** Weekend Up-date **

The Chautauqua County hillsides are beginning to blaze with bold Autumn color.  The Fall Festivals & Special Events have begun as well. Sorry for the late notice – we don’t want you to miss weekend’s line-up!

WINE COUNTRY HARVEST FESTIVAL 
September 25-27, 2009
North East, PA
2009 marks the 28th year of the Wine Country Harvest Festival. This event is a chance for the region to showcase its grape growing industry, heritage and fine wines. Over the years the Wine Country Harvest Festival has evolved into a regional event that encompasses the entire town of North East for 3 full days; it has grown into one of the regions largest and most loved festivals.

7 wineries will be serving wine more than 40 varieties of wine by the glass. Dance to some of the regions best music and browse through the fine arts and crafts. You might even try your skill as a grape stomper – a festival tradition.

Leave the driving to us. The festival provides free shuttle service to the wineries and to other attractions in town. Simply park free at either festival location and then ride free as often as you like on Saturday and Sunday.

• Contact: North East Area Chamber of Commerce
  P: 814.725.4262
  www.nechamber.org
  E: info@nechamber.org
  

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AT “NIGHT LIGHTS”
Saturday, September 26, 2009
9:00 p.m.
NIGHT LIGHTS at The Heron
The Heron, 2361 Waits Corner Road
The American People (http://www.myspace.com/theamericanpeople)
will play at the Café in the Woods at NIGHT LIGHTS located in Sherman, NY.The Pennsylvania-based quartet brings their American rock music to Chautauqua County’s newest attraction which will surely make it a fun evening.

The American People consists of four musicians with different backgrounds and musical projects. Reese Campbell,  was the co-founder of The New Dylans, a critically acclaimed band that garnered the attention of MTV, and numerous guardians of the 1980’s alt rock world. Paul Liuzzo was one of the founding members of “The Mills” who later went on to become 10,000 Maniacs. He continues to play in various musical projects, often with Bill Ward or Stan Barton. John McGuire and Dan Warmbrodt were recently teamed up in the roots rock sensations Big Leg Emma. 

NIGHT LIGHTS is a unique outdoor light show attraction that is set throughout the forests and ponds of the Blue Heron property in Sherman, NY.  In the evening, guests walk a series of paths through a forest that is transformed with light and sound installations using different colors and tones inspired by the natural world. NIGHT LIGHTS is a one-of-a-kind attraction in North America. Opening is at dark, around 7:45pm.

• Contact:  NIGHT LIGHTS at The Heron
  Great Blue Heron Music Festival    
  P: 716.761.7190
  www.greatblueheron.com
  www.heronnightlights.com

Shine on Harvest Moon!

The Harvest Festival was a huge success and the event closed with an unforgettable firework display that danced by the light of the moon. It’s quiet by the lake; now is the time to enjoy a relaxing day or overnight stay in Findley Lake at the Blue Heron Inn.

Summer is officially over, the kids are back in school and we’re adjusting to our new Autumn schedules. Soon the night air will pick up a chill, the grapes will be ready for harvest and the hillside will be ablaze in the gorgeous colors of the fall foliage.

In no time at all the holidays will be knocking at our door. It’s not too soon to think about holiday gifts; gifts for the kids, your significant other, hostess gifts, teachers’ gifts and of course, gifts for oneself (my favorite!)

New items are arriving daily at Nostalgia ~ the coolest store in town:
     --  new Melissa & Doug toys & games are on their way
     --  hand-crafted Findley Lake coasters, magnets & ornaments
     --  unique baby gifts for the youngest members of the family
         and much more

HOURS

Shop Hours:
Tues – Sun – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; Fri & Sat ‘til 8:00 pm

Restaurant Hours:  (until Oct 11th – new hours to be announced)
Tues – Sun – 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Thurs/Fri/Sat – dinner from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Sun – dinner from 5:00 8:00 pm

Thanks to our guests, patrons and friends
for another great Findley Lake summer!

Cheers! Tobi & Bruce

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SEE US IN SEPTEMBER!

The month of August passed me by in terms of this blog. It’s now September - the kids are back in school and I pause to wonder,
“where did the summer go?” Fear not - September is one of the year’s most beautiful months in Findley Lake. The roadside stands are brimming with fresh fruits & vegetables,the days are summer-like yet the nights are cool and sweet. In a matter of weeks the grapes will be ready to harvest and the hillside will soon break into a brilliant jewel-toned dance of color, as if to say, “Welcome Fall in all your glory!”

There's a lot to do in and around Findley Lake this Labor Day weekend! The forecast is in our favor - we're looking forward to warm, sunny days all weekend long. Here are a few highlights:

FINDLEY LAKE HARVEST FESTIVAL

Fri thru Sun, Sept 4th - 6th

Join in the festivities at the 12th annual Findley Lake Harvest Festival. The event kicks off on Friday and concludes with a grand fireworks display as part of Chautauqua County’s “Light up the Lakes.” The event features live music, farmer’s market, crafters, samples from local wineries, kid’s crafts and much more.

Throughout the weekend talented singers will vie for the coveted title of “Findley Lake Idol” accompanied by a  $1,000 grand prize. New this year is the first annual Findley Lake “Idol Jr. Talent Show” and first annual “Pretty Baby” contest. Flares will be lit around the lake at 9:30 p.m. followed by the countywide fireworks show at 10  p.m. Admission is free and the event takes place rain or shine.

Sun night

9:30 pm - Lighting flares around the lake
(purchase at Findley Lake Market, Findley Lake Marine, FLACC booth) 
10:00 pm -  “Light the Lakes” fireworks 
More info: www.findleylakeinfo.org

BLUE HERON "NIGHT LIGHTS"

Fri, Sat & Sun evenings

“Nights Lights” opens at dark, (approx 8:15 pm) and closes at 11pm. 
Cost: $10/person, $5/children, 6 and under free. The Cafe-in-the-Woods will have hot beverages, sodas, snacks & Night Lights and Blue Heron merchandise.

Saturday night

9:00 pm (approx) --  WNY Ghost Expert and author, Mason Winfield, will share some WNY paranormal stories that pertain to the woods and outdoor environment.
More info: http://www.heronnightlights.com/topics/press-releases

Sunday night

Drummers from the Blue Heron Rhythm Experiment will lead a drum circle, in which first-time drummers, as well as experienced percussionists are welcome to participate. There will be drums available to play for those who do not own a drum. The drum circle will be lead by Bill Anderson.

Green Heron Growers will have EGGS, processed CHICKENS, scallions, garlic and mushrooms for sale all weekend.

PEEK 'N PEAK RESORT & SPA

Sat, Sept 5th

GLOW MINI GOLF - begins at Dusk 
200 luminaries will light the course while glow sticks will light up the flagpoles. Cost: $5/adults, $4/children & seniors (65+)

Mon, Sept 7th

GOLF DISCOUNTS:  Play 18 holes on the Upper or Lower and your discount is your age! Valid on 18 holes greens fee, cart is additional. Cart is required, $14 cart fee. Call 716.355.4141 to schedule tee times. More info: www.pknpk.com

IRISH SUNDAY

Sept 6th - 1:00 'til 3:00 pm

This Sunday happens to be "Irish Sunday". That's when a group of  Irish players from all corners of the region sit in for a live jam session at the Blue Heron Inn. Come listen as they play; join us for lunch, tip a pint & taps your toes!

“In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil. And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November.”  ~ Rose G. Kingsley

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