Whether it’s watching movies, listening to speakers, watching dance recitals or taking in a concert, Chautauqua County is loaded with activities. Here are some events that you may want to attend.

REG LENNA CENTER FOR THE ARTS

April 17 – Napoleon Dynamite: A Conversation With Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez – the beloved indie classic Napoleon Dynamite was released 20 years ago this summer. Since then much has changed; but the characters, as enduring as they are endearing, stay in our hearts.

Appealing to the inner-teenager in each of us, the story, and more importantly the dialogue, makes Napoleon Dynamite one of the most quoted movies of our time. This unique evening includes a full screening of Napoleon Dynamite followed by a lively, freewheeling, moderated discussion with fan-favorite cast members; Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro) who will appear live on-stage. For more information visit reglenna.com.

Napoleon Dynamite: A Conversation With Jon Heder, left, and Efren Ramirez, right, is scheduled for April 17 at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. Submitted photo

April 19-20 – BANFF Mountain Film Festival 2024: The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Jamestown featuring the world’s best mountain sport, culture, and environmental films. For more information visit reglenna.com.

April 27 – The Femmes Of Rock: The Femmes of Rock show is a high-energy rock production fronted by four female violinists/vocalists. Virtuosic arrangements, original material, a live rock backing band, video, lights, choreography, comedy, and more can be expected in this energetic show that leaves audiences awed. The only one of its kind, there are no other similar string acts operating at this level of production. For more information visit reglenna.com.

ROBERT JACKSON CENTER

April 10, 11 – Living Voices Series: Within the Silence (Japanese Internment in America): What’s the meaning of loyalty? Understand the impact of Executive Order 9066, which imprisoned thousands of innocent Japanese Americans during World War II, through the experiences of one young incarcerated citizen. In 1941, Emiko is an ordinary American teenager whose life is changed forever when racism and xenophobia explode against her community after Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, forcing her and every member of her family to find a way to prove their loyalty to a country that sees them as “the face of the enemy.”

For more information visit roberthjackson.org.

Derek Davis won Chautauqua’s Got Talent, held at The Spire Theater. Photo by Danielle Sullivan of Photography by Dani Jo

May 9, 10 – Living Voices Series: Through the Eyes of a Friend (Holocaust):

What does it mean to survive? Bear witness to the world of Anne Frank and other young people living through the Holocaust, from the point of view of Anne Frank’s “best friend.” Like Anne Frank, Sarah is a young Jewish girl in Amsterdam when Hitler comes to power in the 1930s, whose experiences under Nazi rule, in hiding and through the concentration camps parallel Anne’s story. Through the Eyes of a Friend remains faithful to Anne Frank’s life and her world. For more information visit roberthjackson.org.

FREDONIA OPERA HOUSE

April 11 – Chautauqua County History Lecture Series: Midway State Park at Fredonia Opera House: Located on the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake, Midway State Park is a family treasure. Originally established in 1898 as a trolley park, Midway State Park is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation. The first owners of the park constructed playing fields, tennis courts, bath houses and a dance hall to entice customers to ride the trolley on weekends. In 1915, a new building was constructed with a kitchen, a large dining room and space for dancing and roller skating. Today, this building is home to a museum, gift shop, concession stands and other facilities. Park Manager Christine Wilson will speak about Midway’s early years before the amusement park portion opened, the modes of transportation to the park, such as trolleys and steamboats, why the park was started and possible reasons why it has continued to survive. For more information visit fredopera.org.

May 16 – Louise Bethune: America’s First Female Architect: A 2023 book by a University of Buffalo architect uncovers and explores previously unknown aspects of the largely veiled life and career of Buffalo’s Louise Blanchard Bethune, America’s first professional female architect and designer of Dunkirk’s Brooks Mansion, now the current site of Brooks Hospital. Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA, UB director of campus planning, will discuss her book, “Louise Blanchard Bethune: Every Woman Her Own Architect,” as part of the Chautauqua County History Lecture Series. Until now, Bethune’s accomplishments have never received thorough examination and treatment. Several factors contributed to that obscurity, including the loss of Bethune’s personal and professional papers, along with her firm’s construction documents and office records. For information visit fredopera.org.

FREDONIA FARMERS’ MARKET

Fredonia Farmers’ Market: each Saturday morning, 9am to 1pm, from May through October, the Fredonia Farmers’ Market opens on Church Street for the entire community to come together to purchase locally grown vegetables, fruits, meats and dairy products. We have a number of summer vendors who accept EBT, NYS Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks, WIC Vegetables and Fruit checks. Market patrons can also purchase $5.00 gift certificates and credit card tokens from the Market Manager. For more information, visit fredoniafarmersmarket.org.

LUCILLE BALL LITTLE THEATRE OF JAMESTOWN

May 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.

THE SPIRE THEATRE

Chautauqua’s Got Talent – The contest will span five exciting Mondays, starting with April 22, providing ample opportunity for performers of all ages and talents to showcase their creativity and passion. In addition to the opportunity to shine on stage, contestants will compete for a grand prize of $1,000, along with studio time at Found Recording Studio, offering them a chance to further hone their craft in a professional setting. For more information about Chautauqua’s Got Talent please visit facebook.com/chautauquatalent.