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WALLEYE CHALLENGE GIVES BACK TO THE GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE
Representatives of the Seventh Annual Walleye Ice Fishing Tournament presented a $1,500 check, as well as $547 from a special raffle raised by Lou Stutzke, to the Great Sacandaga Lake Fisheries Federation for fish stocking this fall. The Walleye Challenge this year was held on held on January 31 on the Great Sacandaga Lake. Event co-coordinator Lou Stutzke (Owner of Fuel-N-Food of Mayfield), and Director of Tourism, Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, presented the check to Randy Gardinier of the Great Sacandaga Lake Fisheries Federation at a recent ceremony at the Fulton County Visitors Center in Vail Mills.
The tournament registered 1750 fishing enthusiasts with approximately 54% of participants from outside of Fulton County from eleven states and various parts of New York State. The event has sold out in each of the seven years it has been held. Besides cash prizes for the heaviest fish caught in each hour (between 7am and 3pm), there were several door prizes awarded throughout the day, and two recreational vehicles and a snowmobile were given away to three of the participants.
The 2016 Walleye Ice Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2016. Anyone interested in adding their name to the event’s mailing list is asked to call the Fulton County Tourism Department at (518) 725-0641 or to send a request via e-mail at events@fultonmontgomeryny.org.
SIXTH PECK’S LAKE CHALLENGE SPRINT TRIATHLON A SUCCESS
TRIATHLON 2015 FINISH BY CLASS
79 athletes participated in the Sixth Annual Peck’s Lake Challenge Sprint Triathlon, held on Saturday, August 1 on and around Peck’s Lake, located in the towns of Johnstown and Bleecker in Fulton County, NY. Money was raised by the event to benefit the Mental Health Association in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. The event was co-presented by the Peck’s Lake Protective Association and the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Peck’s Lake Challenge Sprint Triathlon consisted of a ½ mile swim, a 9 mile bike ride, and a 3 mile run. Participants were from across New York State, and from Connecticut, Colorado, Maryland, Louisiana, and New Jersey. Approximately 68% of the registrants were from outside of Fulton County.
Winners of the triathlon were as follows:
OVERALL MALE
Johan Bosman 1:05:35
OVERALL FEMALE
Jennifer Bell 1:10:17
INDIVIDUAL ATHLETES – FEMALE
26-35
First Place Jessica Retersdorf 1:29:50
Second Place Sarah Carcaci 1:33:27
Third Place Rhea Dunkelbarger 1:40:21
36-45
First Place Amy Snyder 1:28:24
46-55
First Place Marie Bosman 1:21:56
Second Place Ursula Platz 1:30:35
Third Place Susan Bladek 1:34:23
INDIVIDUAL ATHLETES – MALE
26-35
First Place Adam Retersdorf 1:06:56
Second Place Steven Shrader 1:11:09
Third Place Todd Striker 1:18:48
36-45
First Place Derek Bell 1:10:40
Second Place Paul Oliver 1:11:08
Third Place Dan Casey 1:12:3
46-55
First Place Kevin Platz 1:12:37
Second Place Marty Callahan 1:19:47
Third Place Brett Balzer 1:28:26
56+
First Place David Bladek 1:14:54
Second Place Steve Hornung 1:18:01
Third Place Robert Perry 1:27:57
TEAM ATHLETES
18-40
First Place Team Oyer 1:06:18
Second Place Team Strobeck 1:15:50
Third Place Team Pennings 1:28:39
41+
First Place Team Fort Plain 55:39
Second Place Team Mika 56:04
Third Place Team Leviathan 57:29
Triathlon results for all participants can be found on the Fulton County Tourism website at www.44lakes.com/blog. Photos from the event can be found on the Visit Fulton County, NY Facebook page.
Fulton County Tourism Reschedules $10,000 Raffle
The Fulton County Tourism Department of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today that the 21st Annual $10,000 “Bet on Fulton County” Raffle has been rescheduled to Friday, August 21, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 308 North Comrie Avenue, Johnstown. It was originally slated to take place on Friday, July 24.
