JOHNSTOWN — Fulton County Tourism Director Anne Boles was pleased with the outcome of the first-ever Fulton County Outdoor Adventure Day Sept. 26 in Vail Mills.
Her monthly report Wednesday to the Board of Supervisors’ Economic Development and Environment Committee featured a recap of what she called a “perfect weather,” free event. She thanked the county for its support of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce event.
“I’m happy to report the inaugural event was a success,” Boles told supervisors. “It really was a great day.”
Fulton County Outdoor Adventure Day featured mainly outdoor events in the Vail Mills and Broadalbin areas, as a way to get people out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The base of the event was the Fulton County Visitor Center at Routes 29/30.
The center had a featured speaker that engaged the crowd with an “inspirational” conversation. Katie Rhodes spoke after she just completed with hiking partner Bethany Garretson the first female unsupported hike of all 46 high peaks.
Boles said attendees wore masks, and seemed very happy to be “out and enjoying each other’s company.” She said 272 people visited the visitor center – one of seven places open to visitor for the event.
“The Sacandaga Brewery was packed all day,” Boles said.
She said the Broadalbin Hotel — featuring music, Rhodes, and a virtual fishing derby — had 400 to 500 people.
“This year’s was a scaled-down event event from what was originally planned,” said county Administrative Officer Jon Stead. “The vendors were very happy with the turnout.”
Boles said the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, Gloversville Police Department, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the GSL Safe Lake Initiative had great giveaways and community information for adults and kids. County Planning Director Scott Henze educated the public on the Rain Trail initiative. A U.S. Census Bureau representative attended, capturing some census results.
“We also had Jurica’s Honey, a quilt barn square painting demonstration from Liz Argotsinger, Glen Ridge Farm flowers, tables with hunting and fishing antique apparel for sale, homemade dog treats from Beth’s Barkery, Porter’s Leather Gloves and boats on display from Slip Stream Watercraft,” Boles said. “There were not as many fishing/hunting vendors as hoped, and this will be a goal for next year – to have more vendors and specials at each location.”
Boles added, “Due to travel restrictions and companies not participating in trade shows, it was less than anticipated, but hopefully they will attend next year,” she said.
“I have received good feedback from the anchors,” Boles said. “They report they had great traffic and will participate next year. Vendors were also pleased with turn out. The passports were used and there are many that were turned in to win a $50 chamber check.”
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected]
