The Beat

First Trail in U.S. Designed Specifically for Autism Spectrum Disorder Communities and Families

Project Supported By More Than $3.3 Million in Private Funds

Photos Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the nation's first nature trail specifically designed to address the sensory needs of those with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities is open at Letchworth State Park in western New York State. Supported by more than $3.3 million in private fundraising, the new Autism Nature Trail is a one-mile hiking loop that includes eight marked sensory stations, each designed to address a different sensory experience in a safe and supportive environment.

Month-long harvest celebration kicks off in October

Wayne County, N.Y. - The award-winning Wayne County Apple Tasting Tour returns for the 24th year this October. As the largest apple-producing county in New York State, apple lovers across western and central New York have enjoyed Wayne County’s fall celebration since 1997. All month long, visitors are invited to pick fresh apples, admire the fall colors and enjoy time together having family fun. With activities ranging from corn mazes and tractor rides to wine and cider tastings, there’s plenty for friends, couples, and even Mom and Dad to enjoy.

More Lake Ontario Tributaries to Receive Increased Water Flow from Erie Canal, Improving Spawning Conditions & Enhancing Angling Opportunities

New Website with Water Release Schedule Launched

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Canal Corporation is again increasing regulated water releases from the Erie Canal into Lake Ontario tributaries in Western New York this fall to extend fishing opportunities and enhance world-class fishing destinations. Now in its second year, the pilot program through the New York Power Authority's Reimagine the Canals initiative is improving spawning conditions and enhancing angling opportunities in Monroe, Orleans, and Niagara counties -an effort that helps to increase tourism and bolster local businesses.

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. …

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.

Dansville, NY -  There’s excitement in the air in the Genesee Valley as the Dansville Festival of Balloons LTD. The Board of Directors has announced the return this Labor Day Weekend of the 40^th Annual Dansville Festival of Balloons. The festival will take place beginning this Friday, September 3, 2021, through the evening of Sunday, September 5^th, hosting the New York State Festival of Balloons at the Dansville Municipal Airport.

Mumford, N.Y. - Enjoy the sounds of strings across the grounds of Genesee Country Village & Museum during Fiddlers’ Fair & Making Music Weekend, coming up on Saturday, August 21, and Sunday, August 22. Visitors will experience performances throughout the day on a variety of stages set up around the Museum grounds. Explore the Historic Village and find three stops that each feature an in-depth look at musical styles with deep roots in New York State history.

Bath, NY — On Sunday, August 8th, Mossy Bank Park will host the 2^nd annual The Hills on Fire Enduro XC which is a new kind of mountain bike race. The course is located in a young Hemlock stand with easy access for spectators and family and friends to watch. The course will be about 7-8 miles in length with a good mix of single and double track. There will be a 6 hour window to complete 4 laps of the course (solo riders will need to complete all four laps, while riders for two-person teams will need to do two laps each). The event is a fundraiser for the park. A Chicken BBQ will also be available as an additional fundraiser for the park. Award-winning Steuben Brewing Company will be on hand for craft beer tasting as well.

Literary Weekend, Kids Free Thursdays, and Fiddlers’ Fair in August

Mumford, N.Y. – The summer season is in full swing at Genesee Country Village & Museum, and the month of August offers a full lineup of programs and events, concerts on the Great Meadow, special discounts for families, and more. The Museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and presents daily programming in the Historic Village, opportunities to interact with costumed historic interpreters and see 19th-century trades in action, meet farm animals, enjoy lunch or a craft beer in the Depot Restaurant and Freight House Pub, shop in the Flint Hill Store, and so much more.