“We apologize for any inconvenience the change in date may have caused,” sated Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism at the Chamber. “The date of the drawing was pushed back to allow for more ticket sales. Although the date has been changed, we encourage people to buy tickets as soon as possible as we are still only selling a total of 300 tickets, and more than half are already sold.” DaBiere-Gibbs added, “You do not have to be present at the raffle to win the cash prizes.”
Tickets are still available for $100 each and only 300 will be sold. The drawing for prizes will be held Friday evening, August 21 at 6:00 p.m. at a poolside party at the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Gloversville. Tickets are available at Partner’s Pub, 21 South William St., Johnstown, the Holiday Inn, and at the Chamber office at 2 N. Main Street in Gloversville. The Grand Prize is $10,000. Additional cash prizes and tourism related gifts will also be awarded. For more information call the Fulton Montgomery Chamber of Commerce at (518) 725-0641.
For more information about visiting Fulton County, call (518) 725-0641 or visit us on the web at www.44lakes.com.
ADDITIONAL PRIZES ANNOUNCED FOR THE 21ST ANNUAL $10,000 BET ON FULTON COUNTY RAFFLE
The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce additional prizes will be raffled at its $10,000 “Bet on Fulton County Raffle.” The 21st annual fundraiser to support the Fulton County Tourism Department’s work in promoting the Fulton County region to visitors will be held on Friday, July 24, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Gloversville, 308 North Comrie Avenue, Johnstown, NY.
“We have many loyal supporters who purchase tickets year after year. We wanted to add bonus prizes to the raffle this year as a thank you to those supporters and entice others to purchase a ticket,” stated Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism at the Chamber. “The funds from the raffle enable us to reach an additional advertising audience and help sponsor community events that bring visitors to our region that in turn add money in our economy.” DaBiere-Gibbs adds, “The prizes, additions to the traditional cash prizes, range from restaurant gift cards to products from our tourism related businesses.”
Tickets for the $10,000 raffle are on sale for $100 each and only 300 will be sold. Tickets are available at the Chamber office, 2 North Main Street, Gloversville; Partner’s Pub, 21 South William Street, Johnstown; and at the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Gloversville, 308 North Comrie Avenue, Johnstown. The Grand Prize is $10,000, and additional cash prizes will be awarded. Ticket holders are invited to enjoy entertainment, a picnic style dinner, and cash bar at the event on July 24.
To date prize donations have been received by: Adirondack Mousse Salon & Spa, Adirondack Stained Glass Works, DeMi’s Wines and Liquors, EMVI Chocolate, Frank’s Gun Shop, Inc., Gloversville House of Pizza, Harold’s Restaurant and Lounge, Hot Dog Hut, Livingston’s Furniture & Mattress, Inc., Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, Inc., Plaza’s Italian Bistro, Powerhouse Motor Sports, Ruby & Quiri, Toying Around, Travers Diner Restaurant, Union Hall Inn, and Vintage Café.
For more information, call the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce at (518) 725-0641 or e-mail tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org. Details about the additional prizes and photos from last year’s event can be found on the Visit Fulton County, NY Facebook page.
REGISTRATION FOR THE SIXTH ANNUAL PECK’S LAKE SPRINT TRIATHLON ANNOUNCED
Click here for the Registration form-2015
The Fulton County Tourism Department of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Peck’s Lake Protective Association (PLPA) are presenting the Sixth Annual Peck’s Lake Challenge Sprint Triathlon to be staged at Sunrise Bay on Peck’s Lake in Fulton County, NY on Saturday, August 1. The event is comprised of a ½ mile swim, a 9 mile bike ride, and a 3 mile run.
Peck’s Lake is located within the Towns of Bleecker and Johnstown in Fulton County, NY and inside the Adirondack State Park’s “Blue Line.” The Peck’s Lake Challenge swim course will begin at Sunrise Bay on the north side of the lake. After the swim, triathletes will begin a rolling and challenging bike ride along North Shore Road and proceed to the lake’s South Shore Road and back to Sunrise Bay. After finishing the bike race, athletes will run on North Shore Road and again return to Sunrise Bay for the triathlon finish. 
