Better Every Day 2026

Allegany & Cattaraugus Counties

Amity Daze • Olean Squirrels • Seneca Allegany Casino • StrOlean

July 30–31, 2026

Allegany County events • Cattaraugus County Fair • and more

An appreciation for what we have

By JIM ECKSTROM

Sometimes local folks can be lulled into taking their community and surrounding area for granted. When you get up and go to work, go about your busy days and weeks, everything can become routine. Even weekends can be too busy to slow down and really take stock of what you have around you.

Perhaps a new way of looking at the area you live in is to reflect on a simple question: Would I spend time here if I was on vacation?

I think about that sometimes when I’m driving in Olean and I see an RV with an out-of-state license plate. Often there’s bicycles on a back rack, or maybe the RV is towing a smaller get-around-town vehicle. These people, I think to myself, are on vacation or on an extended travel tour — and they’re stopping in Olean. What will they find?

A first guess is they’re looking for somewhere to eat. No problem there. A quick glance just at the restaurants listed as members of the Great Olean Area Chamber of Commerce shows there are at least 30 in the area, both lo-

cally owned and operated and franchised sites — and that’s just in Olean, Allegany and Portville. There are many more restaurants throughout Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

Shopping for something? There are numerous locally owned stores, as well as several national retail outlets. Just as it has been for decades, the Olean-Allegany retail corridor remains a destination for many residents of the more rural towns and townships in the nearby Twin Tiers region.

A place to stay (in the case of RV travelers, perhaps as a respite from a tight bed and the chance to use a roomy and long-flowing hot shower)?

The Olean area is well-appointed with hotels as well as other options for overnight stays.

Sites and destinations to visit in the area abound as well, from the Cutco/KABAR Visitor Center and the Olean Point Museum and Fannie E. Bartlett House to Rock City Park, the Tri-County Arts Council’s gallery space and galleries open to the public in St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts — and so much more.

Visitors can paddle or fish in the Allegheny River, ride or walk the terrific trails that are part of the Allegheny River Valley Trail network, take in an Olean Oilers collegiate league baseball game (the atmosphere is as close to a single A minor league setting as I’ve seen in a

summer college baseball setting) or go to a movie — in a theater, with wonderful reclining seats, popcorn and a big soda.

Not every small city still has ANY theater at all, much less a multiple-screen movieplex that carries the newest big summer releases in air-conditioned splendor. Olean/Allegany still does.

every direction, and more destinations — including Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca and the Holiday Valley and Holimont resorts in the ski-country village of Ellicottville (which offers numerous activities and amenities during the summer season). There’s the Amish Trail in Cattaraugus County, as well as an Amish community to visit and buy goods from in Allegany County.

Eagles, osprey and other raptors are seemingly flying everywhere, while seeing deer, bear, coyotes, foxes and other wildlife can be an almost daily occurrence. The Enchanted Mountains seen from any direction in the Allegheny River Valley seem to smile down at us when they’re lit by the sun.

You want golf? In minutes you can find St. Bonaventure Golf Course and Birch Run Golf Club in Allegany, which are both open to the public. (If you have an in with a Bartlett Country Club member and have the chance to play, do so — it’s beautiful.) Farther out in any direction, there’s yet more accessible golf, from Elkdale in Salamanca to Bolivar Golf Club to Pine Acres near Bradford, Pa. and more. All these clubs have places to eat as well — they are often overlooked and they offer wonderful views.

Allegany State Park, with its swimming and fishing lakes in the Red House and Quaker areas, along with its vast hiking and biking trails, is a short drive away from the Olean area, as are access points to the Allegheny Reservoir, a boating, fishing and swimming destination. There are also numerous New York state forest lands with plenty of trails in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, while the Allegheny National Forest between Bradford and Warren, Pa. is also relatively close.

There’s flyfishing to be found in every direction, accessible hunting areas in the right season in

Essentially, we live in vacation land. Here and there, folks in those RVs from far-away states are finding it. So are people from the Southtowns and other points that are daytrips away.

There are always things to work on and improve, but sometimes it’s nice to reflect on the fact that Olean and the surrounding area has a lot to offer. It can be a good place to live and work, with people committed to making a positive difference and, in some ways, making a good showing for those who are visiting.

Reflections like that always reaffirm my appreciation for what we really have.

