New, annual holiday events return this year

SCHUYLER COUNTY--In a sign that not only does the economic recovery from the COVID pause continue but that Schuyler's goal to become a year-round tourist destination has resumed full steam, a number of winter events have been approved for this year. With the Holiday Fair, Village Christmas and Ringing in the New Year residents throughout the region will have plenty of reasons to visit this winter.
"This is important that these events are all coming back after COVID, they help bring a lot of people and revenue to the village and are an important part of our economy going forward," said Watkins Glen Mayor Luke Leszyk.
While the events are important as it relates to the economic recovery from COVID, they also signify the commitment to year-round attractions.
"These events are critical on two fronts, both on a recovery front from the COVID economy but also moving to a year-round economy," said Tim O'Hearn, Schuyler County Administrator. "The more we can do in the winter the better."
Along with the soon-to-open skating rink and the recently opened lantern show at Grist Iron Brewing Company, there is optimism amongst county and village officials that the upcoming winter could be a banner season.
"The more winter events hosted in our villages, the better," said Judy McKinney Cherry, executive director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development. "It has a significantly larger impact on our economy when we have economic activity in the form of events and gatherings that bring visitors and families into our communities during the quieter season. We have seen an incredible uptick in recent years in the December through March timeframes."
The move towards a year-round tourist economy for Schuyler is not something that has happened overnight but was instead a long gradual process. According to SCOPED, when comparing the growth in lodging tax for the fourth quarter, there has been an increase of 100 percent over the past ten years. For the fourth quarter in 2010, room tax collections represented about $102,000 in revenue and have subsequently doubled to over $211,000 in 2019.
"The winter events absolutely have an impact on our local economy and what the villages can do is essential," Cherry said. The Holiday Fair is set to take place at the event center and will run on Friday, Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Village Christmas will take place on Franklin Street, Friday, Dec. 10 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Ringing in the New Year will take place at the event center Friday, Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.