Entry fee is $50 per racer for registration. There will be a staggered start at the swim portion between a competitive group and a participant group. Racers may enter as individuals or as a 2- or 3-person team; entry fees are $40 per each team member. Race memorabilia will be guaranteed for the first 100 racers who sign up for the triathlon. Awards for the top three winners in each age group category will be presented.
The Peck’s Lake Challenge Sprint Triathlon event is limited to 175 total athletes; the event has been known to sell out one to two weeks prior. Entry forms can be found on the Fulton County Tourism website, www.44lakes.com/blog, calling the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber at (518) 725-0641, or by sending a request via e-mail to tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Mental Health Association in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. The mission of the Mental Health Association in Fulton & Montgomery Counties is to be dedicated to being a progressive, collaborative organization that promotes wellness and recovery from mental illness and chemical dependency across the life span through high quality, effective programs, services, and education.
Thank you to our sponsors: Gold Medal, Nathan Littauer Hospital; Silver Medals, Benjamin Moore & Co, Inc. and Brown’s Ford; and Bronze Medal, Alpin Haus and Wal-Mart DC #6096.
For more information, please call the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber at (518) 725-0641 or e-mail tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org. Photos from the 2014 event can be found on the Visit Fulton County, NY Facebook page.
Tourism Brochure Exchange Announced
The Tourism Department of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce their Tourism Brochure Exchanges for 2015. This year there will be two exchanges, one for Fulton County tourism properties and one for Montgomery County tourism properties or related businesses. The Montgomery County exchange will take place at the Chamber’s office located at 1166 Riverfront Center, Lower Level, Amsterdam on Thursday, April 30 from 4 to 6 pm. The Fulton County exchange will take place at the Fulton County Visitor Center, at the corner of Routes 29 and 30 in Vail Mills, on Thursday, May 7 from 4 to 6pm.
The Brochure Exchange is a chance to get acquainted with fellow businesses and let them know what tourism opportunities are being offered throughout each county. All attractions, farms, restaurants, specialty shops, lodging and camping facilities, agricultural businesses, marinas, and any other tourism-related businesses are encouraged to attend. Items that can be exchanged include brochures, schedules, maps, menus, fliers, discount coupons, and any other promotional materials or items.
“The Brochure Exchange is a fantastic networking opportunity. It allows a variety of hospitality and agricultural businesses in our region to meet, learn, and enhance the partnerships of the tourism industry,” states Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism. “The tourism department staff will be participating to learn more about the properties we are promoting. This event is a unique opportunity to hear how businesses in the tourism industry showcase and promote each other.”
There is no cost to participate and light refreshments will be served. Brochures and promotional items will also be accepted to be distributed via the Chamber’s Amsterdam office (a designated tourism center for Montgomery County) and the Fulton County Visitor Center throughout the 2015 tourism season. For more information and to RSVP for either of the Brochure Exchanges, please call (518) 725-0641 by April 24.
The Fulton County Visitors Center will begin extended hours on Friday, May 1 when it will be open Friday-Monday weekly until the summer hours take effect the week of May 17 and remain open daily through Columbus Day. The Visitor Center is open year around with weekend hours during the off season.
The Chamber’s Amsterdam office is open year-round Monday through Friday from 9am-2pm.
Second Airing of “Fishing University” Episodes Filmed in Fulton County
The Fulton County Tourism Department announces the Fishing University schedule for the episodes filmed on the Great Sacandaga Lake and Canada Lake. The Outdoor Channel show, hosted by fishing legends Charlie Ingram and Ray Brazier, is in its 28th year making it the second longest running outdoor show of any type anywhere. The Fishing University crew was in Fulton County to film during September 2014.
While in Fulton County, Ingram and Brazier toured Taylor Made’s factory on Harrison Street, Gloversville and attended a “Meet & Greet” that was held at Lanzi’s on the Lake, Mayfield. Filming included two high school segments at Mayfield High School and Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Educational Services (HFM BOCES) which will be featured in each episode.
