Get in on the fun with
Chamber Events
Here’s the thing about Olean: We love to get together and have fun. The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce holds nearly a dozen events per year—from a kayak float down the Allegheny in May to the Santa Claus Lane Parade in late November. Up for having a blast with us? We’d love to have you! Visit this page often to find out when and where the fun will happen.
Garage Sale
Float the Allegheny
Chamber Clambake
StrOlean
Corporate Challenge
5K Run/Walk
Golf Classic
TAILGATE THURS
Annual Dinner
Santa Claus Lane
Jingle Bell Jubilee
Events Calendar
From events hosted by your Chamber of Commerce to events hosted by our members, this is your one-stop shop for everything happening in Olean. Want to add your event? Email events@oleanny.com or fax the details to us at (716) 372-7912.
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Become a Corporate Sponsor
As a Corporate Sponsor, you’ll not only benefit the Olean community but gain a powerful marketing tool for your services and expertise. Our many events and programs would not be possible without the support of our sponsors! Email us at Events@OleanNY.com for more info!
The Annual Dinner
November 7, 2024
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of The L.O.U.I.E., Enterprising Business, and Presidential Awards for 2024. One individual and two businesses will receive the highest recognition bestowed by the GOACC and be honored at our 118th Annual Dinner on November 7.
James M. Stitt, CEO of Cutco Corporation, is receiving 2024’s L.O.U.I.E. (“Love of Olean, United In Enterprise”) Award. This award is given to an individual who exemplifies the enterprising spirit of commercial growth and admiration for the greater Olean community, qualities which were embodied by the namesake of this award, Louis Marra.
Stitt is well-respected in his leadership of one of the area’s largest employers – Cutco Corporation. He is held in high esteem for his broad spectrum of community involvement, embodying the “people first” values Cutco set a precedent for.
Last year’s recipient was Colleen Taggerty, Interim Superintendent at Wellsville School district, and former superintendent of the Olean City School District.
Hedley Brook Agency, Inc. is this year’s recipient of the Enterprising Business Award, presented to a business that exemplifies the unique “hometown” charm of the greater Olean area in manners of administration, customer service, or display of inventory.
At Hedley Brook, they believe personal service requires real people. As their slogan states and business proves, Hedley Brook is dedicated to treating you as a person, not a policy.
Total Senior Care was last year’s recipient of the Enterprising Business Award.
And last but certainly not least, taking home the Presidential Award this year is Tri-County Arts Council. This award is bestowed upon an iconic or institutional business/individual, located in the greater Olean area, who has become an integral part of the fabric of this community.
The Tri-County Arts Council is proud to offer and celebrate both art and culture that has been created right within our own community. They are the inspiration of the Tri-County region, committed to filling the community with diverse, creative, and vibrant art and culture.
Last year’s recipient of the Presidential Award was David J. Koebelin.
“The Greater Olean Area is incredibly fortunate to have a such strong pool of individuals and organizations for our Board and Committee to consider for these awards each year,” says Adam Jester, Interim Executive Director of the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s honorees truly exemplify what it means to champion the economic vitality and overall well-being of our community, and we’re excited to honor them at the Annual Dinner.”
Full profiles of the winners will soon follow. This year’s winners will be honored at the Chamber’s 118th Annual Dinner, Thursday, November 7, at St. Bonaventure University Conference Center. For more information, visit the GOACC website www.Oleanny.com or give us a call (716) 372-4433.
Chamber Members and their employees can purchase tickets to the Annual Dinner by visiting shop.oleanny.com. Find tickets for purchase under the “Event Tickets” tab. Seats are limited! Please RSVP by October 30 to events@oleanny.com.
The L.O.U.I.E. Award
Given to an individual who symbolizes the enterprising spirit for the greater Olean community, qualities which were embodied in the life of Louis Marra.
Enterprising Business Award
Presented to a business or a non-profit that exemplifies the unique “hometown” charm of the greater Olean area in administration and operation, customer service, or display of inventory.
The Presidential Award
Given to a business, organization, or individual that is iconic and integral to the fabric of the business community in the greater Olean area.
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StrOlean
August 17, 2024
StrOlean Returns to Downtown Olean This Saturday!
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce is putting the final touches on this year’s StrOlean event, set to take place rain or shine this Saturday, August 17th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The 100 block of North Union Street, stretching from Laurens Street to State Street, will be transformed into a bustling festival, complete with over 50 vendors, food, music, and games.
This year marks the first time that StrOlean will see the closure of a block of North Union Street to traffic, creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly festival atmosphere in the heart of Olean’s revitalized downtown. Local favorite Generations will kick off the live entertainment, performing from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. next to the City Building. Following that, an original music showcase will take place in front of Beat City Music from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Attendees can look forward to browsing a diverse array of over 30 craft and artisan vendors from across Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, who will line the street’s median in the blocked-off area. In addition, many of the brick-and-mortar retail stores located in this section of North Union Street will be setting up special offerings or displays right in front of their storefronts. Alongside them, several of the area’s beloved brick-and-mortar restaurants will be serving up delicious food and beverages, ensuring there’s something for everyone. In total, over 20 brick and mortar establishments are participating. The festival atmosphere will extend beyond the barricades, with additional food and craft vendors setting up in the surrounding areas downtown. Intandem will also host games of cornhole for event goers of all ages.
To help visitors navigate the event, an official map, sponsored by Impact Internet, is available on the Chamber’s website at www.oleanny.com/events or on the StrOlean Facebook event. Printed copies will be available at the Chamber Gift Shop, located at 301 North Union Street, on Thursday and Friday during normal business hours. Additional maps will also be distributed from the Chamber tent during the event.The Chamber would also like to thank Event Sponsor Focus Physical Therapy and all 45 Corporate Sponsors for helping to make this event possible.
For more information, please feel free to contact the Chamber by email at events@oleanny.com or by calling 716-372-4433.
Stay tuned to the Facebook event for the latest updates!
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Tailgate Thursday
September 12th, 2024
Wear your jerseys, and get ready to eat, drink, and play with the GOACC at our second annual Tailgate Thursday! This year we’re preparing for one of the most anticipated games of the Buffalo Bills season: The Bills v. the Dolphins! Join us Sept. 12 at Allegany Fireman’s Park from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. as we gear up for this battle of divisional rivals. Food trucks, cold and hot beverages, live music, yard games, and more!
Food & Non-Alcoholic beverage vendors: Sweet Ride, Zet’s Italian Ice, & Wanderer Hut
Adult Beverages: Four Mile Brewing
Entertainment: Pendelton Station (sponsored by Nick Shembeda Plumbing)
Each food & drink vendor will offer options that your included food and beverage voucher can be redeemed for, and if you’re still craving something afterward, all are open for cash & card transactions outside of your vouchers. Must be 21 with proof of age to purchase additional drink tickets.
Ticket price includes entry to the event, 1 beverage ticket, 1 food voucher, and the first 75 attendees also receive a limited edition Tailgate Thursday Bottle Opener (sponsored by Cornell Capital Holdings) when they arrive.
Early Bird price of $22 through 5pm on Sept 6th, $27 thereafter.
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Float the Allegheny
May 18, 2024
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of the popular Float the Allegheny river rafting and kayaking event for 2024. The event will be held on Saturday, May 18th.
“There has been considerable investment in kayak launches along the Allegheny River, with an eye on improving the viability of recreational activities along that great resource. This event aims to take advantage of, and promote, that viability as another reason to plan a trip to the Enchanted Mountains,” said Adam Jester, Interim Chamber Executive Director.
Participants dropped in at the Portville Boat Launch on Steam Valley Road in Portville, where they also got goodies from Sweet Ride Food Truck. They then made their way the 4 ¾ miles down the Allegheny River, and ended the trip just west of the South Union St Bridge, near Franchot Park, where the event continued with the Official Afterparty.
Chamber Member A-1 Rent All & Sales was on hand offering kayak, canoe, and mini-cruiser rentals to participants at a special rate.
The Afterparty was held at in area near the baseball field and Franchot Park, behind A-1 Rent All & Sales. The party played host to ZET’s Italian Ice and Sweet Ride food trucks, as well as Four Mile Brewing, who provided locally crafted beverages. Live music was provided by Two Guys Drinking Beer, and a number of local vendors were on hand selling their products.
By participating in the event, participants expressly waive any all claims of any kind against the event organizers, their agents and assigns, and agree to the event terms and conditions, which can be downloaded here.
The Corporate Challenge
Thursday June 27 2024 • 4:30 p.m. reg • 6 p.m. Run/Walk
The fourteenth annual Southern Tier Corporate Challenge Run/Walk will be held Thursday, June 27 at the Cattaraugus County Campus of Jamestown Community College. The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce invites participants from all over the region to register for a great afternoon of fitness, comradery, and fun!
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The Santa Claus Lane Parade
November 29th, 2024
Your favorite Holiday Tradition is back!
As the weather starts to cool down, The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for one of Olean’s most loved traditions: The Santa Claus Lane Parade. Like always, the parade will begin in the evening on Black Friday. This year’s parade will be on November 29, starting at 6:30 p.m.
The procession will begin on the corner of Delaware Ave. and N. Union and proceed south into the heart of Downtown Olean. Floats, units, and theatrical groups will stagger and use both sides of the street, so make sure you get a good spot!
Seven Mountains Media will be emceeing the entire procession, from the first float to Santa’s arrival.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will have their traditional magical countdown to the illumination of the lights, at the intersection of State and Union. Come dressed in your holiday sweaters and scarves (and jackets!) and get ready to enter the magical holiday season.
And don’t forget, eight esteemed awards will be given out to select floats, chosen by our judges, Paula Synder, Jason Crisafulli, and Mayor William Aiello, located in front of Blue Bird Square.
