Things to do, places to eat, shows to see, places to stay in Madison County, NY      

_ The single most important decision made by a bride and groom in regards to their wedding day is the location.  Without a location, it is difficult to make any of the other decisions they need to make.  Madison County Tourism today announced a great way to help brides and grooms make that decision with its inaugural bridal bus tour. 

_On Sunday April 29, 2012 Madison County Tourism will treat engaged couples to a day of fun, as they travel to eight unique wedding venues across Madison County in luxury limo transportation.  The day will allow the happy couples to compare and contrast the locations and help them choose the perfect location to hold their ceremony or reception.

The tour will start in two locations, Oneida and Cazenovia, and the limos will spread out across the county to show off the historic, picturesque venues that make Madison County weddings so special.  Engaged couples will have the chance to visit the Oneida Community Mansion House, the Greystone Castle, Brae Loch Inn, Lincklaen House, Colgate Inn, Hamilton Inn and White Eagle Conference Center among others.  Catering and banquet staffs will be on hand at every location to talk about set ups, food, music and pricing.  Brides and grooms will also be able to meet with photographers, florists, disc jockeys, cake bakers, favor makers and other essential vendors.

Weddings are an important part of the marketing strategy for tourism in Madison County.  Each year they partner on a bridal guide and attend wedding shows.  They also have a dedicated wedding micro-site to help promote wedding venues and vendors.

Madison County Tourism executive director Jim Walter says weddings are big business.  “When someone chooses our venues for their reception there is a compounding effect on local businesses.  They may also set up a rehearsal dinner; hire a florist, photographer and disc jockey that are local.  It extends beyond the reception site, families, and the wedding party and guests all book hotel rooms.  While they are in town they visit local shops, restaurants and attractions.  The more weddings we can book in Madison County, the stronger our economy will be.”

One of the most heard comments from brides at wedding shows was that they’d love to check out Madison County locations like the Mansion House or Colgate Inn, but they just didn’t know when they’d find the time.  This tour aims to remove that barrier.  Eight venues in one day, a fun tour of the county in a limo or limo bus and access to a wide variety of vendors will make this time well spent for brides and grooms.

Tickets for the tour are limited to the first 50 couples and can be purchased online at www.madisontourism.com/weddings.  Interested couples or vendors can also call 800-684-7320 for more information.

_ Every so often, just when you think the well is dry and the tradition is dead, you are gratefully reminded that there is still water down there and that the tradition was only sleeping. Morgan O’Kane from Charlottesville, Virginia is one of those reminders. A virtuoso banjo player, shouter and activist now based in  New York City, Morgan recalls two other transplanted legendary southern artists; Reverend Gary Davis and Aunt Molly Jackson. Like the reverend, Morgan honed his skills making a living as a busking street artist. Like Aunt Molly, he has kept his connection to his Appalachian home and its issues, taking part in the campaign to ban mountaintop removal mining, which destroys the land and the people who live on it.

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“If Jimi Hendrix played the banjo, he might resemble O’Kane, a high-intensity musician who looks like a mechanic in a rural gas station, sings like a man possessed and plays mountain music like it was an avalanche” - Robert Reid, The Record

While Morgan  O’kane clearly knows his way around the old tunes, he is more interested in creating his own. That’s how the tradition survives – new songs being created on old foundations. This ain’t no revival; this is a contemporary artist who knows where he comes from.

Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 8:00 PM  Tix $18

As many of you know, the good folks at Good Nature Brewing in Hamilton have been not so quietly celebrating their soft opening at the brewery and tasting room.  The response has been great so far. 

Now Matt and Carrie plan to storm in and take over the taps at the Colgate Inn this Friday night.  The takeover begins at 5:30 on January 27th and will last until the bar closes at in the wee hours of Saturday morning. 

All five varieties of beers brewed by Good Nature will be available for flights, tastes and enjoying by the pint.  Good Nature will be selling merchandise and owners Carrie Blackmore and Matt Whalen will be available to answer questions about their start up business and its beers. 

Madison County at one time was among the world leaders in hop production for the brewing of beer.  Good Nature Brewing’s grand opening is part of the resurgence of the hop industry and the craft brewing industry in Central New York.  Using as many local ingredients, including100% locally sourced hops, Good Nature currently offers five varieties of beers.  Those beers include, India Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, Chicory Mocha Porter, American Brown Ale and their newly released ‘Nor Easter.

_ Valentine's Day has roots in several different legends that have been observed for centuries. One of the earliest familiar symbols of Valentine's Day is Cupid, the Roman god of love, who is depicted as a young boy with a bow and arrow. In the Middle Ages, romantic sentiments were exchanged through verse or melody.