The episodes previously aired during the first quarter of the 2015 season. The second quarter airings are as follows. Please check local providers for the Outdoor Channel listings:
| Date | Day | Eastern Time | Show Title |
| 3/31/2015 | Tuesday | 12:30pm | Great Sacandaga Lake, NY – Strike King |
| 4/4/2015 | Saturday | 4:00pm | Great Sacandaga Lake, NY – Strike King |
| 4/5/2015 | Sunday | 8:00am | Great Sacandaga Lake, NY – Strike King |
| 4/7/2015 | Tuesday | 12:30pm | Canada Lake, NY – TufLIne |
| 4/11/2015 | Saturday | 4:00pm | Canada Lake, NY – TufLIne |
| 4/12/2015 | Sunday | 8:00am | Canada Lake, NY – TufLIne |
Filming was made possible by the continued support of the Fulton County Board of Supervisors, Frank’s Gun and Tackle Shop, Taylor Made Products, Allwater Guide Service, Rob Javarone, and many others. For more information, please contact Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism, at (518)725-0641. Photos from the filming can be found on the Visit Fulton County, NY Facebook page.
Maple Open House Weekends in Fulton County
The Fulton County Tourism Department, in conjunction with the Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association, announces the Maple Open House Weekends, March 21-22 and March 28-29, when the public can take free tours of area sugarhouses and see maple syrup made onsite.
Families are invited to come and experience first-hand the sights, smells and sounds of maple sugar-making. The event has been so successful it has been expanded to two weekends, giving more opportunities to visit sugarhouses.
Signs will be placed along roadsides over the course of the weekends to direct motorists to the sugarhouses. The sugarhouses will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Most sugarhouses will offer samples and demonstrations. Many of the locations will be serving pancake breakfasts as well.
Participating Fulton County sugarhouses:
Brower Road Sugar House, Gloversville, (518) 848-7685
Frasier’s Sugar Shack, St. Johnsville, (518) 568-7438
Mud Road Sugar House, Ephratah, (518) 863-6313
Peaceful Valley Maple Farms, Johnstown, (518) 762-0491
For the first time in Fulton County, the Association’s tree tapping ceremony to kick-off the event will be held on Friday, March 20, at 1PM at Mud Road Sugar House, 278 Mud Road, Ephratah, NY with State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball and local officials invited to participate.
Maple season generally runs from now through the beginning of April. The Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association is a trade organization representing maple producers in Washington, Warren, Saratoga, Montgomery, Fulton and Rensselaer Counties. The Upper Hudson region is among the largest syrup-producing areas in New York State.
To find more information about the event, local sugarmaking, and maple recipes, visit www.upperhudsonmaple.com. For more Fulton County agritourism information call Fulton County Tourism at (518)725-0641 or logon to www.44lakes.com.
Fulton and Montgomery Counties Snowmobile Trails Map Now Available
The Tourism Department of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce announces the availability of the updated edition of the Fulton and Montgomery Counties Snowmobile Trails map.
“There are approximately 400 miles of snowmobile trails to enjoy between the two counties. The pocket-sized snowmobile map has a new look compared to the previous map,” states Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism for Fulton and Montgomery Counties. “Updates to the trails have been made utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) and local club input making it the most recent trail map available for the two-county region. Snowmobile safety guidelines, snowmobile club information, snowmobile sales and repairs, and other supporting area businesses have been highlighted on the map as well.”
For a free copy of the snowmobile map stop in to the Fulton Montgomery Chamber offices at 2 North Main Street, Gloversville, 1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam or the Fulton County Visitor Center at the corner of Routes 29 and 30 in Vail Mills. For more winter activity information call the tourism department at (518)725-0641 or logon to Fulton County’s tourism website www.44lakes.com and Montgomery County’s tourism website www.visitmontgomerycountyny.com.
Job Posting: Tourism Assistant
The Fulton County Tourism Department is seeking applicants for a part-time Tourism Assistant for the Gloversville Office.
Applicants should be enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, customer service-oriented with excellent oral and written communication skills needed to provide administrative duties necessary to support department programs and services.
Proficient in Microsoft Office. Experience with business social media sites and website navigation competency.
Please send cover letter and resume to: tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org.
Please no phone calls.