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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

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. 

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Allegany River Rest Area

Allegany Rest Area
The Allegany River Rest Area serves westbound traffic on Rt. 86, between exits 24 and 23 in the town of Allegany.

Summer Music Festival

Summer Music Fest at Holiday Valley
A three day music festival held at Holiday Valley and hosted by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce.
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Southern Tier Sympathy Presents Atlantic Brass Quintet

Front entrance to the Regina Quick Center
Widely acclaimed as one of the world’s finest and most versatile brass chamber ensembles, the Atlantic Brass Quintet has performed in 48 states and dozens of countries across four continents.
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Silver Bells Santa Parade 2023

Santa at Silver Bells Parade in Salamanca

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.

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Olean's Santa Claus Lane Parade 2024

Float at the Santa Claus Lane parade

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.

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Trivia Night at The Challenger Learning Center

Challenger learning center logo

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.

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Olean's Santa Claus Lane Parade 2023

Santa Claus Lane Parade in Olean

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.

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Santa's Christmas Parade

Santa at Silver Bells Parade in Salamanca

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.

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Activities

Activities in the Enchanted Mountains year-round.

Requesting Applications for 2024 Tourism Promotion Grants

Submitted by Samantha Hayes on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 11:45

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
Participate in the trout derby!!
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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

Tailgate Thursday

Tailgate Thursday in Olean
A Community Celebration for Football Fans
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Nightmare Hayrides

Costumes at Nightmare Hayrides

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.

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Ellicottville Gazebo Series

Ellicottville Gazebo Music Series
Enjoy a live musical performance by some of the region's most talented artists in the village square in Ellicottville.
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Gowanda's Historic Hollywood Theater Presents: The Taylor Swift Experience

gowanda_hollywood_theatre

Gowanda’s Historic Hollywood Theatre proudly presents Cami Clune & The Fringe in The Taylor Swift Experience!

Cami Clune, who captivated audiences on The Voice with her stunning performances and earned a four-chair turn, will be lighting up the Hollywood Theatre stage on Saturday, November 2nd at 7:00 PM. Hailing from Buffalo, NY, Cami is a versatile singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained national fame as a semi-finalist on Season 19 of The Voice.

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