The summer season moves quickly here in Chautauqua County. That may be partly due to the plethora of events planned over a relatively short three month period. But even as we approach the end of July there is still so much to see and do this summer.

Be sure to plan a trip to the Chautauqua County Fair this week. Our county fair is more than just a place to enjoy some amazing food and grandstand shows, it is also an opportunity to remind us all about the key role of agriculture in our local economy. Be sure to check out the animals in the 4H barns and congratulate the students who have worked so hard to raise them in the past year. A complete events schedule is available at www.chautauquacountyfair.org.

A brand new event is coming up next weekend in Chautauqua County, highlighting our natural environment. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute and Panama Rocks have teamed up to host the Wild America Nature Festival. It will be held at Panama Rocks July 29-30, featuring exhibits, artists, lectures, natural foods, a local farmers market, and lots more. Find out more at www.wildamericafest.com.

Bicycle enthusiasts from all over can participate in the Chautauqua Gran Fondo on August 26. There are rides for all levels of cyclist, from social riders to those who want to challenge themselves for fitness or fun. You can visit some beautiful sights along each route with plenty of selfie-stops and refreshments available. The 20-mile social ride includes a trip across the lake on the nostalgic Bemus Point-Stow Ferry. Learn more at chautauquagranfondo.com.

And let’s not forget some of our other on-going events. The Lily Dale Assembly is a center for all things Spiritual and features a full schedule of interesting lectures, workshops, and programs through September 3. You can find them online at www.lilydaleassembly.com.

Chautauqua Institution’s summer season continues through August 27 with popular entertainment, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, lectures, classes, recreation, and more all focused on lifelong learning. The final week this summer is the Chautauqua Institution Food Festival, featuring renowned speakers from the culinary world and daily food and drink-themed events, tastings, and more. Chautauqua is online at chq.org.

Whether you’re a first time visitor to Chautauqua County, a part-time guest, or a full-time resident, you are sure to find plenty to see, do, and enjoy here in Chautauqua County this summer season. To find even more opportunities for fun in the sun, check out the full calendar available through the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau at www.tourchautauqua.com.

Play Where the Pros Play – Chamber

aGolf Tournament is at the Peek

Local golfers can play where the pros play and enjoy a great day of golf and networking with lots of local business people. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to once again present our annual Golf Tournament on the PGA sanctioned Upper Course at Peek’n Peak – home of the Web.com tour LECOM Health Challenge. Enjoy a tremendous day of golf and camaraderie, plus great prize packages and food!

The Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is Thursday, August 10 and is sponsored by: DFT Communications, Bush Industries, Community Bank, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Dahlstrom Roll Form, Jamestown Mattress Company, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Lawley Insurance, Lynn Development, National Fuel Gas, National Grid, Nestle Purina PetCare, and the Shults Auto Group.

To register or learn more call 366-6200 or 484-1101 or visit www.chautauquachamber.org/events.

An Evening in Barker Common July 26

The Fredonia Community Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Village of Fredonia, will be holding “An Evening in Barker Common” on Wednesday, July 26 from 6:30-8:30pm. There will be fun for all ages, celebrating summer and community. This is part of the Music in the Park series, with music provided by the New Horizons Band.

A party jumper brought in by Pump It Up! Fitness will be available as well as face painting sponsored by AFLAC. Both of these activities will be free to children. Adults can enjoy a bag toss and check out selections from Lularoe by Sarah and Kelley or enjoy local beer and wine offered by Mazza Vineyards. Beef on Weck will also be available thanks to Liberty Food and Spirits.

All local businesses are encouraged to participate. Please contact David Dengler at 445-7901 for more information.

Hanover Community Chamber

Plans Yard Sales August 5

The Hanover Community Chamber of Commerce is again sponsoring the silver Creek Village Wide Yard Sales. 2017 marks the 25th year of this great event, which will be held Saturday, August 5 for any resident in the 14136 zip code area. Regular sales will run from 9am to 5pm. Reduced prices will be offered during the “Bunches of Bargains” and will take place from 3:01pm to 5pm, with participating homes designated on the yard sale maps.

Registration forms are available now. Registration is $10. Participants holding yard sales are asked to sign up in person at Silver Creek Optical, 41 Main Street. Registering in person will allow for the proper placement of each home on the yard sale map. The registration deadline is Wednesday, August 2 and maps will be printed the following day.

The goal for this Silver Anniversary is to have 125 participating sales! Registration fees are used for printing of the map and advertising, and net proceeds are used for community enhancement projects by the Hanover Community Chamber and scholarships for one graduating senior each from Silver Creek and Forestville Central Schools who are college-bound business students.

Yard sales held within the Village of Silver Creek are required to have a permit, and the Chamber of Commerce has a blanket permit for August 5, 2017, covering any Village resident who registers. Participants will receive a “grape” poster with their map number to be displayed in a prominent location the day of the sale.

Terrific bargains wait the discriminating shopper at numerous sales in and outside the Village. The Chamber strongly encourages shoppers to purchase the maps to locate these many, many sales. Yard sale maps will be available for a nominal fee on Saturday, August 5, starting at 9am sharp at the park gazebo or 29 Oak Street to assist shoppers in finding the participating homes. With every map purchase, you will be entered to win $25.00 Chamber gift certificates and receive discount coupons for local business members. The lucky winners will be drawn at 5pm the day of the sale.

For more information, call 934-9522 or 934-7334.