(Jim Eckstrom, jeckstrom@ oleantimesherald.com, is editor of the Olean Times Herald and Bradford Publishing Co.)

Belmont Rotary, American Legion, fire department join to boost Amity Daze

BELMONT — Three Belmont community organizations have joined forces to strengthen one of the village’s most cherished traditions.

The Belmont Rotary Club, founders of Amity Daze, the American Legion Herbert W. DeLong Post 808 and the Belmont Fire Department are collaborating to organize and expand the 39th Annual Amity Daze, taking place Aug. 7-8.

For nearly four decades, Amity Daze has been a summer tradition celebrating Belmont through community yard sales, local businesses, food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. By combining the strengths, volunteers, and resources of these three organizations, the event is poised to be an exciting weekend for all.

“This partnership represents what makes Belmont such a special community,” said Shannon Harding, a member of the organizing committee.

“Rather than working separately, we’re bringing together three organizations

with a shared commitment to serving Belmont.

“Together, we’re creating a bigger, better event that honors the tradition of Amity Daze while introducing exciting new experiences that will attract visitors from across the region.”

The collaboration combines the Rotary Club’s nearly 40-year legacy of organizing Amity Daze with the American Legion’s strong volunteer network and community facilities, along with the Belmont Fire Department’s long-standing dedication to public service and community engagement.

A new addition this year is the inaugural Amity Daze Porch Fest, a village-wide music festival

Michael Cook Agent

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that will feature local musicians performing from porches, patios, lawns, and garages throughout Belmont.

Visitors will be able to stroll through the village, enjoy live music, explore community yard sales, shop local vendors, and experience Belmont’s welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Additional attractions planned for the weekend include:

• Community-Wide Yard Sales

• Local vendors and artisans

• Family activities at the Belmont Legion Complex

• Pickleball tournament

• Basket auction — basket donation details can be found on the Belmont Rotary Facebook Page.

• Rotary Club beef on weck meals

• Live entertainment

• Euchre tournament

• Demonstrations and community exhibits

• Activities for all ages Organizers hope the expanded event will not only provide a memorable weekend for residents but also encourage visitors from neighboring communities to discover Belmont’s businesses, parks, organizations, and historic charm.

“This collaboration is about investing in Belmont’s future,” organizers said. “When organizations work together, everyone benefits — our residents, our businesses, our nonprofits, and the many visitors who come to experience everything our community has to offer.”

Founded by the Belmont Rotary Club, Amity Daze has been celebrating community pride, volunteerism, and local traditions for nearly 40 years. The annual festival has become a hallmark event for Belmont, bringing together residents, families, businesses, and visitors for a weekend dedicated to celebrating the community.

Olean children learn about city squirrels around town

By KELLEN M. QUIGLEY

Although classes were out for summer vacation, a group of students at the Olean Intermediate Middle School got some quick lessons on local history, community involvement, potential career paths and business ventures.

Throughout two weeks in July, about a dozen fifth- and sixth-graders — led by teachers Steve Ahl and Lori Anastasia — took walking tours around the city to visit each of the nearly 30 squirrel statues and learn a bit about what they represent.

Each summer, the Olean City School District offers the Summer STAR

Program for students

Pre-K to Grade 5. Ahl said that the program ends at noon each day, but several teachers have been fortunate to offer additional opportunities for the kids, and the city squirrel tour is one of them.

“Laurie and I talked about it, and we thought what a cool program to take the kids on a walking tour of Olean for two weeks,” he said. “We set up interviews with business owners who sponsored the squirrels or local people who can give insight into what they represent or opportunities of what our city has to offer.”

Ahl said the public

art project was spearheaded by a local group that included now Olean Mayor Amy Sherburne, who spoke to the kids on the first day to share why she wanted to bring them to Olean.

Among the stops were Jamestown Community College, where an admissions officer talked to the kids about what a twoyear college is compared to other higher education places, and the YMCA, where a representative talked about the importance of fitness and the opportunities for kids their ages.

“We started with the

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continued from page 10

Bartlett House, because even though there’s not a squirrel there anymore, that’s where the first one was put in,” Ahl said. “I was surprised at how many kids are fascinated by all the different antiques.”

On another day, the group stopped by Lincoln Park to visit the Nutty O’ St. Nick and Lady Justice squirrels. Olean City Court Judge Nicholas A. DiCerbo Jr. was the special speaker for the latter, explaining the idea of justice being blind and fair and how that was represented in the squirrel’s design.

