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Police, tourist destinations prepare for Memorial Day
By Jamie Larson
COLUMBIA COUNTY — Memorial Day is known for vacations, barbecues and fun, but with the nation — and Columbia County — in the grips of an economic recession, travelers are expected to travel less and spend less money this weekend, experts say. That doesn’t mean, however, that those staying home won’t have something to do.
According to an Associated Press, GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media poll, the amount of Americans traveling this summer will be down 7 percent, from 49 to 42 percent overall. Pollers say that number is much lower for less affluent citizens this year, with only a third of families making less than $50,000 a year planning on leaving home this weekend. The Associated Press also says that 20 percent of all those who would travel said they would not be traveling as far as before.
With families watching their wallets this holiday weekend, cheaper alternatives — like camping — are seeing increasing appeal. Claudia Storey, co-owner of the Oleana Family Campground off Route 7 in Copake, said overall, the number of reservations has increased a little from last year, as they prepare for the first big vacation weekend of the year.
“Tenting reservations are way up,” Storey said, “and gas prices are down from last year so that’s also a plus. We’re optimistic [about the season], but I think we’ll be seeing more locals than travelers.”
The Columbia County Department of Tourism is kicking off its summer-long celebration of the Quadricentennial anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the river this weekend, and exhibits and events will be going on around the county for those coming to visit, as well as those sticking close to home. Department Deputy Administrator Ann Marie Schaummann said the department hopes the exhibits and the once-in-400-years celebration will be a draw.
“We have quite a few events,” Schaummann said, “ranging from galleries to theaters to Lebanon Valley [Speedway]. So we expect many visitors with diverse interests.”
One attraction of the official Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial celebration is the year-long-exhibit, titled “Celebrate!” at the Columbia County Historical Museum. According to the department, the exhibit features ways that Columbia County residents publicly and privately celebrate people, events, holidays and history. A rare plaster maquette of Robert Fulton, a stately tall case clock, and a miniature flag made by Betsy Ross’ great-granddaughter are among the many attractions.
The museum will also showcase objects acquired over the past year and some specifically created for the Quadricentennial.
As always, safety is a concern for local and state authorities during busy holidays. Police will be watching for dangerous behavior on the roads and making sure those enjoying the turn in the weather don’t get too far out of hand.
“Typically, Memorial Day is the first and busiest of the summer holiday season,” said Columbia County Sheriff David W. Harrison Jr. “With increased festivities, common sense is the best practice to stay safe on the highway or while celebrating.”
According to an Associated Press, GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media poll, the amount of Americans traveling this summer will be down 7 percent, from 49 to 42 percent overall. Pollers say that number is much lower for less affluent citizens this year, with only a third of families making less than $50,000 a year planning on leaving home this weekend. The Associated Press also says that 20 percent of all those who would travel said they would not be traveling as far as before.
With families watching their wallets this holiday weekend, cheaper alternatives — like camping — are seeing increasing appeal. Claudia Storey, co-owner of the Oleana Family Campground off Route 7 in Copake, said overall, the number of reservations has increased a little from last year, as they prepare for the first big vacation weekend of the year.
“Tenting reservations are way up,” Storey said, “and gas prices are down from last year so that’s also a plus. We’re optimistic [about the season], but I think we’ll be seeing more locals than travelers.”
The Columbia County Department of Tourism is kicking off its summer-long celebration of the Quadricentennial anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the river this weekend, and exhibits and events will be going on around the county for those coming to visit, as well as those sticking close to home. Department Deputy Administrator Ann Marie Schaummann said the department hopes the exhibits and the once-in-400-years celebration will be a draw.
“We have quite a few events,” Schaummann said, “ranging from galleries to theaters to Lebanon Valley [Speedway]. So we expect many visitors with diverse interests.”
One attraction of the official Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial celebration is the year-long-exhibit, titled “Celebrate!” at the Columbia County Historical Museum. According to the department, the exhibit features ways that Columbia County residents publicly and privately celebrate people, events, holidays and history. A rare plaster maquette of Robert Fulton, a stately tall case clock, and a miniature flag made by Betsy Ross’ great-granddaughter are among the many attractions.
The museum will also showcase objects acquired over the past year and some specifically created for the Quadricentennial.
As always, safety is a concern for local and state authorities during busy holidays. Police will be watching for dangerous behavior on the roads and making sure those enjoying the turn in the weather don’t get too far out of hand.
“Typically, Memorial Day is the first and busiest of the summer holiday season,” said Columbia County Sheriff David W. Harrison Jr. “With increased festivities, common sense is the best practice to stay safe on the highway or while celebrating.”
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