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Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 26-October 2
I LOVE NY started the “State’s Official Fall Foliage Color Reports” on September 12 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Our Fulton County Report for the Week of September 26-October 2:
Reporting station: Adirondack Country Store, Northville, Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, Benson & Peck’s Lake Enterprises, Inc., Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 40-50%.
Brilliance: Average to Bright
Predominating colors: Yellow, Gold, Red
Rating: Midpoint
Our prediction of this week being midpoint seems to be holding true. We are still predicting the peak weekend to be Columbus Day weekend, October 5-8. Barring any large storms that will knock down the leaves, we are hoping for a beautiful peak season. It will likely last about two weeks ending September and beginning October.
Call for a free copy of our Harvest Tour map to accompany your Fall Foliage ride! The Harvest Tour map will assist in finding apples, cider, pumpkins, mums, baked goods, and so many more seasonal products.
We also have the Route 29A Chain of Lakes map which includes Peck’s Lake and the Great Sacandaga Lake map including the Northville/Benson area. Both maps include attractions, shopping, dining, and much more to help plan your Fall Getaway!
1.800.676.3858
Adirondack CX-2012
The Adirondack Velo Club presents Adirondack CX-2012 a cyclocross bicycle race on September 23. Cyclocross has been described as the steeplechase of bicycle racing. It is a timed race on a 1.5 to 2.1 mile course consisting of pavement, dirt, gravel, mud, and various man-made and natural obstacles that are intentionally unrideable.
The race will be held at Johnstown High School with an expo including concession stand run by JHS Athletics, Bike Works, ADK Velo Club, a bounce house and more. It is $25 to register and free for spectators. Spectators will have an opportunity to “Try Before You Buy” and the kids will have a chance to race, too! Registration opens at 8:15am with the first category race at 9:00am. For more information on this new to Fulton County event logon to www.adkveloclub.com/adirondackcx.html.
The Adirondack Velo Club is projecting 70+ racers and at least as many spectators for this new to Fulton County event. They are looking to pull in participants from Saratoga, Albany, Utica, and neighboring states. Various cyclocross events have been held previously in those areas and they are looking to draw those racers in with the new course.
New History Poster Available
The history poster was designed by the Tourism Department’s Summer Intern, Marlaina Wing, a student at Cazenovia College and Johnstown native. Marlaina had an idea to do a history poster. After a little research and discussion we decided to highlight the history of Fulton County through its historical markers.
The last poster the Tourism Department produced was in 2008 and it was outdoor themed. The current tourism tagline is 44 Lakes…44 Choices and many of the ads are outdoor and recreational based themes. While these are still important segments to highlight there are many other reasons to visit Fulton County. Over the next year various advertising will include new themes to highlight these other segments including history. The poster reads “Choice #17: History. 44 Lakes…44Choices.”
This is a perfect time to add history into the advertising mix. We are involved in the “Path Through History” initiative and very supportive of the tours and activities that local groups have started to showcase the history of Fulton County.
A limited number of FREE posters are available at the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber office at 2 North Main Street, Gloversville.
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 19-25
I LOVE NY started the “State’s Official Fall Foliage Color Reports” on September 12 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Our Fulton County Report for the Week of September 19-25:
Reporting station: Adirondack Country Store, Northville, Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, Benson & Peck’s Lake Enterprises, Inc., Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 20% in Northville and Benson. 20% have changed at Peck’s Lake possibly up to 50% this weekend.
Brilliance: Dull to Average
Predominating colors: Greenish/Yellowish color, touch of purple, gold, red
Rating: Beginning to midpoint
We are currently predicting next week to be midpoint in the change. And the predicted peak weekend being Columbus Day weekend, October 5-8. Our hope is the rain in the weather forecast will not knock down all of the leaves before prime viewing!
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 12-18
I LOVE NY will start the “State’s Official Fall Foliage Color Reports” on September 12 and continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Our Fulton County Report for the Week of September 12-18:
Reporting station: Adirondack Country Store, Northville, Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, Benson & Peck’s Lake Enterprises, Inc., Gloversville
All of the reporting stations are located in the Adirondack State Park.
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 5-10%
Brilliance: Dull to Average
Predominating colors: Still green (losing the dark green color), touch of purple, yellow, red
Rating: Just Beginning
In years past, travelers who signed the guest book at the Fulton County Visitor Center rated the best scenic rides through Fulton County. Today, we feel, these still hold true.
- The most popular drive is Rt. 29A West/Rt. 10 North through the Caroga Lake, Pine Lake area, and 29A west through the Town of Stratford.
- The second most popular scenic drive is north Rt. 30 North through Northville around the Great Sacandaga Lake and then south down Lakeview Road through the Town of Broadalbin.
- The third favorite starts on Rt. 334 and runs South through the community of Sammonsville.
We also recommend taking the hike up Kane Mountain (prior to hunting season) for a spectacular view. Please be aware of your surroundings and be cautious.
In the villages and cities many properties have the best trees that turn color each year. A great example would be the Fulton County Courthouse on N. William Street in Johnstown. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in Fulton County especially during peak season when the leaves have turned 100%.
Please enjoy the “Leaf Peeping” season and the many autumn activities Fulton County has to offer.
Great Sacandaga Lake Maps Available
The the official 2012 Great Sacandaga Lake Map is printed and ready for distribution. This map is one of many brochures that the Tourism Department produces to attract tourists to the area.
The Great Sacandaga Lake Map is an informational map highlighting dining, shopping, lodging, recreational services, and attractions in close proximity to the Great Sacandaga Lake. Updates were completed for continued distribution to businesses and attractions in Fulton County. The previous version was distributed this past spring and summer via local businesses, information centers, trade shows, goody bags, and many other venues including the New York State Travel and Vacation Association booth at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. This map is a companion piece to the Fulton County Travel Guide and Route 29A Chain of Lakes Map.
Fulton County is a four-season destination regardless of the weather; there is always something to do. With fall approaching, leaf peeping, craft fairs, and apple orchards are some of the activities bringing visitors to Fulton County. This map is a great piece to aid in planning a day trip or weekend getaway. It is never too early to start planning for next summer’s lake experience. And there is plenty to do in the winter including ice fishing and snowmobiling.
The maps are available at the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber office at 2 North Main Street, Gloversville and the Fulton County Visitor Center, at the corner of State Routes 29 and 30, Vail Mills.
Second Annual Big Buck Contest Announced
The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the return of the Big Buck Contest which acknowledges and rewards hunters who harvest a deer in New York. The contest takes place during regular hunting season concluding on December 18, 2012. Deadline for entries is November 16, 2012 and the banquet & game dinner will be held on January 5, 2013 at Tuman’s Tavern at 373 Forest Avenue in Amsterdam.
Part of the registration fee will be allocated to the Chamber Scholarship Fund which awards several academic scholarships to area high school seniors each May.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the largest deer taken in each category. The dollar amount of prizes to be presented will be dependent upon the number of entrants in each division of the event and so will be determined after entry deadline. Categories include Rifle/Shotgun, Bow, Muzzleloader, Female Hunter, Heaviest Doe, and Youth (19 years old and under). All entries must be free-ranging whitetail deer of New York State origin from any county. All harvested animals entered must have been taken legally and tagged in accordance with the laws set by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. All contestants who enter a deer will have a chance to win a rifle and door prizes.
The winners from last year’s event are as follows: Luke Nellis placed first in the archery division with a 142 pound, 4 pointer; George Amedore place second with a 135 pound, 8 pointer; Brent Phetteplace placed third with a 110 pound, 4 pointer; Seth Paro placed first in the youth division with a 160 pound, 4 pointer; Margaret Achcet placed first in the female hunter division with a 199 pound, 9 pointer; Bill Achcet placed first for heaviest doe with a 147 pounder; Bob Georgia won the muzzleloader division with a 120 pound doe. In the main rifle/shotgun division, Margaret Achcet took first place with her 199 pound, 9 pointer; Sean Hardies placed second with his 180 pound, 10 pointer; and Wayne Brownell placed third with his 177 pound, 8 pointer. The event drew a field of 70 participants bringing in 34 deer for a commendable success rate of about 48 percent.
For this year’s event, the weigh stations will be located at Fuel-N-Food on 3006 State Highway 30 in Mayfield, Tuman’s Tavern at 373 Forest Avenue in Amsterdam, Loopie’s Pub at 410 Mohawk Drive in Tribes Hill, and Lock, Stock, & Barrel at 5794 State Highway 10 in Palatine Bridge. If a station is unavailable, contestants are asked to contact Tom Georgia at (518) 258-9448 or 111 Pine Street in Tribes Hill.