DiCerbo also welcomed the students

into the Olean City Courtroom, where they watched as he did a pleading. He also brought the students into his chambers and let them bang the gavel in the courtroom.

Ahl said all the guest speakers for the program have been wonderful, saying when he’s reached out to them, they’re flexible with their time and are excited to meet the kids.

“For them, it’s a way to connect with the kids in the community,” he said. “And the kids can see these buildings in their community, and they’ll want to go ask questions and build a connection.”

Rock legends, country stars and more coming to Seneca Allegany Casino stage

By Kellen M. Quigley

SALAMANCA — A variety of high-energy and nostalgic rock and country acts are slated to take the stage at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino this summer and fall.

Two nights of outdoor concerts begin Friday, Aug. 21, with Gary Allan and Rodney Atkins delivering a memorable evening of outdoor country music. Gary Allan is known for his signature blend of smoldering vocals and rebellious lyrics, which, along with his raucous live performances, have helped him build a strong, loyal and growing legion of fans over the past 30 years.

Allan will be joined at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino by fellow country star Atkins, who is as authentic a performer as there is in music today. Atkins’s music expresses a simplicity and sincerity that have helped make him a backbone of country music, with more than 14 million records sold and multiple No. 1 songs.

This is an all-ages show. An adult must accompany guests under 18. Tickets start at $45.

Then on Saturday, Aug. 22, enjoy the power of classic rock under the night sky when all-time greats Deep Purple and special guest Kansas take the stage. Deep Purple is one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s and ’70s, filling stadi-

ums and arenas across the globe for more than seven decades. Considered among the pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock, the band has sold more than 100 million albums and delivered such powerful hit songs as “Highway Star,” “Hush,” “Woman from Tokyo,” “Smoke on the Water” and more.

Joining Deep Purple at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino will be classic rock legends Kansas. Known for timeless hits like “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Point of No Return” and “Dust in the Wind,” Kansas has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide since forming in 1974. Tickets start at $66. This show is for ages 18 and older. An adult must accompany guests under 18. As the leaves begin to change, the thunder of powerful live rock will

start at $60.50.

Rock and roll royalty Chicago is headed to Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino for one magnetic evening of music Saturday, Nov. 14.

The legendary band with horns has been hailed as one of the most important bands since the dawn of the rock and roll era. From the release of their 1969 debut album “Chicago Transit Authority,” Chicago has been delivering quintessential music and thrilling fans for more than six decades.

echo through the colorful hills of the Southern Tier when Whiskey Myers comes to the Seneca Allegany Event Center on Friday, Oct. 9.

Whiskey Myers is a hard-charging, genre-bending band that blends elements of Southern Rock, country and hard rock into its own unique and powerful sound. Since its 2008 debut, the band has released a string of hit albums, including “Firewater,” “Early Morning Shakes,” “Mud” and “Tornillo.”

Already deep into a packed year on the road, the independent six-piece has built a reputation as one of the most formidable live acts in country and southern rock, known for blending gritty storytelling with arena-sized guitars.

This is an all-ages show. An adult must accompany guests under 18. Tickets

Throughout its historic career, Chicago has sold more than 100 million records, including five consecutive No. 1 albums and 25 certified platinum albums. Chicago was the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades.

This is an all-ages show. An adult must accompany guests under 18. Tickets start at $66.

Seneca Resorts & Casinos uses all paperless ticketing for all events at all of its properties. Tickets may be purchased online at SenecaAlleganyCasino.com or ticketmaster. com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at The Garden Nook inside Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino or The Logo Shop inside Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino. A secure link, sent by either e-mail or text, allows guests to save tickets to their phone or mobile device.

183rd Cattaraugus County Fair set for Aug. 1-8

By Kellen M. Quigley

LITTLE

VALLEY — The 183rd Cattaraugus County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 1-8 with two country music grandstand performances — Dylan Scott with opening act Highway Home will perform at Tuesday night’s concert, while Sammy Kershaw and opener John Foster are Wednesday night’s performers.

Advance-sale pay-oneprice tickets are $14 each for those 2 and older — $3 less than gate admission from Aug. 1 on, which goes to $17. Admission includes unlimited Amusements of America midway rides and the Sunday night grandstand show of the Black Cat Hell Drivers.

Gates open daily at 8 a.m., with the midway

open at 1 p.m. Animals are in place on Saturday preceding the fair. Vendors are typically open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., depending on the crowd.

Celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States on Sunday, Aug. 2, with Patriotic Day at the fair. Admission for all will be just $12 — $5 off the regular gate price.

Come for the rides and exhibits and then stay for the free grandstand show that night as the Black Cat Hell Drivers, a professional auto thrill and stunt show featuring high-speed reverse spins, ramp-to-ramp car jumps, precision twowheel driving, controlled rollovers and cars bursting into flames. Additionally, many vendors will offer special pricing and

discounts celebrating the day’s patriotic theme.

Then, on Monday, Aug. 3, there will be special gate pricing for Youth Day and Senior Day. Kids age 15 and younger as well as seniors 62 and older will be admitted to the fair for $10 — $7 off the regular gate price. This offer ends for both youths and seniors at 4 p.m.

Advance sale gate admission tickets are available at the fair office, 501 Erie St., Little Valley; online at www.cattarauguscofair. com; at all Cattaraugus County Bank locations in Springville, Dunkirk, Little Valley, Randolph, Jamestown, Salamanca and Randolph; the South Dayton Super Duper; HighPoint Credit Union locations in Little Valley, Allegany,

Portville and Bradford, Pa.; Community Bank, N.A. locations in Olean, Salamanca, Allegany, Gowanda and Orchard Park; and online at etix.com. Advanced tickets are available through the end of the day Friday, July 31.

County fair officials stress that tickets will be required for all paid grandstand shows. This should be advantageous to all fair patrons. Visitors who prefer a particular grandstand section or seat or who do not want to wait in line can visit etix.com and reserve seats by following the prompts. Tickets can then be printed or shown at the gate on a cell phone. Tickets will also be available for purchase on the

Cattaraugus

County Fair continued from page 16

day of the show, pending availability.

Grandstand events include: Saturday, Aug. 1 –Demotion Derby; Sunday, Aug. 2 – Black Cat Hell Drivers; Monday, Aug. 3 –Demolition Derby; Tuesday, Aug. 4 – Dylan Scott concert with opening act Highway Home; Wednesday, Aug. 5 – Sammy Kershaw concert with John Foster; Thursday, Aug. 6 – CS Promotion Truck & Tractor Pull; Friday, Aug. 7 – Monster Truck Rally; Saturday, Aug. 8 – Monster Truck Rally and CS Promotions Truck & Tractor Pull.

There are also several performances on the grounds, which are free with gate admission. They include:

Lindy Wormwood

One-Woman Show – From

daring stunts on the tightrope to dazzling feats of precision whip cracking, her unforgettable shows have a nostalgic twist: blending old-world vaudeville charm with comedy, audience-engagement, mind-bending skill and contemporary storytelling. Aug. 1-4 only.

Checkers the Inventor – A nationally recognized children’s performer known for his high-energy live shows, inventive stage props and original characters. Checkers combines comedy, magic, physical stunts and interactive games into fast-paced, crowd-pleasing shows. Aug. 6-8 only.

The Cortes Flying Trapeze Spectacular –Originally from Colombia, brothers Robinson and

Alexander Cortes lead the troupe that has performed around the world. They perform a variety of classic flying maneuvers over 30 feet in the air on the only trapeze structure of its kind.

Magician Lance Gifford – The award-winning Gifford has amazed crowds across the United States for more than 30 years.

Swifty Swine Racing –This group of pigs travel across the country and race not for the money but the Oreo cookie waiting on a silver platter at the finish line.

Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show – Performing around the world for over 33 years, lumberjack events presented include log rolling, underhand chopping, springboard chopping,

standing block chop, crosscut sawing, axe throwing and dragster chainsaw competition.

Areli Equine Entertainment – Bringing a blend of traditional and contemporary riding techniques to the ring, fairgoers can look forward to western tricks, roman riding and rosin back riding as riders perform daring stunts atop bareback horses.

Black Cat Hell Drivers –Auto thrill and stunt show that features high-speed reverse spins, ramp-toramp car jumps, precision two-wheel driving, controlled rollovers and cars bursting into flames, all in 70 minutes.

More information can be found online at cattarauguscofair.com or by calling (716) 938-9146.

A busy summer season in Allegany County lasts through September

By KATHRYN ROSS

Across Allegany County, summer fun and activities don’t end in July — they just trot into August and drive on into September.

