Geneva, N.Y., November 26, 2019 – The Finger Lakes Welcome Center announces its 2nd Annual “Made in the Finger Lakes” event to be held on Saturday November 30th from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.  The public is invited to experience this event on “Small Business Saturday" where over 30 Finger Lakes vendors will be selling one-of-a-kind, locally made items. 

Event goers will have a chance to sample NYS wine, craft beer, cider, spirits and food samplings, as well as an opportunity to craft their own "Made in the Finger Lakes" gift bag with items purchased from participating vendors. There will be apparel, artwork, crafts, woodwork, books and more.  Also joining the event is one of New York Kitchen’s Chefs, showcasing a live cooking demonstration and tasting for shoppers to enjoy, along with the opportunity to purchase New York Kitchen gift cards.

“We couldn’t think of a better time to host our event than on Small Business Saturday” said Heather Tuttle, General Manager, Taste NY Market at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center.  Tuttle went on to say “this American shopping holiday is held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.  It’s a perfect time to promote locally made food, beverages and merchandise produced right here in the Finger Lakes Region.” The Finger Lakes Welcome Center had overwhelming success at its 1st annual event in November 2018 and decided to add more vendors to this year’s event.  The Welcome Center invites the public to “Shop Local” and celebrate all that the Finger Lakes has to offer on November 30th at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, 35 Lake Front Drive, Geneva, NY.

About Finger Lakes Welcome Center
As part of Governor Cuomo’s initiative to increase tourism throughout the great state of New York, the Finger Lakes Welcome Center is one of 11 Welcome Centers opened throughout the state.  The Finger Lakes Welcome Center is located at 35 Lake Front Drive, Geneva, NY 14456 and is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter season.  The Welcome Center features a Taste NY Market where visitors can purchase locally made and sourced products ranging from food to craft beverages, gifts and wearable items.  The Welcome Center has indoor and outdoor space with information about the region located throughout to educate guests on the best of the Finger Lakes tourism destinations, recreational opportunities, and historic and cultural sites.

About Taste NY

The Taste NY initiative has seen steady growth and recognition since it was created in 2013. The program, which is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at a variety of venues throughout the State and at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair and the Barclays Tournament at Bethpage State Park. It has also helped the farms and companies participating in the program to reach more customers, increase online sales, and, in many cases, expand the processing capacity of their business. Taste NY’s food and beverage businesses also support the State’s farmers by using New York grown and produced ingredients in their products.

New York products sold under Taste NY branding are available in more than 70 locations throughout the State as well as the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism in San Juan, Puerto Rico.