’s Day is an event filled with many fun activities that take place on and off the slopes. This year’s activities include the 36th annual Dave Pitkin Memorial Ski Race, dedicated to him to commemorate his enduring spirit, his contributions to the HoliMont Racing Club, and his part in creating the racing hill, Our infamous Bombardier Ball Drop, Lunch provided by Dina’s at the Mont, A vendor market, and an Apres Ski Party. This event is sponsored by many local businesses and helps us celebrate and support our local community. Join us for our favorite day of the year!
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and city leadership are inviting the community out for a night on the town. Working with the city and members of the business community, the Chamber is announcing “StrOlean,” the event aims to bring folks to the downtown shopping district for an evening of fun.
StrOlean will feature a host of events and is designed so event goers can saunter, amble, wander, and walk North Union Street. There will be delicious food, music, fine arts, classic cars and fun for all ages.
Take a trip back in time with a Victorian Christmas at the Fannie Bartlett House in Olean, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Watch the Santa Claus Lane Parade before or after touring this beautifully restored mansion built in 1881 with 15 rooms, including a third-floor ballroom.
The historic house will be adorned with Christmas decorations during its annual open house on Friday from 6-9pm. There will be refreshments and raffle baskets, proceeds to benefit the Bartlett House.
Come join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they officially light the town's holiday decorations! This festive Annual Santa Claus Lane Parade is held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving and the traditional kick-off to the holiday season. Santa will be in attendance and light up thousands of lights in Lincoln Park and downtown Olean when he parades through town in celebration.
Below is a video that highlights the 2016 parade, from the Olean Times Herald, produced by Adam Miller.
Want to work off some of the turkey or treats; or just spend some time outdoors with other biking families? Join us as we take an evening ride along the Red House Bike Path. Meet at Camp Allegany at 6:15 pm with the ride starting at 6:30 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult and wear a helmet. You do not have to have a fat bike for this ride, but you will need a headlamp or a bike light. Please, no balance bikes, or bikes with training wheels.
There will be a Christmas Parade and Park Lighting Celebration. The parade will start at the Portville School and make its way down to Pioneer Park where Santa will light the park.
Food trucks, live music, and visits with Santa will be available!
Today is the day to try before you buy! Free demos from many ski and snowboard reps, featuring Ellicottville's awesome specialty ski and snowboard shops. Check it out, slopeside of the Holiday Valley Lodge. Credit card required for deposit and parent signature if under 18.
Feel good this Thanksgiving by starting your day with a non-timed 5K at St. Bonavenure University with other passionate runners and walkers! Continue that feel good feeling by knowing that the registration fee supports the local food pantry and the Every Kid Deserves the Y fund!
Registration is 8:00am - 8:45am at Murphy Hall. Race starts at 9:00am.
Holiday Valley has announced that their anticipated opening day is November 24th- Weather permitting. Finger crossed that Mother Nature let's that happen!!
Check Holiday Valleys Facebook page for updates!
If you are having an event in the Enchanted Mountains (Cattaraugus County) then you may want to apply for the 2024 Group B Bed Tax Grant Program.
The Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism (EDPT) is now accepting applications for the 2024 Cattaraugus County Group B Tourism Promotion Grant Program, due December 8th, 2023.
A portion of the bed tax is intended to provide grants for advertising and promoting various new or expanded tourism events, unique festivals, attractions and experiences that will attract more visitors for extended stays, overnight visits and day getaways. This grant program seeks to establish the importance of programs and opportunities that promote or support the development of specific themes or significant attractions and events, all of which enhance the level of visitor experience in the area.
Eligible applicants include the following:
Any eligible grantee will partner and coordinate with Cattaraugus County Tourism Department.
For more information please visit the Tourism Promotion Grant Program at EnchantedMountains.com/Group-B
If you have any questions please contact Samantha Hayes at 716-938-2307 or by email at SLHayes [at] cattco.org.
Gowanda is a a beautifully quaint community nestled among the hills surrounding Cattaraugus Creek and is coming together for a Christmas Celebration. Come help start off the holiday season downtown with local merchants, train rides all day, Annual tree lighting ceremony, Holiday Spirit Parade and a festive atmosphere for the whole family. Of course we can not forget that Santa and all his helpers will be there to help us celebrate this joyous time of year! Mark your calendars!