The Beat

Syracuse, N.Y. – 2017 New York State Fair opening day visitors will be able to see a replica of the gunboat USS Philadelphia that carried General Benedict Arnold and his Continental Army troops in 1776 during the Revolutionary War rebuilt in just one day, Wednesday, August 23.

The shipbuilding demonstration is part of the new Path through Our Maritime History: Waterways of War exhibit coordinated by New York Sea Grant as part of the new NY Experience: Maritime History showcase, located next to the new retention pond, at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY. The exhibit opens daily at 10 am.

New Special Events Capitalize on Special Aspects of New York State;

New on the Midway: The Broadway Skyliner Chairlift Ride, and a New Water Flume Ride;

Improvements Complement "CNY Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced new events and activities for the 2017 Great New York State Fair, including a new home for the popular New York State Police exhibit, new major events such as Family Fishing Day and Timber Sports Day, and new Midway rides and entertainment such as the Broadway Skyliner chairlift ride. The long list of enhancements builds on Governor Cuomo's $120 million plan to revitalize the nation's oldest state fair and delivers on the promise to create an attractive tourism destination that helps to grow the economy of the region.

Will Oversee State’s I LOVE NEW YORK Tourism Promotion Efforts

Head Shot Available Here

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Ross D. Levi has been promoted to Executive Director of Tourism. He will lead the iconic I LOVE NEW YORK tourism program and help coordinate marketing efforts to increase awareness and promote statewide tourism visitation. In 2016, New York State welcomed a record 239 million visitors who spent nearly $65 billion, generating a total economic impact of more than $100 billion for the third straight year. Additionally, tourism remains the state’s fourth largest employer, supporting more than 914,000 jobs annually.

Pittsford, NY - The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) is seeking speaker proposals for the “I Love New York” Empire State Tourism Conference, slated for April 23-25, 2018, at the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York.

The conference theme is set as, “The Tourism Experience: Learn It. Do It. ❤ it!”…

Special Program on Lincoln’s Private Secretary, John G. Nicolay -

Oswego, N.Y.  – History buffs have a rare opportunity to learn about President Abraham Lincoln’s private secretary John George Nicolay Wednesday, Aug. 23, when Civil War historian and Oswego native Tom Ebert presents a free lecture at Fort Ontario State Historic Site. The program begins at 7 p.m. in the Enlisted Men’s Barracks at old Fort Ontario and is open to the public.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the latest round of improvements at Jones Beach State Park to transform and reinvigorate the public space as part of a $65 million overall revitalization initiative. Park improvements totaling $8.8 million, include reopening the historic Marine Dining Room, opening a new East Games Area, and creating the new "Welcome to Jones Beach" monuments to attract more visitors and support the growing Long Island economy. The revitalization of Jones Beach State Park is part of the Governor's NY Parks 2020 Plan a multi-year commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020.

Highlights Include Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks; Yo-Yo Ma PlayIN and Performance; All-Gershwin Program with the Marcus Roberts Trio, “A Night at the Opera” and More;

“Philadelphia for Families” Programs - Cirque de la Symphonie, and Movie Nights

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Raiders of the Lost Ark

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – The Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the preeminent orchestras in the world, returns to its beloved summer home at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, August 2 at 8 P.M. to kick off three weeks of exhilarating, diverse performances. The season, August 2 – 19, encompasses wide-ranging classical and contemporary repertoire, world renowned musicians and conductors, family-oriented multi-media offerings and an opera evening. The full schedule of SPAC’s programming and events is available at spac.org.

The frenzy for buying a $10 senior pass before the price increases on August 28 has created a shortage of passes available in the Albany Capital District. In order to meet requirements set by legislation passed by Congress in December 2016, the price of the America the Beautiful-National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass will increase from $10 to $80. Parks are encouraging people to call ahead to make sure passes are in stock.

Two decades of the month-long harvest celebration

Wayne County, N.Y. - The annual Wayne County Apple Tour returns for the 20th year this fall. Since 1997, apple lovers throughout western and central New York have explored Wayne County to pick fresh apples, enjoy the fall colors, and enjoy a day of family fun. Wayne County is the largest apple-producing county in New York State. The tour runs throughout the month of October, with a "Tasting Weekend" from October 6-9 (Columbus Day Weekend).

Seneca Falls, N.Y.  – The 2017 Empire Farm Days has announced a full slate of family fun activities and attractions on August 8, 9 and 10 at Rodman Lott and Son Farms in Seneca Falls, NY. Here is a sampling:

Try the Chicken Chat large board game with plastic eggs to win a chicken hat at the NY Farm Bureau Family Education Center. The tent also has puzzles, coloring, grain box play area and balloons.