The Beat

New Acquisition in Cattaraugus County Expands Recreational Access, Protects Forests, and Supports New York State’s 30x30 Open Space Conservation Initiative

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Nature Conservancy today announced the acquisition of more than 689 acres in the Towns of East Otto and Otto, Cattaraugus County, to add to the East Otto State Forest. The acquisition from The Nature Conservancy preserves critical open space and establishes the forest for timber production, watershed protection, and public recreation.

Jamestown, New York (April 2, 2026) – The National Comedy Center, the United States’ museum and national archive dedicated to the art form of comedy, announced today that Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer and Seth Meyers will headline its annual comedy festival, held in Jamestown, New York, August 6 – 9, 2026.

Jamestown, NY (February 18, 2026) – The National Comedy Center, the United States’ museum and national archive dedicated to the art form of comedy, was named the #1`Best Pop Culture Museum in the country by USA Today as part of the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, it was announced today. https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-pop-culture-museum/…

Global honor recognizes groundbreaking work supporting individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers

Photos: Memory Café photos

Jamestown, NY – November 19. 2025 – The National Comedy Center has been named a Gold Winner in the 5th Annual Anthem Awards for its One Laugh at a Time: A National Comedy Center Memory Café, a monthly program supporting individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers. The Comedy Center earned Gold honors in the Education, Art & Culture category for Corporate Social Responsibility and Local Community Engagement, placing the initiative among the top-tier social-impact programs recognized worldwide.

Fire & Ice Celebrations Return to Celoron, Clayton, and Watkins Glen, NY

Buffalo, NY (11/03/2025) - The Harbor Hotel Collection has announced dates for its highly anticipated Fire & Ice Celebration events, returning to its waterfront hotels in Celoron, Clayton, and Watkins Glen, New York, in early 2026. The AAA Four Diamond properties will once again transform their grounds into dazzling winter wonderlands featuring intricate ice sculptures, martini ice luges, outdoor fire pits, live entertainment, and more.

Multi-Million Dollar Project Creates 12 New Full-time Jobs, Retains 55 Existing Employees

Photos Available here

Empire State Development (ESD) announced the grand reopening of the historic White Inn located at 52 E. Main Street in the Village of Fredonia. The White Inn dates to 1868 and retains much of the architectural integrity that makes it iconic in the region. The multi-million-dollar project restored the previously vacant building into a full service upper-scale hotel with 24-rooms, lounge, entertainment, and event space. The goal of the project was to bring guests the modern amenities of an upscale stay, while preserving the Victorian Era charm that the original White Inn became known for over more than a century ago.

Jon Stewart, Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers, SNL’s Mikey Day, Streeter Seidell and more set to appear 

August 7-10, 2025

Photo and Logo Link: National Comedy Center Festival 2025 - Dropbox

Jamestown, New York – April 18, 2025 – The National Comedy Center, the nation’s museum and cultural institution dedicated to comedy, announced today that Jon Stewart, Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers, SNL’s Mikey Day & head writer Streeter Seidell are among the comedic performers to descend on Jamestown, New York for its annual comedy festival.

Jamestown, NY – October 25, 2024 –The National Comedy Center, the United States’ official museum and archive dedicated to the art of comedy, announced a special exhibit celebrating Lear’s storied legacy in comedy and civic engagement, opening today.

2024 marks the first modern election absent the legendary comedy producer and writer who passed in December 2023 after dedicating his life’s work to championing all Americans’ right to equal participation in the democratic process—starting with the right to vote.  Lear’s contributions are being honored with an installation inside the Comedy Center’s galleries in Jamestown, NY, and in an online companion exhibit, both featuring rare archival materials and curated excerpts from Lear’s sitcoms.

Chautauqua County, N.Y. – As the summer vacation season begins in Chautauqua County in western New York state, attractions celebrate historic anniversaries and longtime family favorites open for the year. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region offers beautiful natural spaces comprised of five lakes, numerous waterways, multi-use trails, unique festivals and attractions drawing visitors from across the country.

Chautauqua County, N.Y. – For the first time in almost a century, a Total Solar Eclipse will take place in New York State and Chautauqua County will be in the path of 100% totality for viewing! The Eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8th, 2024 between 2:04 pm and 4:31pm and reach totality at 3:17 pm for approximately 4 minutes. With a total eclipse happening every hundred years or so, this is truly a once in a lifetime event! …