As you read this column, the calendar tells us that it is April 1.
Some sources go all the way back to ancient Rome for the origin of April Fool’s Day. They say the Romans celebrated Hilaria, an early spring holiday where people dressed in costumes and mocked each other. Today, we have social media for that.
Others insist the day’s origin traces back to the year 1564, when the New Year was moved from April 1 to Jan. 1, leading to those who continued to celebrate on April 1 being called “April fools”.
Although I wasn’t around to remember either of these events, I do know that the day has increased importance amongst us devotees of “dad jokes” and similar acts of jocularity. Shout out to Dr. Bob Davidson, the guru of groaners, and the prince of puns at Oneonta Rotary. But this one-day devotion to mirth aside, April also means time for serious business in Otsego County. So, let’s get down to business.
County-wide businesses should already be preparing for this summer’s National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in Cooperstown. Not just because of the induction of Dick Allen, Dave Parker, Billy Wagner or even former Yankee CC Sabathia, but because of the lone other inductee.
2025 brings Ichiro Suzuki to the Hall of Plaques in Cooperstown, and with this honor comes an unprecedented influx of visitors from Japan. Ichiro will be the first Japanese-born player to make the Hall. He also is a true cultural hero to the Japanese people, and they have been planning this trip for years. There are dozens of organizations in Otsego County taking classes in Japanese. Others are studying the culture to avoid unintended mishaps. My suggestion — start both. The clock is ticking.
Work has already begun on the Al Gallodoro performance stage in Muller Plaza in the heart of downtown Oneonta. While there are differences of opinion on the fiscal aspect of the project, it is going in and the county needs to support the effort.
The important thing to remember is what you do while you are here. Before or after taking in a performance, don’t forget to support local downtown business with your wallets or purses. The last six years have been tough on these establishments.
From COVID to a series of construction projects in and around downtown Oneonta, privately owned and operated businesses have been impacted time and time again. With the traffic circle project at Main Street and Lettis Highway starting this summer, these folks will be impacted yet again.
Let’s all do our part to support them. Take time for pizza and a beer. Browse through a woman’s clothing store and buy something for yourself or your loved one. View the work of a local craftsperson or artist and get one for your home or workplace. There are unique businesses everywhere, and the only way they can survive is with your support.
The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is holding our annual Spring Dinner and Awards Celebration on May 1 at a truly undiscovered gem of a venue this year. Longview Farm and Event Center is located between Morris and Edmeston in western Otsego County. It features some of the most breathtaking vistas in the entire region and boasts a newly constructed post and beam barn structure, a spacious covered patio, sloping lawns with multiple houses and cottages dotting the landscape, and even a firepit. Less than 30 minutes from both Cooperstown and Oneonta, it is a bit of a drive but wow, its worth it. For ticket information visit us at www.otsegocc.com or contact us at info@otsegoocc.com.
Finally, later this year brings another opportunity. This fall, OCCC will be partnering with SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College to sponsor a 2025 Oneonta mayoral debate at Foothills Performing Arts Center. Regardless of who the final candidates may be, citizens will be able to witness the city’s future leader in person and ask questions about topics that are most important to you. All the sponsors feel honored to participate in this event. Also, a huge tip of the cap to Geoff Doyle at Foothills PAC for making the venue available. More to come.
At the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, we are dedicated to serving our members, helping them grow and increasing the quality of place throughout our county. Want to help? Reach out to me at 607-432-4500. We will find a way to work together to forward our common interests and achieve our common goals.