Sponsored by Jamestown Up Close, the branding initiative powered by the Jamestown Renaissance Corp. and the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce, the annual event was held on Jan. 21 and boasted record-high attendance numbers. Crowds were out in full force to take advantage of free admission to area attractions, raffle prizes at each location, restaurant specials and retail discounts.

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 at this year’s event.

“It was wonderful to see the streets bustling with families taking part in the day,” noted Sarah Gilbert, grant writer for Jamestown Renaissance Corp. “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.

Doug Jacobs, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame raffle winner

Notable figures and raffle prize winners include:

¯ Audubon Community Nature Center had approximately 400 visitors — 40 percent more than in years past. More than 140 in attendance were kids.

The gift shop reported $329 in sales and the raffle winner was Charlie Clark.

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

¯ Fenton History Center hosted nearly 900 visitors, including 77 under the age of five.

Emily Swan, Fenton History Center raffle winner

The center reported $494 in sales and Emily Swan won the raffle prize.

¯ Infinity Visual and Performing Arts had a total of 86 people, more than half of which were kids. The raffle winner was Janet Thom.

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

¯ Lucile M. Wright Air Museum had approximately 950 visitors.

The Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 402 was on hand to help greet and count attendees.

Charlie Clark, Audubon Community Nature Center raffle winner

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 Columbia and Brenda Hagadorn of Jamestown won third prize for a Jamestown Up Close bag of passes and prizes.

¯ Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum reported approximately 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 rare opportunity to have a photo taken with one of Lucy’s Emmys.

¯ 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 backstage.

Wally Bloomquist won the raffle prize.

¯ Martz Observatory had over 210 visitors and announced Wendy Bale won the raffle prize.

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

¯ Reg Lenna Center for the Arts reported over 350 visitors.

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

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

The Jamestown Renaissance Corp. 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.

You can also learn more about the organization by liking the Facebook page.