_The first paper valentine was exchanged between the imprisoned Duke of Orleans in 1415 who passed his time composing romantic verses for his wife. Early valentines were handmade with stylized written verse and decorated with colored inks.  By the 1800s, valentines were manufactured in black and white that were hand painted with hearts and cupids.  In the 1850s, fancier valentines were decorated with lace, ribbons, silk, satin, and gold leaf.  By the turn of century, valentines were made entirely by machine.

Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 - a day when valentines and gifts are exchanged between loved ones.  In the tradition of Valentine’s Day, the Madison County Historical Society will have a make-your-own Victorian Valentine workshop for children between the ages of 8-12 on Saturday, February 11. There is a nominal fee of $5 per child to cover the cost of supplies.  The workshop will be held during two sessions at the historical society located at 435 Main Street in Oneida. The first session is from 10 -11:30 am. The second session is from 12:30- 2:00 pm. Reservations are required as space is limited to 12 children per session. The deadline to register for the make your own Victorian Valentine workshop is February 3.  For more information contact the society at 315-363-4136, 315-361-9735, or www.mchs1900.org. An adult must accompany each child attending the workshop. 

_ Acknowledging the prominent role of the travel and tourism sector in creating jobs and powering the economy, President Obama announced today that he has issued an Executive Order aimed at boosting travel and tourism during an event in Orlando, Fla.

While speaking at the Walt Disney Resort, an AH&LA member property, the President announced an initiative focusing on improving travel facilitation by coordinating activity among the Department of Commerce, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security. To achieve this, the President has directed the Department of Commerce to create a task force to develop a “National Travel & Tourism Strategy.” The task force will coordinate cross-departmental efforts and ensure private sector participation.

To increase international tourism to the United States, President Obama recommends promoting unique U.S. destinations/experiences, reducing wait times for visas in rapid-growth countries such as China and Brazil, and making the U.S. Global Entry program permanent.

In remarks, the President stated, “Every year, tens of millions of tourists from all over the world come and visit America. And the more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work. We need to help businesses all across the country grow and create jobs; compete and win. That’s how we’re going to rebuild an economy where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded, and where anyone can make it if they try.”

“I was honored to stand with the President in Orlando as he announced that travel and tourism will be a national priority,” said AH&LA President/CEO Joe McInerney. “Travel and tourism is among the nation’s largest employers and a top ten industry in 48 states - so this effort will benefit every community. By focusing on these high-growth sectors, the United States is poised to create jobs and strengthen the economy.” 

Many of the priorities highlighted by the President today are shared by the AH&LA co-chaired Discover America Partnership (DAP). DAP is a lobbying and grassroots campaign working to advance visa and entry reforms in order to regain the share of the international traveler market the United States held in 2000. By recapturing America’s historic share of international travel, the U.S. could create up to 1.3 million new U.S. jobs by 2020 and produce $859 billion in cumulative additional economic output.

“While working with the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB), we reported that tourism is a low-cost/high-reward prospect and one of the few industries showing positive growth,” said Nancy Johnson, AH&LA chair and executive vice president, development, Carlson Hotels, America. “Promoting travel produces a multiplier effect that benefits all industries and TTAB estimates we could add 500,000 new U.S. jobs by 2015 with no cost to tax payers. We commend the President for taking this positive step forward.” 
 
Promoting travel and tourism remains one of AH&LA’s highest priorities. AH&LA and the Discover America Partnership will continue to work closely with Members of Congress, the Administration, and governmental agencies to highlight the incredible opportunity presented by bringing more international travelers to United States

With 56 wind turbines in three separate wind farms, a gas to energy facility at the landfill and a planned Agriculture Renewable Energy industrial park, Madison County has been a leader in renewable energy for many years.  Now the county has put out a video touting its assets.  Take a look here. 

It's a celebration of everything Scotland this weekend as the Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia hosts its annual Burns Night.  In fact the celebration of the famous Scottish poet has turned into a three day weekend event.

Friday night the festivities kick off with Scotch tastings, Scottish finger foods and great Celtic rock by the Causeway Giants.  The music begins at 9pm and goes in to the wee morning hours. 
Saturday is the big day when the annual Burns dinner takes place.  There may or may not be a table left for reservations, so give the Brae Loch a call and find out at 315-655-3431.  If you can't make it this year, this an event for your bucket list.  It is a true Scottish celebration including cocktails and dinner at 6pm and the festivities which includes traditional Scottish music, pipers, dancers, poetry reading, stilling minstrels,  and the Address to the Haggis.
On Sunday the festivities wrap up with a Celtic brunch from 11am-2pm.  Enjoy the Brae Loch's famous Sunday Brunch with Scottish favorites while listening to Fiddle and Guitar with Ten Strings Duo.  

_The Farm Bureau released this press release yesterday:

S.5078, a bill sponsored by Senator David Valesky, took an important step toward adoption today when it cleared the State Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business. The goal of the bill is to recreate the once vibrant New York hops growing industry and add to the already booming agri-tourism business.

