Frosty Fest is a sNOw-Go
Frosty Fest is a sNOw-Go
Greater Olean Area Chamber cancels new event
OLEAN – When plans were discussed for the Frosty Fest, committee members planned on activities outside that weren’t dependent on snow. But with the snow event called for the City of Olean as well as weather forecasts for this weekend with multiple inches of snow and below freezing temps, Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce called the event Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s very discouraging – on paper, the Frosty Fest was outlined as a great winter event – activities, food, fun, family activities, music, etc.,” reported Meme Yanetsko, GOACC COO.
The new event, featuring all activities outside including curling, bocce, cornhole and disc golf, was scheduled to take place February 5, 2022.
“With careful consideration of the health and safety of participants and the community, we have decided to cancel the upcoming Frosty Fest,” added Yanetsko.
Deemed as an activity to get everyone outside and have a great time after the hustle and bustle of the December holidays, Frosty Fest outlined programs and food for all ages.
“Although it won’t be held in 2022, the Frosty Fest will be back on the calendar for 2023,” reported Yanetsko.
What about the city’s largest pancake breakfast? “No worries, plans on hosting this breakfast are in the works as most of the perishable items have already been purchased,” stated Erica Dreher, GOACC Membership Director. GOACC will work with a local member non-profit organization to host a fundraising breakfast utilizing the supplies purchased by GOACC.
“In my more than 30 years with the Chamber, we have never had this situation come up – it’s heartbreaking – telling the teams that it’s a (snow)no-go, informing the 25+ volunteers that they don’t have to help out – just never had this happen,” stated Yanetsko.
However there is one bright spot out of this, the creation that is building up of snow on the east corner of War Veterans Park parking lot will continue. Check out this Thursday and Friday, Eric Jones creating a FESTIVE FUN sign complete with Olean’s very own Squirrel Snowman made out of snow! “We met with Eric in early January and his concept was so spot on for this event, there was no way that we couldn’t have our squirrel snowman appear!” added Dreher.
Next up for the Chamber, The HEALTH HOME FITNESS EXPO is scheduled for April 22-24 at the William O. Smith Recreation Center. Formerly known as the Home Show, the expo will still be brimming with practical ideas, real solutions and a host of applicable ideas to take home, but the expo will also expand into your health and fitness as well as recreational aspirations. Show-goers can talk to a number of area experts and learn about home, health, fitness and more - all in one place. For more details or information on any events, please call 716-372-4433 or email events@oleanny.com.