Situated as the premier business organization in the county, Commerce Chenango is also the lead source for identifying and promoting the nearly unlimited attractions the “Southern Hills of New York” have to offer, says Tourism Director Audrey Robinson.
Chenango County’s Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Richard Decker said Commerce Chenango (formerly known as the Chamber of Commerce) has produced tremendous results since it took over the official tourism duties several years ago.
“We thought it would be a good fit,” Decker said. “It’s seems to have worked out very well. They’ve done – and continue to do – a great job promoting Chenango County.”
Because of the county’s charm and scenic beauty, combined with its close proximity to other state treasures – such as Cooperstown and the Adirondacks – Robinson said local tourism opportunities have grown by leaps and bounds. To keep up with the trend and maximize the local resources, Commerce Chenango develops advertising campaigns, administers funding programs, offers promotional services, and hosts workshops and bi-monthly networking seminars to keep local tourism-oriented businesses and entrepreneurs abreast of new developments and opportunities.
However, Robinson pointed out that the real draws to Chenango County – its unique communities and their citizens – are nothing new.
“Talent and creativity are abound in Chenango County,” she said, pointing out a strong artistic foundation that’s been built county-wide by countless volunteers who are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the local culture. “There are so many wonderful and different things to do here.”
Touted as a four-season destination, thousands have made the trip to Chenango to experience the diverse line-up of festivals and events that have become popular in recent years.
“The local festivals and events have become so popular,” Robinson said. “They keep getting bigger and bigger.”
Hot-tickets include the Colorscape Chenango Art Festival, The Chenango Blues Festival, the General Clinton Canoe Regatta, the Greene Applefest, the Pumpkin Festival, and the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament, which draws upwards of 11,000 people to the City of Norwich the second weekend of July.
Car enthusiasts from across the country have also found a home in Chenango County. Boasting over 100 vehicles in its collection, the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich has become not only a local treasure, but a national one as well. Not to be outdone, the two-day Rolling Antiquers Classic Car Show over Memorial Day weekend is one of the largest events of its kind in the country, and has been a annual tradition for over 40 years.
Aside from the quality and quantity of events, Decker said a reason for the growth in tourism is safety, which he believes is an attractive and somewhat rare trait these days.
“We have something very few counties can talk about,” Decker said. “And that’s the security that comes with being in a safe environment and safe communities.”
With safety in common, Decker said each village and town has something different to offer their visitors and residents.
According to Robinson, that’s true even in the dead of winter.
With 293 miles of well-groomed and managed trails, snowmobiling has become a mainstay for the local tourism economy. In January, Chenango County snowmobiling was featured in the “I Love New York” publication for the Central Leatherstocking Region.
Other great winter events and activities include the annual Perch Derby on Chenango Lake in February, the Rogers Center Winter Living Celebration in January and maple sugaring in March.
Rain or shine, the county is also host to a number of top-notch museums and institutions like the acclaimed Northeast Classic Car Museum, the soon to be expanded Chenango County Historical Society Museum, and the Chenango County Council of the Arts.