The Beat

Southern Finger Lakes, NY – Finger Lakes Farm Country, a five-county initiative intended to promote the abundance of agricultural resources in the region, is taking advantage of technology by creating a new Farm Country app as a way to connect locals and visitors with over 200 agricultural experiences and products. From where to cuddle cows or do yoga with goats to where you can visit with alpacas, taste delicious duck-egg ice cream, do u-pick fruit picking, find a nearby farm market, or even arrange for a farm stay, the new Finger Lakes Farm Country app puts the many agritourism businesses and experiences from Tioga, Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler and Yates counties right at your fingertips. …

Anglers of All Abilities Encouraged to Cast a Line, Experience Benefits of Fishing on Annual Free Fishing Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York's fifth Free Fishing Day of the year is on Saturday, Sept. 25, coinciding with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is celebrated annually to promote outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and target shooting. New York provides anglers with six Free Fishing Days each year.

8th Parks’ Solar Project Statewide Since 2012

Solar Energy Now Covers 15 Percent of Parks’ Total Electrical Needs

Project Pictures Available Here

As part of a series of new sustainability initiatives being announced by state agencies for Climate Week 2021, New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid today announced a new solar array will provide clean, sustainable, carbon-free power maintenance operations at Niagara Falls State Park - already the longtime symbol of green energy in New York State thanks to the Falls’ century-old history of hydroelectric power generation.

To Encourage Visitation and Support Industry Revitalization

Part of State's $40 Million Commitment to Promote and Rebuild Tourism Industry

New Tourism Spot Can Be Viewed Here

Empire State Development today announced the launch of the state's new fall tourism campaign, showcasing some of the great seasonal activities available for visitors and residents alike in New York State. The new spot is part of the previously announced $40 million global tourism campaign aimed at revitalizing the state's tourism industry, which was greatly impacted by COVID-19. The campaign will run on digital outlets and broadcast television across New York State and northeast markets, and drives viewers to the I LOVE NY website for the multitude of destinations ready for exploration as part of their next New York State getaway.

Soprano Lindsay Kesselman and Sandbox Percussion perform composition by Kenneth Frazelle

Video of world premiere performance a Tang, SPAC collaboration

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College and Saratoga Performing Arts Center present the world premiere of Energy in All Directions, composed by Kenneth Frazelle and performed by soprano Lindsay Kesselman and New York City-based ensemble Sandbox Percussion. 

Recorded in the exhibition of the same name that inspired Frazelle’s composition, the performance can be viewed on the Tang Teaching Museum’s website beginning Wednesday, September 8, at https://tang.skidmore.edu/exhibitions/276-energy-in-all-directions#performance.

Head to Upstate New York’s most exciting historic destination on October 2 for a Saturday filled with fall-themed family fun 

Ticonderoga, NY — Join Fort Ticonderoga on October 2 for a full day of autumn fun at the annual Heritage, Harvest, & Horse Festival. Set in the midst of the King’s Garden heirloom apple trees with a backdrop of majestic mountains and Lake Champlain, guests will experience the beautiful fall foliage while enjoying local food and drink at the farmer’s market, plus a family favorite: animal meet and greets. …

Eight Terrifying Attractions Headline This Year’s Event

2022 Season Passes Now Available

Media Assets

Darien Center, N.Y. — September 9, 2021 — Six Flags Darien Lake, The Thrill Capital of New York, will unleash the biggest, most spine-chilling Fright Fest® yet this fall. This signature event brings Thrills by Day with Trick-or-Treat trails and family-friendly activities, and Fright by Night, featuring four eerie mazes and four blood-curdling scare zones, along with ominous, roaming zombies straight out of a nightmare.

Will Return to 13-Day Run Next Year to Support Increased Participation by Fairgoers, Vendors, and Exhibitors

Governor Directs Review of Opportunities to Improve Youth and Agricultural Programming; Marketing and Promotion for County Fairs; and State Fair's Smoking Policy

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Great New York State Fair will return in 2022 as a 13-day event, running from Wednesday, August 24 to Labor Day, Monday, September 5. The return to a 13-day event will allow for greater participation of fairgoers and vendors at not only the New York State Fair, but also at a number of the State's county fairs that had coinciding schedules. 

The Governor also directed a review to assess support, growth and revitalization opportunities for all fairs in New York as the State moves into the next fair season. Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball will work with county fairs to evaluate ways to increase marketing and promotion of county fairs, as well as opportunities to improve youth and agricultural programming initiatives at all fairs statewide, including the State Fair. The review will also examine the State Fair's smoking policy, considering fairgoer feedback and experience.

Weekly Foliage Reports Available Every Wednesday Beginning September 8 on iloveny.com  

Reports to Include a New Enhanced Interactive Foliage Progression Map This Season 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of the 2021 fall foliage season in New York State. Fall is one of the most popular travel times in New York, attracting visitors from around the world to explore the state's unique communities and support local businesses. To help travelers and foliage enthusiasts plan a fall getaway, I LOVE NY will begin issuing its weekly fall foliage reports on Wednesday, September 8, and will now include a new enhanced interactive progression map. …