Winter in Oswego County...

As the holiday season took us directly into the trade show and tour planning season, we had precious few moments together. Therefore, we embraced every opportunity to enjoy our natural resources during this picturesque time of the year.

Here are some spectacular winter sights in Oswego County:

Be sure to visit these great festivals to celebrate the season:

Hannibal Winterfest
Saturday, February 7
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kenney Middle School
Sunday, February 8
2 to 5 p.m. at the Hannibal Municipal Building
Activities include: softball tournament, craft show, dog-sled race, snowshoe race, snow sculpture, tug-of-war, refreshments available
Admission: free

Phoenix Snowblast
Saturday, February 7
12 to 6 p.m. at the Farley Community Park
Activities include: outdoor snow softball tournament, sledding contest, snow sculpture, indoor crafts and games, refreshments available
Admission: free

Warm Up Oswego Festival
Saturday, February 7
12 p.m. to 12 a.m. at various locations in Oswego
Activities include: crazy costume sled race, snow treasure hunt, hot scavenger hunt, Warm Up Fiesta, Oswego Music Hall and ARTSwego events, fireworks, refreshments available
Admission: most events free, tickets needed for evening entertainment
Go to http://www.warmuposwego.com/ for more information.

Cleveland Winterfestival
Saturday, February 14
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at various locations in Cleveland
Activities include: chili cook-off, hot dog roast, bake sale, soccer in the snow, snowpeople sculpture contest, cross-country skiing, “Winter First Aid” and “Ice and Winter Safety” programs, Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance, refreshments available
Admission: most events free, tickets needed for evening dinner dance

For more information about winter lodging, events and recreation, call 315/349-8322 or go to http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly

Play, shop and be merry...

Oswego County is bursting with festive joy this holiday season! Villages throughout the county recently held tree-lighting ceremonies and holiday events to usher in the 2008 season. Throughout the week-end, we toured a few of these communities; meeting our neighbors and joining in the fun!

We celebrated ‘Christmas in Mexico’ with our fellow revelers. While some browsed traditional church bazaars, others shopped merchant open houses, such as Hart & Stone General Store, Main Street, Mexico. Throughout the day, everyone enjoyed the costumed performances of the Friends of Bob Cratchit. Christmas spirit filled the air as people gathered along Main Street to watch the holiday parade and tree lighting. What a joy it was to see so many happy faces as Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted the crowd!

Arriving at the West Monroe Historical Society, we were greeted by the sweet sound of carols sung by the Constantia Methodist Church Choir. Excitement grew among the young and the young-at-heart as we eagerly awaited the arrival of the head elf. Soon enough, Santa made his grand entrance; courtesy of the West Monroe Volunteer Fire Department. The tree was lit against a backdrop of shimmering snow that Santa brought in from the North Pole. Local merchants such as Unique Woodworks, state Route 49, Cleveland and The Bernhards Bay Country Store, state Route 49, Bernhards Bay welcomed guests with an assortment of original gift-giving ideas.

The weather could not keep the resilient folks from coming to ‘Light Up Pulaski’. Santa and Mrs. Claus, of course, were not deterred and spent the afternoon listening to the big wishes of small children. We were welcomed by glad tidings and good cheer when we visited the Pulaski Public Library, which was filled with beautifully ornamented trees and wreaths for their annual decorating contest. With a friendly smile, neighborhood merchants such as The Make Sense Shop, Jefferson Street, Pulaski and The Pulaski Country Gift Shoppe, Jefferson Street, Pulaski greeted shoppers in search of the perfect gift. Selections in hand, we headed to the park where a hearty crowd had gathered to light the Memory Tree.

Here are a few images we captured on our tour:

With carols sung, wishes told, and trees alight, the 2008 holiday season has begun! For a quintessential shopping experience and truly unique gift ideas, be sure to visit your local merchants. For more information about events and shops in Oswego County, call 315/349-8322 or go to http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly