The Owego Historic Marketplace (HOM) held their Organizational Meeting on Jan. 23 to choose new officers. Elected were President Kevin Millar, Vice President Lori Vogel (Artisan’s Townhouse), Treasurer Ike Lovelass (Owego Kitchen), and Secretary Janelle Malia(Black Cat Gallery). Elected to the Board of Directors are Katie Jackson (Katie’s Kreations), Brad Crews (Original’s Lounge) and Pat Hansen (Hand of Man).
The Historic Owego Marketplace sponsors the Owego Strawberry Festival, now in its 37th year, Holiday Showcase in November, Lights on the River in December, the First Friday Art Walk, and the Farm to Fork Farmer’s Market on Thursday evenings.
The theme for the 2017 Strawberry Festival is “Strawberry Memories”. The festival will take place on June 16 and 17 this year, and more details are forthcoming. Katie Chandler is the Vendor Coordinator for the Strawberry Festival and she may be contacted at (607) 972-7308 or katierchandler21@gmail.com.
Owego merchants face an extra challenge this year since Lake Street will be closed for three months to repair water and gas lines. HOM will be working closely with village and county officials to minimize problems caused by this project especially the loss of parking on Lake Street.
Millar is interested in bringing more shoppers to Downtown Owego and helping merchants to develop a strong online presence since many shoppers use the internet to find stores, their hours, directions and parking.
At the HOM Meeting on March 22, plans to minimize parking problems while Lake Street is closed were discussed with Lee Ann Tinney, Tioga County Economic Development and Planning director.
Rebecca Maffei, Tioga County Tourism director, also gave a report on plans to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in Owego and Tioga County. There are many Owego women at the forefront of the women’s suffrage monument. Banners of purple, yellow and white are available from Tioga Tourism. These were the colors of the suffragette movement.
A report on Strawberry Festival was given by Pat Hansen.
Be the first to comment on "Historic Owego Marketplace News"