Resort Area to Dazzle Crowds this Labor Day Weekend

By Jeanine Zimmer

    This Labor Day weekend something so big is happening right here in Chautauqua County, that the NASA officials have been notified!

    Dan Dalpra, owner of the Italian Fisherman and founder of the “Light the Lakes” is coordinating a spectacular event featuring fireworks displays that will take place throughout the entire county. It is one of the biggest happenings the county has ever seen and will take place Sunday, August 31, 2008 simultaneously in seven locations around the lakes. At exactly 10:10 pm the lakefronts of Bemus Point, Lakewood, Midway Park, Mayville, Westfield/Barcelona, and Findley Lake will be lit up with a fireworks display big enough to see from space, and Dalpra is going to prove it!

   This past winter he initiated the movement by making a visit to NASA officials in Washington D.C.

   “I just walked into the office - really” Dalpra laughs about how he orchestrated getting the Space Station to broadcast this event.

   In an interview with The Villager, NASA Airspace Engineer and Jamestown native Laurie Darling said, “it’s definitely possible that we could record the fireworks from the Space Station. The only tricky part,” she noted, “is making sure the coordinates line up.” She further explained, “the Space Station rotates around the globe every hour and a half and we have to align the orbital dynamics to make sure it is above Chautauqua County on the 31st at exactly 10pm.”

  If they can do that, they have arranged for the external cameras to capture the event.

   The spectacular septuplet fireworks show will be accompanied by music broadcast on the radio by the media one group, SE 93 Jamestown.  Lou Nalbone, owner of Dunkirk Aviation will be flying overhead with a TV crew from WGRZ Buffalo providing a live feed of the aerial blast from above. And the Chautauqua Lake Association is selling flares at several locations to light the shoreline up at 10pm for the popular Chautauqua Lake “Ring of Fire.” 

  The entire weekend will be buzzing with activities for the whole family and culminating with the grand finale “Light the Lakes” event.

   Each of the seven participating communities on Chautauqua Lake’s shoreline have planned an exciting weekend of events for everyone.

   Bemus Point, the arts, cultural and entertainment-rich village situated on the eastern shore of Chautauqua Lake, has three free performances scheduled on their floating stage for the weekend. On Friday, August 29th at 6:30 pm, John Marcellus of the Eastman school of music presents the Bionic Bones Trombone Salute with special guest star, Mike Davis, trombonist for the Rolling Stones. On Saturday, August 30th the first of two nights of fireworks begins with the annual full symphonic Bemus Bay Pops Orchestra under the direction of Bruce Morton Wright along with John Marcellus and Steve Swanson with their traditional end of the season fireworks display. On Sunday evening from 8:00 - 9:30 pm, the critically acclaimed ABBA Mania will perform a Tribute Concert ending just before Light the Lakes fireworks display.  

   The cozy hamlet of Findley Lake will once again host the Labor Day Harvest Festival, the long-established end-of-summer celebration. The 11th annual event will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 29, 30 & 31. Located on Findley Lake's scenic north shore, visitors will enjoy strolling among the artists; crafters and food vendors situated throughout the town. Live music will be featured each afternoon.

   In Jamestown, the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena will host a weekend of appreciation events to kick off their 5th Anniversary Celebration.  Starting on Saturday, the Erie Otters vs. Niagara Ice Dogs – OHL Pre-Season game starts at 7:05. On Sunday, they will offer FREE Open Public Skate from 6 - 9 p.m., live music provided by local musicians throughout the day on Lafayette Street and "Light the Lakes" Laser Show Finale pre-show which starts at 9:30 p.m. and the main show launches at 10:10p.m.

   Lakewood, Nestled at the south end of Chautauqua Lake, entices visitors and residents alike to enjoy endless hours of fishing, swimming, boating, shopping and long walks to enjoy their picturesque Victorian homes. 

    The Village of Mayville and Town of Chautauqua offer, art, al fresco dining, and entertainment on Chautauqua Lake. With pavilions, lighted tennis courts, a swimming beach and grills, families will have a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the lakeside park. 

    Midway State Park is a family treasure where visitors can take a nostalgic ride on the vintage carousel, play a game of mini golf, take a spin on the tilt-a whirl, ride the go-karts and bumper boats or watch their children enjoy themselves on the many kiddie rides. Midway is also a great place for fishing and is accessible by boat with free docking offered for day visitors.

   Westfield, the Grape Juice Capital of the World, is in the heart of the world's largest Concord Grape Belt. Farms and wineries offer tours and tastings all year long. The Farmer’s Market is open at Moore Park on Saturday, and the Labor Day Countywide Yard Sale is open all weekend long at The Cross Roads, conveniently located on County Route 21.

   Barcelona, named after the charming city in Spain, invites visitors to come sit by the water and enjoy the warm summer breezes in a breathtaking setting on the shores of Lake Erie.  Its enchanting lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark, is a photographers dream.

   All seven of the shoreline cities participating in the “Light the Lakes” fireworks finale on Sunday have their own unique flair and offer a plethora of recreational activities, arts, culture and entertainment for all revelers. 

   “The gathering of families and friends enjoying simple, no cost, old fashioned pleasures like music on the waterfront, farmer's markets, antique stores, swimming, boating, fishing and a seven location fireworks finale is what Chautauqua County is all about” said Dan Dalpra, founder of   Light the Lakes & the Bemus Bay Pops.

   Light the Lakes is sponsored by Bemus Bay Pops, New York State Senator Cathy Young, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Media One ( SE93 and WGRZ TV); and Jamestown Post-Journal. 

   Plans are already underway for Light the Lakes 2009 to make it bigger and brighter, including additional sponsors, activities and a possible in-space collaboration with NASA. For more information on Light the Lakes, visit www.ilovenylakes.com and click on the “Take Off Locations” and you are on your way. 

   Chautauqua County is linked to all major metropolitan areas by four lane interstate highways and is only one-half hour from Erie PA, less than two hours from Buffalo, two hours from Cleveland, and less than three hours from Pittsburgh. Travelers can contact the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau at www.tourchautauqua.com for more information regarding accommodations.