Tourism kick-off party at Pennings Farm Market

WARWICK — The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a "Tourism Kick-Off Party," open to the public, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at Pennings Farm Market.

The celebration will include raffles, cash prizes, live music and refreshments.

"Our new tourism initiative has taken off tremendously, and the Chamber is working to promote our beautiful valley as a major four-season travel destination," said Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce. "See what we've accomplished so far and all that we have planned for the future."

In March of 2012, the Tourism Committee of the Chamber of Commerce launched its tourism initiative at a well-attended public meeting in the Warwick Town Hall.

The program, "Discover the Warwick Valley," was designed to draw visitors from throughout the tri-state region and beyond and highlight all of the four-season activities, dining options and accommodations that will enable people to discover their own experience of a beautiful area that is only a short drive from their homes.

"Discover the Warwick Valley," was designed to include and benefit all the villages and hamlets in Warwick as well as Vernon, N.J.

Committee members felt it was important to get the message out that the Warwick Valley had something to offer for everyone in every season throughout the year, ranging from winter sports to swimming, boating, hiking and apple picking. And, with a slow economy and the high price of gas, many people were expected to opt for short day trips on weekends.

Since that meeting, much emphasis is being put on the branding and name of Discover Warwick Valley as a four-season travel destination.

"We have created a successful presence online with Discover Warwick Valley Tourism on Facebook, discoverwarwickvalley.com, and even an Instagram account dedicated to showcasing photos of our beautiful Valley," said Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce Tourism Coordinator Jerrica Lavooy. "I have designed multiple ad campaigns for publications, such as Orange County Tourism Guide and Edible Brooklyn, that will reach our desired tourist audience."

The chamber has increased sponsorship of the program to 40 businesses, and hopes the upcoming kick-off event will inform more business owners about its mission and encourage them to come on board.

"When the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce invites people to visit and share our locale, we are taking an important step toward insuring the prosperity of our valley," said Johndrow. "Join us at Pennings this Wednesday and see what we've accomplished so far and all that we have planned for the future."

For additional information call 986-2720 or visit: discoverwarwickvalley.com.

Pennings Farm Market is located at 161 Route 94 South.