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Group A
Group A of the Tourism Promotion Grant Program are several Chambers of Commerce with full-time staff.
Tourism Promotion Program
Cattaraugus County's Tourism Promotion Grant Program, also known as the Bed Tax Grant Program, accepts funding applications, that support and encourage tourism promotion in Cattaraugus County, New York (the Enchanted Mountains).
Funding Source
The program's funding source is the County's share of taxes collected from overnight stays, bed taxes, within the County. This funding source is split into the following two groups:
Group A
Several Chambers of Commerce with full-time staff.
Group B
Business associations, non-profit organizations, events, festivals, chambers of commerce without full-time staff and other tourism-associated activities.
Program Contact
This grant is managed by Tourism in the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism (Catt. County EDPT).
StrOlean
![Person enjoying a stroll through walkable Olean](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2024/C72_1952.JPG.jpg?itok=iZjHjv3P)
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.
Summer Music Festival
![Summer Music Fest at Holiday Valley](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2024/SF%20STAGE%20AND%20AREA.jpg?itok=NDuLNpZc)
Silver Bells Santa Parade 2023
![Santa at Silver Bells Parade in Salamanca](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2023/silverbells%202.jpg?itok=6-F3u15v)
The Silver Bells Parade will take place on Thursday, December 2, 2023 starting at 6:00pm.
Light up the night, hot cocoa, cookies, and SANTA!
Main Street and Jefferson Street Park in Salamanca.
To participate in the parade, please go the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce's website for forms and applications.
Santa's Christmas Parade
![Santa at Silver Bells Parade in Salamanca](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2023/silverbells%202.jpg?itok=6-F3u15v)
The Silver Bells Parade will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024 starting at 6:00pm.
Visit Salamanca to celebrate with the Silver Bells Parade and SANTA!
Main Street and Jefferson Street Park in Salamanca.
To participate in the parade, please go the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce's website for forms and applications.
Southern Tier Sympathy Presents Atlantic Brass Quintet
![Front entrance to the Regina Quick Center](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2024/QCA_Front_0.jpg?itok=PpJYSzqI)
Trivia Night at The Challenger Learning Center
![Challenger learning center logo](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2024/279559218_418514686940834_5801598436524535377_n.jpg?itok=Lhe1MBc0)
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.
Olean's Santa Claus Lane Parade 2023
![Santa Claus Lane Parade in Olean](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2023/16426084_10155012908159252_7883790989064457937_n.jpg?itok=5WGM508Z)
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.
Olean's Santa Claus Lane Parade 2024
![Float at the Santa Claus Lane parade](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2024/Photo%20Nov%2024%202023%2C%207%2004%2048%20PM.jpg?itok=Utpwa6MZ)
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.
Friends of Good Music Presents Jennifer Hayghe
![Front entrance to the Regina Quick Center](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2024/QCA_Front_0.jpg?itok=PpJYSzqI)
Activities
Group B
"Group B" of the Tourism Promotion Grant Program (Bed Tax Program)
Overview
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).
Funds for Marketing Campaign
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.
Eligible Applicants
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.
Application Period
Catt. County EDPT will announce the release of the applications in fall for the upcoming year. Applications are accepted after they are released from October to early December. Please double check application dates as they vary slightly each year.
Application Process
Complete an application for each marketing campaign project.
The marketing campaign should include which expenses would be covered by the Bed Tax Grant Program and which would be covered by your organization. The marketing campaign for Group B of the Tourism Promotion Grant Program could potentially contain a mix of following:
- Print materials
- Online Advertising
- Radio Advertising
- Television & Video Advertising
Possible applicants should develop a written plan for how their funding will be used.
Application & Guidelines Document
Guidelines for the 2024 Cattaraugus County Group B Tourism Promotion Grant Program
Socialize with Us
Ellicottville Gazebo Series
![Ellicottville Gazebo Music Series](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2024/Ye%20olde%20hippies%207-20-17_0.JPG.jpg?itok=MEkgPVq0)
Tailgate Thursday
![Tailgate Thursday in Olean](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2024/10-27-23-oth-tailgate-thursday-2%20%281%29.jpg?itok=5qnq1amy)
Requesting Applications for 2024 Tourism Promotion Grants
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:
- Chambers of Commerce without full-time staff,
- business associations,
- non-profit organizations,
- events,
- festivals
- and other tourism associated activities.
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.
Tri-County Trout Derby
![Fishing in the Cattaraugus Creek](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2024/Catt%20Co%20Fly%20Fishing-106.jpg?itok=rkReeGwa)
Nightmare Hayrides
![Costumes at Nightmare Hayrides](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2024/IMG_2905.JPG.jpg?itok=MyhKCmmA)
Jump on the SCARIEST HAYRIDE in Western New York. Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings only. Nightmare Hayride is a twenty five minute tractor drawn hayride that will lead you down a creepy haunted path with live scary creatures. You may end up sitting in the person's lap next to you. But that's not all! You will then have to make your way through the Gothic Chamber, Haunted Wooden Maze, and through the Haunted Barn with the Vortex Tunnel.
Mardi Gras Weekend 2024
![Mardi Gras Parade in Ellicottville- Photo credit- Ellicottville Chamber](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-02/2022%20Mardi%20Gras-097.jpg?itok=DiCDcdmb)
Bacon, Bourbon, & Brotherhood at RocketCup Coffee!
![Rocket Cup Coffee- Cattaraugus](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/events/2025/DSC_0491_1.JPG.jpg?itok=Di17nlfH)
Gather the guys for an evening filled with bold flavors, good vibes, and a crash course in all thing's bourbon and bacon with RocketCup Coffee, Cattaraugus, on February 8th, at 6pm. Perfect for both bourbon enthusiasts and beginners, this tasting class is a celebration of indulgence and camaraderie.
What to Expect: