The Post-Journal spent Saturday afternoon cruising the area, attending special events and visiting local establishments and landmarks. The following is a snapshot of a five-hour period of time on a Saturday afternoon in southern Chautauqua County, intended to give readers an idea of what they might be missing.
Every weekend throughout the summer in Chautauqua County there are a myriad of events and attractions up and running.
For some it may be the cynicism of buying into the old cliche that "there's nothing to do here," and for others, perhaps they just aren't venturing away from the couch for a new experience.
But Saturday, a number of people didn't let the early afternoon storms, apathy or even weekend laziness stop them from getting out of the house - and the county was theirs for the taking.
11:58 a.m.
1) A Festival of Diversity
As the rain dumped on Jamestown around noon Saturday, a number of people were at the St. James Parish Festival on Allen Street gearing up for a good day. The festival has a lot to offer, including games for children, food for the whole family and a beer tent for those thirsty adults. And all of these things were shielded from Mother Nature thanks to a huge circus tent and pavilion. Inside the vinyl, parish members were serving up more than 2,000 dozens of home-made Italian cookies, carduni, pasta and tripe. It is not all Italian however, as there were a number of Polish delicacies available including golabski and pierogis.
The festival is about diversity and was designed to offer a little something for everyone. It has been going on in some capacity for more than 35 years and since 2003, it has grown to be a summertime staple in the area. The St. James Parish Festival continues today until 6 p.m. in the parking lot next to the church on Allen Street in Jamestown.
12:23 p.m.
2) Forget the Antique Boat Show, Where's the Ark?
Torrential rainfall made travel to Bemus Point difficult, as visibility was limited to about two car-lengths on Washington Street heading out of the city. The exterior lanes quickly flooded as storm drains were no match for the sheer amount of water coming down, but the rain did lighten up somewhat closer to Greenhurst. There were several people braving the wet highways but many drivers seemingly haven't figured out that when visibility is limited, turning your headlights on keeps other drivers from running into you.
12:40 p.m.
3) Rain Delay in Bemus Point
The 12th annual Antique and Classic Boat Show went on as scheduled in Bemus Point, but it wasn't until later in the day when the weather broke that people were actually outside appreciating the legendary Chris Crafts. While the rain continued, some people fled to the Village Casino for some chicken wings and a couple of pitchers of beer while others were found sitting in the famous rocking chairs on the front porch of the Hotel Lenhart, which is celebrating 129 years of service. Once the sun returned to the sky, the people returned to the park in front of the Casino. And throughout the day, regardless of the weather, all the businesses in the small village were full of people relaxing, shopping and catching up with friends.
1 p.m.
4) A State Park Like No Other
By this time, the clouds were parting, much to the excitement of the families waiting to enjoy the rides at Midway State Park in Maple Springs. Some children played in what is probably the last real arcade in the county, dropping quarters in classic pinball machines, the original Pac Man and of course the skee ball lanes. Some worked to earn tickets to purchase trinkets while others got their 25 cents worth of entertainment from a few minutes of game play. The rides began re-opening and it wasn't long before there were lines at the bumper cars, the Tidal Wave and the Tilt-a-Whirl. The mini golf course was open with a few players hitting balls and the ever-popular go carts were zipping around the track. The picnic pavilions overlooking the lake provided the perfect refuge for some families during the storm, as they enjoyed a barbecue and a front-row seat to a good show on the water. Since becoming a state park, Midway has seen a solid influx of money and the improvements are visible with one glance around the park. The historic carousel has moved slightly from where it was before and also received some much needed repairs.
1:47 p.m.
5) Weathering the Storm in Mayville
Mayville's Lakeside Park is today hosting the Chautauqua County Society of Artists' 38th Art in the Park festival, but Saturday, the artists were flooded out of their tents. A booth-holder at the park said that because of the fierce storm that hit earlier in the day, Saturday's portion of the event had been canceled. She said that at one point, the wind was so strong that she had to hold her booth-tent to the ground to keep it in place, protecting her creative works from the rain The artists are back today beginning at 10 a.m. and will be showcasing and selling their unique pieces from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
1:58 p.m.
6) A French Feast
With several dining options in the southern part of the county and almost a dozen on the west side of Chautauqua Lake, why not break routine and leave the fast-food for a rushed week-day afternoon? On Saturday, several residents and tourists choose to indulge in the flavors of the area's only AAA certified Four-Diamond eating establishment, La Fleur. Located in the historic Red Brick Farm complex on Route 394, lunch at La Fleur is relaxing, refreshing and reasonably priced. No, it's not the dollar menu, but as soon as you take a bite of the shrimp hiding inside a puff-pastry shell filled with a creamy lobster sauce, you know where the extra couple dollars go. The staff is professional, friendly, knowledgeable and patient enough to guide any first-timer through the French dining experience. Although the dinners consist of multiple courses, lunch is less formal, but equally outstanding. The atmosphere is elegant but far from pretentious, and if you're lucky enough to get a seat on the porch of the Victorian mansion which houses the restaurant, the view of the well-manicured garden will compliment any flavor of wine on their list that spans almost a dozen pages. And if you do venture to La Fleur, don't ask for the check before you request a dessert, such as the lavender chocolate mousse or any of the creme brulees.
2:42 p.m.
7) An Institution of Inclusive Entertainment
Whether you are in the mood for some live music, a unique shopping experience or just want to escape to a place that's not far from home and still like no other, Chautauqua Institution has something to offer. Saturday afternoon, the community was bustling with people riding bicycles, exploring its grounds and taking part in scheduled events and performances. While some relaxed on the shores of the lake, others made their way to the amphitheater where the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra treated them to an afternoon show. The sun was shining brightly at this point and the amphitheater and the orchestra were the perfect recipe for a little relief from the heat. Children sat eating ice cream on the steps of the Colonnade while adults peered into booths set up in conjunction with the Craft Alliance's 2009 festival at Bestor Plaza. It was business as usual at Chautauqua Institution with hundreds of people all enjoying themselves in their own way. The institution is a place like no other in the county, and it isn't the gate out front that makes it so. Its history, legacy and natural beauty draws people from all over the world, including a number of notable guests, and is considered a gem for the residents of the county. It is also the site of several intriguing musical performances, lectures, and events all summer long, and if you don't at least consider attending one of them, you are missing out.
3:53 p.m.
8) Floating Onto the Lake
How many county residents have taken the time to drive down Stow Road next to Hogan's Hut on Route 394 and appreciate the newly-renovated Jess Present Memorial Park and lighthouse? Perhaps the number is even less than those who have taken a trip across the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry in recent years. The ferry has been making the same voyage since 1811, long before the county resembled the place it is today. And despite its longstanding legacy, it is still one of the best values in the area, as a person can ride for only $1 or take their car on board for a donation of $4. The ferry is run entirely by volunteers and maintained by donations, and if you have children, it is the only way to cross Chautauqua Lake. On Saturday, volunteer Captains Randy Burt and John Weise welcomed tourists aboard, taking their picture and offering a little history of the vessel. Burt said that last weekend, the ferry was used for a wedding reception and is available for other special events. The ferry runs every Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 1 to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m.
4:33 p.m.
9) Thunder in the Streets (and The Sky)
The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation is in stiff competition with itself as its members work to make each year's events more memorable than the previous. Thunder in the Streets was no exception with bands, vendors and the Jagman Stunt Team dominating the area around the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. The band Lake Effect was playing classic rock classics like Radar Love on Saturday afternoon while those in attendance ate steak sandwiches, fried dough and pieces of pizza. The DJDC works throughout the year to draw people to the city's core and have been increasingly creative about how to achieve that. The Thursday concert series, although in its infancy, has been hailed a success by locals and officials alike. Saturday, the weather was no match for people looking to enjoy some death-defying excitement and a good time downtown.
So, how did you spend your Saturday?
