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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! 

Grab your Christmas list and meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Kids will receive a special treat from Santa.

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.

See the full schedule of days, times and sponsors.

Fall into Fun: Paws & Pumpkins 5K 

Join the 2nd Annual Paws & Pumpkins 5K in Little Valley, NY benefiting Empire Animal Rescue Society (EARS)! Whether you're a seasoned runner or a leisurely walker, bring your family, friends, and furry companions for a morning of autumn fun. 

Event Details:

The Challenger Learning Center announced the return of their popular space quiz event! Join in to test your space knowledge and also support a local organization. The event will feature a quiz with prizes for the winning team. You can participate in a team of 2-5 players.

Apart from the quiz, we will also have raffles with exciting prizes such as a Cutco Block, a $100 gift certificate from the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, a $50 AMC gift certificate, and more. You can still purchase raffle tickets even if you are not attending the event.

Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels Free Tours available on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Fridays of the month. No reservations necessary. Come and discover the beauty of the southern tier's Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean, NY.  The 33 Munich-style windows are some of the finest domestically-produced windows in the nation.  Pope Frances designated the church as a Minor Basilica on February 14, 2017 for its exquisite art, architecture and history. Group tours are also available by calling 716 372 4841.

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.

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. 

Next Level Mountain Biking will be leading a ride in the Red House area. Meet at the Administration Building at 11:00 am on January 1, 2024. The pace and the length of the ride will be moderate and be determined by the participants. Participants may split into different paced groups, if necessary. No one will be left behind. Fat tire bikes are suggested, given the range of conditions likely to be present, however, use your best judgement for the conditions of the day.

Grab your Christmas list and meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Kids will receive a special treat from Santa.

New Gear’s Eve Bike Ride begins at Camp Allegany on December 31 2024 at 6:00 p.m., with the ride starting at 6:30 p.m. Grab your bike and some friends to join Allegany staff and other fat bike enthusiasts for the last ride of the year. Bring lights, wear warm and reflective gear and a helmet. Participants may be split into different paced groups, if necessary. No one will be left behind. There will be a social to follow the ride in the Rec Hall at Camp Allegany. Bring your own snacks.