On July 31 through Aug. 2, the Western New York Dressage Association Festival takes place at Houghton University. The public is invited to watch equestrians perform what has universally been called dancing horses competing in one of the WNYDA association’s largest annual events.

Held at the University Equestrian Center on School Farm Road, the USEF/USDF-recognized dressage show combines competitive dressage with educational programming and a dressage sport horse breed show. It is one of the few of its kind in the Northeast and is designed to attract both competitors and spectators, offering a vibrant community experience.

ROCK’N FOR A REASON

On Aug 1, in Wellsville’s Island Park, enjoy the music of nine different bands at Rock’n For a Reason for a $10 entrance bracelet. This non-profit music event donates all proceeds to local charity organizations. There will also be vendors, a Chinese Auction, 50/50 drawing and more.

Performing are Buckwheat Infamous, Nathan Jacobs, Katie Lamberson,

John Wise Music, Chill Factor, Dad Season, Alden Moeller, Last Nerve and Ballad At Midnight Band. The full schedule is on Facebook.

ANGELICA

HERITAGE DAYS

On Aug. 1 and 2, the 54th Annual Angelica Heritage Days will celebrate Angelica’s history and heritage with a variety of activities. There will be a Digital Walking Tour of the National Historic District, a talk with early settler Moses Van Campen, a Made in Angelica” Exhibit, Musical performances throughout the event, an Art, Craft, and Antique Market, Cornhole and Croquet Competition, Basket Raffles and Festival Food, Antique Machinery and Classic Cars displays. Saturday morning the Catherine Schuyler Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will dedicate their America 250th Patriot Monument at

the east end of Park Circle. The monument remembers the Revolutionary War patriots who settled here after the War for Independence. A time capsule will also be buried at the site.

More events planned for later summer:

• Aug. 3, 17, 24 and 31, at 7 p.m. Music on the Lawn hosted by the Palmer House in Cuba takes place in front of the Elementary School. No admission. Concessions are available.

• Aug. 4, 11 and 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays on the Terrace at the David A. Howe Library in Wellsville will offer unique dining experiences. Upcoming are Scotty’s Common Table. She Brews and the Wellsville Country Club.

• Aug. 6, Miller and Other Sinners will perform at 7 p.m. at Music on the Lawn at the David A. Howe Library in

Wellsville. No admission.

• Aug. 7-8, the 39th Annual Amity Daze in Belmont, with communitywide yard sales throughout the weekend. New this year is Porch Fest, a music venue, will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Friday there will be a Beef on Weck dinner at the Legion, and the Fountain Arts Youth Choir and Instrumental Concert takes place at 6:30 p.m. at Hood Church. On Saturday vendors and kids’ activities, including free bowling, will take place at the Legion on Schuyler St., along with a Rotary Beef on Weck Lunch. A Pickleball tournament will take place in Wilmont Park and a Eucher Tournament will take place at the Post. See the full schedule on Facebook.

• Aug. 15, Wellsville’s 250th Celebration will take place from noon to 4 on the lawn at the David A. Howe Library on Main Street. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Benjamin Franklin and a performance by the Genesee Valley Chorus. There will also be colonial crafts for kids, a colonial food tent and demonstrations of weaving, basketry, herbs, firearms and knife making, Na-

thaniel Dike historical items, music and more. The event is free to the public.

• Aug. 22, from 1 to 7 p.m. the fourth annual Taste of Wellsville will be hosted by the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Wellsville in Island

Park. It is a food-focused community event featuring regional restaurants, food trucks, and local artisans.

• Sept. 5-7, the annual Rushford Labor Day Festival will take place in Rushford. This event celebrates the community with a mix of

family-friendly activities, entertainment, and local traditions. A Grand Parade kicks off the weekend on Main Street. In the park there will Midway Rides and games for all ages, vendors and giveaways, Athletic Tournaments, Live Music and Fireworks.

• Sept. 12, the 11th Annual Park ‘n the Park Car Show takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Wellsville’s Island Park. Hosted by the local chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians this show offers over 100 vehicles and games for participants including blowing up an engine. There are prizes for contestants and food and

beverages for all.