“The Elves Award” will be presented to a float or unit that best showcases holiday joy through the eyes of a child; the “Angelic Spirit Award” will be given to the most spiritual/religious float or unit; “The Blitzen Award” goes to the most photogenic; “Jingle Bells Award” will be given to the best theatrical (music/dance) float or unit; “The Sleigh Award” to the most decorated larger truck; “The Season’s Greeting Award” to the best newcomer to the parade that exemplifies a welcoming theme; “The Snowflake Award” will go to the float or unit with the most participants; and last but certainly not least, “The Rudolph Award” will be presented to the float or unit with the most or best use of lighting.
Want some hot cocoa and treats to enjoy with the parade? Sweet Ride will be parked in the mall parking lot, specializing in yummy treats, and Believer’s Chapel will have their “Love Thy Neighbor” RV parked by the city building, with hot cocoa waiting.
Stay tuned to the Facebook Event for the latest updates!
Community-Wide Garage Sales
May 11, 2024
Community-Wide Garage Sale Date Set
The Community-Wide Garage Sale event is back to one date for 2024, so don’t miss out!
The sales ran on Saturday, May 11th, with over 140 sales on the list!
The Golf Classic
Monday July 22, 2024
GOACC Golf Classic Set for July
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic returns for its 11th year!
The format is a 4-person scramble with no handicaps. Registration will open at 10:30am that day, with a shotgun start set for 12pm. Dinner with awards and cash bar will be at 5 PM.
The Classic player fee is $125 per player/$500 per team includes greens, golf cart, lunch at the turn, and dinner.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available! Visit https://www.oleanny.com/sponsorships for more info!
The Classic features corporate teams and community teams. Corporate Team consists of employees within the same physical company with current active employees who are full-time year-round. Community Team is a team of friends, family, non-employment associates captained by a GOACC member.
Prizes from the pro shop will be awarded for Best scores in both divisions. Overall winning teams will take home bragging rights and a traveling trophy to ‘show-off’ all year. Other specials include skins, closest to pin and longest drive.
For more information on the Corporate Golf Classic, please contact Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 716-372-4433 or by email to info@oleanny.com.
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Jingle Bell Jubilee
December 13, 2024
OLEAN – Olean’s Lincoln Park turns into a Hallmark movie!
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce’s Jingle Bell Jubilee is a busy European-style Holiday Market with local artisan vendors, food, drinks, music, horse-drawn carriage rides, make and take cookie decorating, and visits with Santa! Fun for the whole family!
Stay toasty under the structure with heaters sponsored by Sol Epoxy! Experience the beautiful Downtown from a horse-drawn carriage ride around the park with Hillview Stables, sponsored by Sol Epoxy!
Shop local with over 30 craft & artisan vendors! Fuel up with food and drinks from 4 different food & cocktail trucks. Musical performances by the area High School choruses and orchestras! For more information check out our Facebook Event, or call 716-372-4433.
More Details Coming Soon!
For more information or questions, please contact GOACC at 716-372-4433 or email santa@oleanny.com
#GOACCevent
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Chamber Clambake
Thursday, June 13, 2024
The 55th Annual Chamber Clambake is fast approaching – being held this year on June 13th from 4:00pm to 8:30pm, at Lincoln Park in Olean. The GOACC invites our Members, their employees & guests to join us to kick off the Summer with the area’s premier networking event!
The event will once again be catered by The Old Library Restaurant, who will take great care to ensure attendees are well fed, and well hydrated! Adult beverages will be provided by Wright Beverage.
Not a seafood fan? No problem!
This year’s menu features 5 clam related items, and 13 non-seafood items, detailed below:
**Clam Station:**
Raw Clams
Steamed Clams
Clams Casino
Manhattan Clam Chowder
New England Clam Chowder
**Picnic Station:**
Greek Chicken Kabobs
Vegetable Kabobs
Meatball Sandwiches
Sausage Sandwiches
Hot Dogs
Hamburgers
Macaroni Salad
Potato Salad
Pasta Salad
Assorted Fruit
Bottled Water
Canned Soda
Individually Wrapped Ice Cream Novelties
Area favorites, “2 Guys Drinkin’ Beer” will provide the soundtrack for the evening – sponsored by Focus Physical Therapy and Sol Epoxy.
We also wish to recognize and thank our Ticket & Wristband Sponsor, Cutco Corporation, and our Chowder Sponsors – A&N Woodhead Services and Cornell Capital Holdings.
For additional questions, feel free to reach out to the GOACC at 716-372-4433.
UPDATE: The event was a success, with perfect weather and a great crowd!
Photo Disclaimer
By attending Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC) events, you consent to having your image captured by official GOACC photographers and videographers. The resulting materials, including still photographs, video and audio recordings may be used by GOACC, without restriction, in news materials, promotional materials, on the GOACC web site and other properties.