_The agriculture and beer industries in New York State are already major job creating engines, pumping more than $4.7 and $1.2 billion into our economy each year respectively. The Farm Brewery license bill will allow for better synergy between these two important industries by allowing farmers to operate on and off premise accounts and also supply hops to other craft breweries.

The bill requires that a large percentage of the hops and other ingredients used to brew beer at a farm brewery be purchased within New York State. In the late 19th century, New York grew about 90 percent of the nation’s supply of hops, only to see the industry disappear with the advent of industrialized beer production. The rise of smaller niche and craft breweries represents a unique opportunity for hops farming to once again flourish in New York State.

“This bill represents a true win-win,” said Julie Suarez, director of public policy for New York Farm Bureau. “The licensing provisions will allow a farm brewer to bottle and sell their products on or off premises and in the wholesale or retail markets. This opens up new and exciting opportunities for farmers to enter the craft beer business and to increase farm related tourism. At the same time, the provisions that require farm brewers to use an escalating percentage of locally grown hops, will stimulate new opportunities for growers. Hop barns once dotted New York’s landscape, and if this bill is enacted, they will again.”

"This legislation is a real victory for the agricultural community and small businesses. In addition to providing new opportunities for farmers through increasing demand for local products used in beer production, it will stimulate agri-tourism much like we’ve seen with farm wineries in New York, and has the potential to create new jobs," Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida), sponsor of the legislation.

S.5078 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee for further review. A companion bill is carried by Agriculture Committee Chairman Bill Magee in the New York State Assembly.

_ The Palace Players announce a delightful, impromptu cabaret filled with nostalgic songs that celebrate musical favorites of the past. Flashback—Celebrate Music of the 40’s – 60’s is Saturday, February 4 at 7pm. Three talented musicians, come together for this rare treat: Jenni Larchar (Sherburne) is the lead vocalist, Mason McDowell (Lebanon) will tickle the 88’s on his electric piano, and Carl Pickett (Earlville) brings the sound home with his stand-up bass.

Jenni, Mason, and Carl are excited to perform together for Flashback and invite all of you to 70+ minutes of great entertainment. Enjoy tunes such as I've Got You Under My Skin, Star Dust, Georgia On My Mind, Someone to Watch Over Me, Blue Moon

Taking a Chance on Love, and other timeless favorites.

The Colgate Inn will be providing light drinks at a cash bar. Tickets are $10 and available at the door, but reservations are welcome. Seating is general admission, cabaret style (tables and chairs) and first come-first served. Doors open at 6:30pm.

The 5th season of live theater continues at The Palace Theater with its excellent line-up of Broadway and community theater. The touring Off-Broadway musical, Girls Night: the Musical comes to Hamilton for a one night only show on Saturday, February 18 and is two-thirds sold out. The Palace Players, Hamilton’s premier community theater produces The Odd Couple (March 9 & 10) and 12 Angry Men (April 27 & 28). Tickets are available for all of the shows.

The Palace Theater is located at 19 Utica Street in historic downtown Hamilton, within walking distance of boutiques, fine casual dining and a relaxing Village Green. Visit www.palacetheater.org to learn more about upcoming shows and events

_ The Palace Players are pleased to announce the cast for their upcoming production of Neil Simon’s comic masterpiece The Odd Couple.

Michael McCormack (Norwich) and Mark Walden (Hamilton) will portray Oscar Madison and Felix Ungar respectively. Vito Bolognone (Earlville), Christopher Farrell (Hamilton), Mason McDowell (Eaton), and Bruce Ward (Hamilton) will appear as Oscar and Madison’s poker buddies Speed, Vinnie, Roy, and Murray. Jan Webb Guistwite (Sherburne) and Shari Taylor (Earlville) will play Cecily and Gwendolyn Pigeon, Oscar’s upstairs neighbors.

Dominick Pangallo (Hamilton) directs the production, with stage management by Kate Reynolds (Sherburne) and set design by Colgate University student Andrada Danila (Class of 2015).

The Odd Couple will take the stage on Friday March 9 and Saturday March 10 at 8:00pm and on Sunday March 11 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $12 for adults (18+) and $8 for students (with ID). Reservations at palacetheater.org/tickets.php or 315-824-1420 are highly recommended. Tickets may also be purchased at the Palace box office (Mondays-Fridays, 9am-4pm, and two hours prior to each show); payment is accepted by VISA, Mastercard, Colgate Gatecard, cash, or check payable to The Palace Theater. Seating is general admission and the house will open 30 minutes before show time.

The Palace Players are Hamilton’s independent community theater group, performing at the Palace Theater on Utica Street. They strive to enrich the cultural and economic fabric of the greater Hamilton community through the performing arts. Next on stage from the Palace Players is 12 Angry Men, April 27 and 28.