Congratulations to the National Comedy Center and to our entire community! The 2019 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival was the largest ever in its 28-year history, with people attending from at least 41 states. Ticket sales surpassed all previous festivals for the dozens of events that were held all over the Jamestown area. Sold-out headliner shows for Sebastian Maniscalco and John Mulaney were just the beginning. Additional festival shows featuring up-and-coming comedians were also packed. Block parties were full and lively. The National Comedy Center was bursting with visitors, as was the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.

With a full year under its belt now, the National Comedy Center has earned some extraordinary national and international press. It was named one of USA Today’s Top New Attractions, and listed as a travel destination in Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, and Fodor’s Travel. It was noted in People Magazine, Pittsburgh Magazine, the Boston Globe, and the New York Times. All of that publicity certainly helped to bring a crowd from all over to visit our latest attraction. Visitors from all over the United States have given the Center a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor, making it one of the highest ranked destinations in the tourism industry. The National Comedy Center’s partnership with Chautauqua Institution on Comedy Week also played a role. Additional collaborations with local venues such as the Northwest Arena, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Robert H. Jackson Center, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, and more also helped to drive events and traffic for the festival.

When you hear the old adage “it takes a village” please know that it’s true. While this exemplary annual festival is driven by the National Comedy Center staff and board, more than 350 volunteers were the key to delivering a great experience to all of the guests. Countless sponsors helped to bring the event to life as well.

Lucille Ball was born here and began her life here. Before her death she expressed an interest in carrying on her legacy by creating a focus around new comedy and encouraging growth in her own industry. She wanted to inspire others to make people laugh, and so she has. The annual festival that bears her name and the rise of the National Comedy Center in her hometown have made Jamestown and Chautauqua County an important destination for those who want to laugh and want to bring joy to others. We are fortunate to be the home of these vital and unique assets.

If you are a local resident and have not yet visited the National Comedy Center or the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, we sincerely hope you will. Take your out of town guests when they visit. Take your family. Take your friends. Take your business associates. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the special places and experiences that have been created right here, and just another reason we can be proud of our community!

Chamber Golf Tournament is Thursday, Aug. 22

Limited space remains for the 2019 Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament. It will be held Thursday, Aug. 22 at Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. The beautiful upper course at Peek’n Peak recently hosted the LECOM Health Challenge PGA event, and you can join fellow Chamber members to enjoy this beautiful and challenging course during the Chamber tournament.

The 2019 Chamber Golf Tournament is sponsored by AW Farrell & Son Inc., Bush Industries, Community Bank, DFT Communication, Insurance Management Company, Jamestown Mattress Company, Koester Associates, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Lawley Insurance, Jamestown Mattress Company, Koester Associates, National Fuel Gas, National Grid, Nestle Purina PetCare, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, Shults Auto Group, Allied Alarm Services, Dahlstrom Roll Form, and Jamestown Kitchen & Bath. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tom Baressi Scholarship Fund through the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. To register, call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101 or register online at www.chautauquachamber.org.

Mayville-Chautauqua Entertainment Series Continues

The next performance in the Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce summer Entertainment in the Park concert series will feature the country music stylings of the Rustic Ramblers. Their concert is Thursday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. on the floating stage in Mayville. This popular Thursday night series features free concerts. Performances are generously supported by the Village of Mayville and Town of Chautauqua. The Mayville Fire Department offers popcorn and water for donations, and the Maple Springs Fire Department sells barbecue dinners at each performance as well. Enjoy live music by the lake each Thursday evening through the summer season.

An Evening in Barker Common Aug. 28

The Village of Fredonia sponsors live music in the park from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and the Fredonia Community Chamber of Commerce hosts a local member restaurant and winery to provide food and samplings for sale. Along with face painting for the kids, this is a fun evening for the entire family!

First Friday is Sept. 6

First Friday happens on the first Friday of each month during the summer in the Village of Westfield. These popular events are organized by the Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber of Commerce and create a street fair each month on Main Street in Westfield, featuring live music, kid’s games, wine, food, vendors, and much more. You can also see the wide variety of Westfield Wine Bottles, uniquely decorated and scattered throughout the town. The event runs from 5-8 p.m. and all are welcome!