HIGHMOUNT, New York ??” Winter Festival Week ended on a high note on Saturday night with the Annual Snowball. Hosted by the Coalition For Belleayre, the event netted $15,000 to benefit the Belleayre Conservatory. Numerous local and statewide dignitaries were on hand as Senator John Bonacic was honored with the Spirit of the Catskills Award for his continued support of Belleayre Mountain. Senator Bonacic’s commitment to tourism in the Catskills has resulted in $2,250,000 in additional funding for Belleayre Mountain over the past three years. The music of “Special Delivery” kept the 200 attendees on their feet all evening.

Earlier in the week more participants than ever attended more events than ever as the towns of Andes, Margaretville, Fleischmanns, Pine Hill and Phoenicia all demonstrated a sense of community unique to the Catskills. Margaretville hosted hundreds for an outdoor afternoon of winter fun with ice skating, music by DJ Tito and free refreshments. Taste of the Town delighted 250 attendees on Monday night with 20 area restaurants participating in an evening of tasting and music. “Blues Maneuvers” rocked Pine Hill on Tuesday evening at the Pine Hill Community Center.

Wednesday, the Skene Memorial Library saw a full house of families and friends with children’s entertainer “Uncle Rock”, cookie decorating and refreshments presented by the Fleischmanns Chamber of Commerce. Andes Central School students raised over $500 for tsunami relief and downtown merchants offered tastings and specials. Phat Phriday in Phoenicia screamed of Mardi Gras and $300 was raised to benefit the Parish Hall. Kudos to all who participated.

For more information contact: Ellie Ganci, Director of Sales, 845.254.5600, x430