• Sept. 19-20, the 2026 Cuba Garlic Festival in Cuba will celebration garlic and local agriculture. The event features a variety of activities including live music, beer and wine tastings, garlicky food offerings, and opportunities to learn about garlic cultivation. Garlic vendors showcase heirloom garlic, garlic-based products, and culinary innovations. Arts and crafts vendors are on site with garlic themed items as well as arts and crafts. There are children’s activities. Check the festival website for a full schedule of events at www.cubanewyork. us.

Greater Olean Chamber highlights local business

The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce works hard to highlight the fast-moving developments and changes in the area’s economic picture. Local business still includes storefronts, walk-in shops, bars and eateries and the like — but it also includes food trucks, startup bakeries from home kitchens and new services organized from someone’s home office or garage.

— large and small

The Chamber, led by Christine Pecherzewski, director of events and operations, strives to shine a light on any new business or organization — large or small. Its monthly Business After Hours events showcase local businesses or community organizations while bringing together community members to share ideas and to network.

Frequent ribbon-cutting events also highlight new businesses, new locations for existing businesses or renovations and remodeling, while a recent monthly Chamber Spotlight introduced new members that reflected the diversity

of today’s local business picture: Courteney Porter Massage Therapy, Walsh’s Waffle Co. LLC, The Pig-Out Place and Qavah Midwifery, PLLC.

Most of the events and other developments are chronicled by Belle Martinelli, the Chamber’s membership services specialist.

This past spring, the Chamber helped Carpy’s Print Co. celebrate its new location on South Union Street with a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, ringing in the new era

of Carpy’s screen-printing empire.

“It is super exciting to expand about three, almost four times the footprint that we had before,” owner Derreck Carapellatti, said as he stood up front with his wife and business partner, Audra Carapellatti.

Carpy’s was started in 2013 with just co-owner Derreck Carapellatti, a homemade screen press, and a spare room in his grandfather’s trailer. The Carapellattis moved into their previous location at

1555 Olean Portville Road as it saw continued growth and now ships custom products across the globe.

“Carpy’s Print Co., a nationwide business, started small and started local,” GOACC Board President Shavonne Henderson said. “Their success story is why we at the Chamber do what we do.”

In March, Olean welcomed the spirit of the Emerald Isle as Jess Munson officially cut the ribbon at the newly named Gaynor’s Irish Pub on North Union Street. Gaynor’s is in the same location as the former Talty’s Irish Pub. Munson worked at the pub for almost seven years, becoming ingrained in the culture and family. While working there, she became quite close with the late Noel Gaynor, often referring to him as her father figure.

“He really implemented my life in the bar business,” Munson said of Gaynor, who passed away May 20, 2025. “He was a really huge impact in my

Greater Olean Chamber

life, and I am very grateful to be able to own a business that embarks on what he had going forward.”

Henderson said at the time, “We’re honored to be here at this ribbon-cutting and to usher in a new chapter for a beloved Olean staple and to honor the life of the late Noel Gaynor.”

When Enchanted Mountain Chocolate, 4269 Route 16, Hinsdale, opened, GOACC was there to welcome — and introduce — owner Greg Clark:

“Enchanted Mountain Chocolate is the epitome of chocolate perfection. Handcrafted with passion, care and ingredients from the local markets and farms in Western New York, chocolates and treats from Enchanted Mountain Chocolate bring together qualities of sensuality, originality, and original flavors.

“Founder and chocolatier Greg Clark is the heart, hands, and passion behind Enchanted Mountain Chocolate. Clark studied at Ecole Chocolat, a chocolatiering school in Vancouver, Canada. He was trained and inspired by word renowned chocolatiers, and his own creations are

the product of his European travels and influenced by Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy and France.”

In June, more than 50 members of the business community gathered at the Tri-County Arts Council, 110 W. State St. for Business After Hours, joined by Attendance Fund Sponsor and business and creative collaborator, SerenHippity, and Special Guest, Halo Day Spa.

“We are a nonprofit organization that is supported by the community and is for the community,” said Megan Davis, executive director. “Thank you

and sip on, while they perused the art display, “The Shape of Clay.”

Attendance Fund Sponsor SerenHippity offered free watercolor bookmarks as an example of their craft workshops and offered free henna to attendees. SerenHippity is a mobile craft shop, owned and operated by Tabi and Bill Dombrowski, in partnership with Tabi’s sister, Lauren Grover, who has been practicing the art of henna temporary tattooing for the past year.

for supporting the arts and your artists from Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties.”

