December 4, 2025 - Edition No. 20

Hello, Southern Tier!

Last week officially kicked off the holiday season and things are heating up to a sizzle with seasonal events, happenings, and news throughout the Enchanted Mountains.

We have you covered so you know where to be and when. Check out this week's newsletter below!

Which nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy leases the land Salamanca sits on?

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Experience the magic of the Christmas season in Cuba this weekend at Small Town Christmas.

Join in the festive fun with activities like a breakfast buffet, holiday market, horse-drawn wagon rides, and cookie decorating.

Don't miss the Santa Claus Lane Parade and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas play at The Palmer Opera House.

Additional holiday happenings include Saturday with Santa at Allegany State Park and Victorian Christmas at the Fannie Bartlett House in Olean.

Read more!

THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Seneca Nation and Salamanca city officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new skatepark at James E. Crowley Park on River Street.

This collaborative project is funded by the Seneca Nation, the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, and the Tony Hawk Foundation.

The idea for the skatepark originated from a survey of kids conducted by the Seneca Nation, with overwhelming support from the community.

Construction is set to begin soon, with a planned ribbon-cutting ceremony in the spring.

Read more!

Holiday Valley in Ellicottville will open for its 68th ski and snowboard season on Friday, Dec. 5.

With favorable weather conditions, guests can expect both day and night skiing and riding on opening day.

Four lifts will be running, providing access to various terrain for all levels of ability. Additional lifts and terrain will open on Saturday.

The Holiday Valley Tubing Park is scheduled to open on December 19.

THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS

CLICK THE EVENT FOR MORE DETAILS!

Friday, December 5

• Opening Day at Holiday Valley, 9 a.m.
• Harry Potter Owls at Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, 3:30 p.m.
• Soup Sale at Trinity United Methodist, 5 p.m.
• Little Town of Christmas at Gowanda Community Theater, 5 p.m.
• Christmas in Gowanda, 5 p.m.
• Acoustic Randy at Four Mile Brewing, 6 p.m.
• MW Music at Halfway Inn, 6 p.m.
• Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas at Ellicottville Brewing, 6 p.m.
• Glass Bottle Painting at Cuba Art Station, 6 p.m.
• Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Bradford, 6 p.m.
• Elf Jr. at Portville Central School, 7 p.m.
• Interstate Daydream at Tap-N-Pour, 7 p.m.
• Southern Tier Symphony Holiday Concert at St. Bonaventure University, 7:30 p.m.
• Christmas Prism at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 6

• Small Town Christmas in Cuba, 7:30 a.m.
• Thriftsgiving at St. Vincent DePaul, 9 a.m.
• Holiday Art Mystery for Kids at Tri-County Arts, 10 a.m.
• Christmas Cookie Basket at Cuba Art Station, 10 a.m.
• Sip & Shop at For Crafts Sake, 10 a.m.
• Christmas Barn Show at Rusty Rooster, 10 a.m.
• Yule Market at Little Alchemy Shop, 10 a.m.
• Santa & Mrs. Claus at Great Valley Firehall, 10 a.m.
• Randolph’s Country Christmas at Randolph Central School, 10 a.m.
• Puzzle and Book Sale at Cuba Library, 10 a.m.
• Mindful Morning at Olean Meditation Center, 10:30 a.m.
• Saturday with Santa at Allegany State Park, 11 a.m.
• Santa Express Train Rides at Gowanda Train Station, 11 a.m.
• Cookies with Santa at 2 Sweet Desserts, 11 a.m.
• Olean Jingle Bell Jubilee at Lincoln Park, noon
• Cozy Chunky Blankets at Tri-County Arts, noon
• Visit with Santa at Fannie Bartlett House, noon
• Help the Grinch Steal Christmas at Raymour & Flanigan, noon
• Snowman Building Contest in Cuba, noon
• Christmas in Gowanda, noon
• Free Community Luncheon in Friendship, 12:30 p.m.
• Christmas in Allegany at Santa House, 1 p.m.
• Community Soup Social at City of Refuge Church, 1 p.m.
• Kids Snowman Paint Party in Little Valley, 1 p.m.
• Little Town of Christmas at Gowanda Community Theater, 2 p.m.
• Elf Jr. at Portville Central School, 7 p.m.
• Family Holiday Movie at JCC Cattaraugus County Campus, 5:30 p.m.
• Santa’s Christmas Parade in Salamanca, 6 p.m.
• AOH at Balloons, 6:30 p.m.
• Home for the Holidays at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, 7 p.m.
• Spencer Easton at Tap-N-Pour, 7 p.m.
• Christmas Prism at Houghton University, 7:30 p.m.
• CountryFeit at Parkwood Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Dark Horse Run at Gin Mill, 8 p.m.
• Rev 13 at Mill Street Sports Pub, 8 p.m.
• Hyde & Seek at Hughes Hotel, 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 16

• Medicinal Herbs at Lucky Day Homestead, 10 a.m.
• Meet the Bacons at Gin Mill, 10 a.m.
• Holiday Art Market at Beat City Music, 11 a.m.
• Santa Express Train Rides at Gowanda Train Station, 11 a.m.
• DIY Craft Day at Franklinville First Baptist, 12:30 p.m.
• Colors of Christmas Concert at Obi Community Church, 1 p.m.
• NY Theatre Nutcracker Ballet at Pitt-Bradford, 3 p.m.
• Pop-Up Pajama Party in West Valley, 4 p.m.