You may pick up a registration form at Frank’s Gun Shop, Fuel-N-Food, Tuman’s Tavern, Loopie’s Pub, or Lock, Stock, & Barrel or download one. For more information, please contact Sharon Jenkins at 725-0641 or e-mail events@fultoncountyny.org.
Please visit the Chamber business directory for a list of business members that carry hunting/sports supplies!
Fall Tradition: Craft Fairs
Eagle Mills started their cider pressing on September 1st marking a fall tradition with the great taste of fresh cider and donuts. During the autumn weekends free Mill Tours and Cider Tastings are offered through October 28th.
Their 18th Annual Craft Show is on two weekends, September 15-16 and 22-23. Over 130 juried crafters will feature woodwork, quilts, baskets, florals, candles, clothing, painting, nature photos, jewelry and more. The cider mill, bakery, ice cream/fudge shop, gem mine and dino dig are in full swing, too. Clowns, face painting and all kinds of fun…with lots of great music & food in a beautiful country atmosphere. Free Admission to the Craft Show, $5.00 per car parking fee (partial proceeds donated to local charity) with lots of room to park on premises, including handicapped parking.
Wemple & Edick’s Annual Fall Craft Fair is September 15-16 with 40 crafters, fresh cider donuts, homemade baked goods and of course homemade ice cream…. featuring pumpkin ice cream. Music by the County Line Rebels. Join in on a weekend of fun!
These are just a sampling of what is happening in Fulton County for the fall season!
For more Fulton County events: www.44lakes.com/calendar
Triathlon Donates to Noah Meal Program
(l to r) Dick DiDomizio, PLPA President, Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism, Fulton County Chamber, presents check to Jack Valachovic on behalf of NOAH, Mick Brenno, PLPA, Chair of the Peck’s Lake Triathlon
175 athletes participated in the Third Annual Peck’s Lake Challenge Sprint Triathlon, held on Saturday, August 4 on and around Peck’s Lake, located in the towns of Johnstown and Bleecker in Fulton County, NY. $1,000 was raised by the event to benefit NOAH (Needy or Alone and Hungry) Program, located at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Johnstown. The event was co-presented by the Peck’s Lake Protective Association and the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The NOAH Community Meal Program, sponsored by St. John’s Episcopal Church, is a volunteer group serving free meals to the public every Sunday in Johnstown. The program was started as a free community meal on Thanksgiving and Christmas. In 1992, volunteers took the initiative to expand the program to a weekly event, serving meals every Sunday. The volunteer prepared meals are served to anyone needing companionship and a hot meal – there are no questions asked. Everyone that comes to the NOAH table is entitled to a meal.
NOAH serves at least 700 meals each month with the number climbing as high as 1400 per month in especially hard times. NOAH has grown into an ecumenical program with fourteen teams of volunteers, many of them sponsored by local churches and service groups, preparing meals on a rotating basis throughout the year.
“We are pleased to help present an event such as the Triathlon and then be able to donate a portion of the proceeds to such a worthy cause,” stated Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism at the Fulton County Chamber. “Fulton County is fortunate to have such a great event and a much needed meal program.”
For more information about the NOAH program, please call St. John’s church office at 762-9210.
Triathlon results for all participants can be found on the Fulton County Chamber website. Photos from the event can be found on the Visit Fulton County, NY Facebook page.
The Ring of Fire
Labor Day weekend marks the “unofficial” end to summer. And Fulton County has a special way of seeing summer out… the annual Ring of Fire around the Great Sacandaga Lake.
Bonfires are lit around the shore of the lake at dusk on the Sunday night prior to Labor Day. The glow of the fires is accompanied by fireworks at Sport Island Pub, Northville. Don’t have a camp or house on the lake? Don’t worry Lanzi’s on the Lake, Mayfield, hosts a giant bonfire.
If participating in the celebration please remember to be safe. Keep your fires under control and close to the water. If boating during this unique opportunity, be cautious and remain within all regulations and guidelines.
While this is the closing of the summer season remember that Fulton County has many fall activities and events! For more information: www.44lakes.com/calendar.