The Tri-County Arts Council hosts workshops and classes, features free art galleries, and fosters an artistic spirit in the community. During BAH, attendees browsed the Tri-County Arts Council’s Artisan Market, with pottery, paintings, jewelry, prints, candles, and more, created by local artists, all available for purchase. TCAC provided a large charcuterie spread and sparkling drinks, the perfect companions to snack

While attendees were drying their henna and finishing their snacking, Halo Day Spa had the perfect calm-down demonstration. The new health and wellness spa in Cuba, owned by Marika Burke, offers halotherapy, red light therapy and immersive sound therapy.

In addition to serving the business community, the Chamber also seeks to promote Olean as a destination for tourism, primarily through the development, coordination, promotion and execution of community events.

To learn more about the Chamber or keep track of events and activities, go to oleanny.com.

Farmers markets offer a bountiful season with local connection

By KELLEN M. QUIGLEY

OLEAN — Local farmers, crafters and vendors are gathering at farmers markets in the Olean area and beyond to offer residents a weekly space to gather for produce and homemade goods.

The Olean Area Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Pavilion through Oct. 24. Parking is available off South Street.

Organizers encourage local residents and visitors to embrace the farmers’ market as a third space outside the home and work as a place to gather.

“The Olean Farmers Market is more than a place to buy vegetables, bread, honey or handmade goods — it’s a place on a Saturday morning where being in community happens regularly,” a post on their Facebook page states. “Every conversation, every purchase and every Saturday morning spent together helps strengthen the relationships that make a town feel like a home.”

Meanwhile, the Enchanted Mountains Farmers Market operates every Friday from 1:30-5:30 p.m. in the Tractor Supply Co. parking lot at 1900 Constitution Ave. In addition to the local vendors, the weekly market will also feature fresh meals from The Pig-Out Place and Loaded Gurnery food trucks.

In Salamanca, the city launched Vendor & Farmers Market Days this past spring; the days are being held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jefferson Street Park through Sept. 30.

The market has featured a diverse mix of local businesses offering fresh lemonade, handcrafted candles, photography, baked goods, gems and crystals and a mobile bookstore. Vendors reported a positive experience and expressed enthusiasm for the market’s future growth.

Salamanca launched the market to provide additional opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers and food vendors while creating a

vibrant gathering space for residents and visitors.Organizers view the market as a long-term community initiative with significant room for growth as awareness continues to build.

For vendor information contact Jolene Longley, Community Engagement & Operations Coordinator with the City of Salamanca, by calling (716) 945-4620 or email jlongley@salamancany.gov.

Other farmers markets in Cattaraugus County include:

• Gowanda Area Farm

and Craft Market on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sept. 26

• South Dayton Farmers Market, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October

Farmers markets in Allegany County:

• Alfred Farmers Market, at the bandstand on Main Street, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays through Oct. 11

• Belmont Farmers Market, 5429 Route 19N, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through October

irish imports irish imports

StrOlean, Southern Tier Restaurant Week returns in August

OLEAN — Get ready to sip, sup and stroll through the best the area has to offer this summer.

The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a pair of events to showcase the region this August, with Southern Tier Restaurant Week II set for Aug. 7-15, and StrOlean on Aug. 15.

During Restaurant Week, participating Chamber member restaurants will be offering either an exclusive Restaurant Week menu, special prices on existing

menu items, or a special Restaurant Week item to be purchased.

The Chamber will collect and compile all the items and menus from member restaurants who wish to participate into a booklet that will give diners the perfect guide to all the spots and specials that week. The booklet will be promoted online all over the region, and a number of printed booklets will be available for pickup at the Chamber’s gift shop, 301 N. Union St. Keep an eye out at

www.oleanny.com for details.

STROLEAN WILL stroll back into the city on Aug. 15.

The area’s premier downtown summertime festival is set fro 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 15 along the 100 and 200 blocks of North Union Street. The event will feature more than 100 arts, crafts and food vendors; as well as a beer tent, live performances, and a variety of activities for all ages. The event is set to be the largest StrO-

lean to date, Chamber officials said, with a vibrant, pedestrian-only festival along the corridor.

Downtown restaurants and Chamber member food trucks will provide dining options. Live music events will include performances by Generations and Miss Hoshi’s Trio. Train and pony rides will be offered, and Christ United Methodist Church is sponsoring a free Childrens’ Activity Area with bounce houses and arts and crafts.