SPORTS THE SOUTHERN TIER

The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) recently announced the addition of the Olean Oilers as their 16th member for the Summer 2026 season.

The Oilers' addition has been praised by PGCBL president Joe Millazzo, who sees them as a pillar of summer baseball in New York.

The team will face tough competition from other teams in the league, promising an exciting 2026 season.

Read more!

FREE IN THE SOUTHERN TIER

The Healthy Neighborhoods Program in Cattaraugus County offers free home safety visits through the partnership with the Health Department.

The program aims to reduce environmental hazards and create safer living conditions for all households. 

It provides assessments for fire safety risks, lead exposure, indoor air quality issues, asthma triggers, fall hazards, and more.

During the visit, staff members can install safety items like smoke detectors and offer educational materials. 

The program also tests for lead-based paint and radon.

Read more!

NOSTALGIA YOU NEED

Those were the gold old days, weren't they?

You can support the Hello Southern Tier newsletter plus add new local merch to your wardrobe. Please browse our growing selection of local clothing at our standalone store or on Etsy. Thank you!

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 11-14: Every Christmas Story Ever Told at Olean Theatre Workshop

Dec. 13: Breakfast with Santa at Great Valley Clubhouse

Dec. 13: Christmas Stroll in Ellicottville

Dec. 14: International Christmas Fair at St. Joseph's Maronite

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

NEW BIZ TO WATCH FOR

Ole Hickey Tavern in Salamanca

There’s a brand-new place to grab breakfast in Salamanca, and it’s already creating a buzz! Ole Hickory Tavern is opening its doors bright and early with a tasty soft-opening menu featuring classic comfort favorites.

Enjoy hearty options like 3-egg omelets, sausage gravy & biscuits, breakfast pizza, pancakes, French toast, and build-your-own egg plates. You’ll also find fresh bagels, homefries with customizable add-ins, breakfast sandwiches, and morning essentials like coffee, tea, and juice.

If you're looking for a cozy local spot to start your day, make sure you stop by and welcome Ole Hickory Tavern to the neighborhood.

📍 56 Hickory Street, Salamanca, NY
⏰ Breakfast served daily from 6–11 a.m.
📅 Opened December 1, 2025

Get into the holiday spirit with our exclusive "Santa Squirrel Nutty O'Nick" Merry Christmas Crewneck Sweatshirt from Olean, NY.

Made with premium quality materials, this cozy sweatshirt features a playful design that is bound to spread joy and cheer wherever you go.

Whether you're sipping hot cocoa by the fire or out caroling with friends, this festive sweatshirt is the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe.

Buy it here!

IMAGE OF THE WEEK

Jim Cook shared on Facebook this stunning photo of the lit up Christmas tree and State and Union streets in Olean following the Santa Claus Lane parade.

LOCAL HEROES!

Every November, international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse kicks off its Operation Christmas Child project, which invites people from all over the country to fill a shoebox with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, clothing, and other necessities for boys and girls who live in impoverished countries all over the world.

This year, two tractor trailers were loaded at the regional collection site hosted by Olean First Baptist Church. A count of 8,047 boxes was a great success for the local community.

Read more!

JOKE OF THE WEEK!

Why did the pony ask for a glass of water?

It was a little horse, hahahaha! 😂

HOUSE FOR SALE OF THE WEEK

Cozy Dwelling in Cattaraugus

This beautifully maintained village home is full of charm and thoughtful updates, offering low-maintenance living with vinyl siding, leaf gutters, and a paved driveway.

A cozy covered side porch leads into a bright sunroom perfect for morning coffee, flowing into an updated kitchen and warm dining room with built-in bookshelves.

The home features a spacious primary bedroom, a sunny second bedroom, and a flexible bonus space that could serve as a third bedroom or office.

See more details and pics!

PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Troy!

Troy is a stunning 95-pound gentle giant born in December 2021. Once a “garage dog,” he’s now healthy, happy, and ready for a real home.

Troy gets along wonderfully with dogs of all sizes, rides well in the car, walks nicely on a leash, and even enjoys off-leash time in the country.

He’s house-trained and settled easily into his foster home. The only thing he’s still learning? Keeping his nose off the counters. He loves human food a little too much!

With a bit more guidance, Troy will make an incredible companion for a loving, attentive home.

Visit Joyful Rescues to adopt!

Seneca Nation

THANK YOU!

Thanks, as always, for taking the time to read the latest edition of Hello Southern Tier. Please forward this email to a friend who might be interested in staying up to date on things happening locally. If you haven't yet subscribed to our newsletter, sign up here!

Unsubscribe here