Sponsored by Jamestown Up Close, the branding initiative powered by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, and the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce, the annual event was held on Saturday, Jan. 21, and included free admission to area attractions, giveaways at each location, restaurant specials and retail discounts. The Audubon Community Nature Center, Busti Grist Mill, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Fenton History Center, Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, James Prendergast Library, Lucile M. Wright Air Museum, Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Lucille Ball Little Theater, Martz Observatory, Northwest Arena, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Robert H. Jackson Center, and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History were the featured attractions.

“It was wonderful to see the streets bustling with families taking part in the day,” said Sarah Gilbert, grant writer for Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. “It is a true celebration of everything our area has to offer. In addition to great turnout at our featured destinations, local restaurants and retailors reported increased patronage as a result of the partnership between downtown and greater Jamestown attractions.”

The Post-Journal reader’s poll reported that 84 percent of responders took part in the event. Statistics from participating attractions confirmed a significant increase in attendance compared to previous years. Notable figures and raffle prize winners include:

¯ Audubon Community Nature Center had 400 visitors, 40 percent more than in years past. More than 140 in attendance were children. The gift shop reported $329 in sales and the giveaway winner was Charlie Clark.

Doug Jacobs, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame giveaway winner.

¯ The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame counted 420 visitors. The giveaway winner was Doug Jacobs of Mayville.

¯ The Fenton History Center hosted nearly 900 visitors including 77 under the age of five. The center reported $494 in sales and Emily Swan won the giveaway prize.

¯ Infinity Visual and Performing Arts had a total of 86 people, more than half of whom were children. The giveaway winner was Janet Thom.

¯ James Prendergast Library counted 414 visitors and the giveaway winner was Barbara Minsker.

¯ Lucile M. Wright Air Museum had 950 visitors. The Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 402 was on hand to help greet and count attendees. Jamie Warden of Lakewood won the first prize, which was a Shop Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate. David Monroe of Celoron won second prize for a Revell Model of the Space Shuttle Colombia and Brenda Hagadorn of Jamestown won third prize for a Jamestown Up Close bag of passes and prizes.

Visitors at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute are pictured.

¯ Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum reported 1,500 visitors, garnering by far the largest crowds out of all the participating attractions. The record-breaking total, representing a 3 percent increase from last year, may have been due to a special exhibit featuring Desi Arnaz as well as the opportunity to have a photo taken with one of Lucy’s Emmys.

¯ The Lucille Ball Little Theater tripled its attendance from last year, keeping three tour guides busy throughout the day. Visitors were especially excited for the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at back stage. Wally Bloomquist won the giveaway prize.

¯ The Martz Observatory had more than 210 visitors and announced Wendy Bale won the giveaway prize.

¯ The Northwest Arena hosted 534 skaters, an increase of more than 100 from last year’s total.

¯ The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts reported more than 350 visitors.

Emily Swan, Fenton History Center giveaway winner.

¯ The Robert H. Jackson Center had 275 visitors and the giveaway winner was Roberta Hegeman of Little Valley.

¯ The Roger Tory Peterson Institute counted nearly 400 visitors, representing a huge turnout with many children and adults enjoying the variety of nature exhibits.

The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and Jamestown Up Close are organizations that support downtown and neighborhood revitalization by promoting reinvestment, stakeholder engagement, and innovation in the greater Jamestown area. For more information, visit www.jamestownupclose.com or call 664-2477.

Casey and Joe Pawelski are pictured at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.