With 321 Events

During ’18, Foothills

Buoying Downtown

Speaking to the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours get-together hosted at Foothills this past week, I delivered the following message and I would like to share it with everyone.
As I enter into my sixth year as director this summer, I’d like to thank the Oneonta community and the entire region for their support in 2018, which was our best year ever.
I am proud to report that we hosted a record 321 events which included everything from music (Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Deana Carter, Thompson Square), comedy (Amy Schumer and The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour), a Wedding Expo, live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera, local dance companies, local theater groups, weddings, private parties, to business and organizational conferences. And the list goes on.

But what I’m most proud of is the record 28,000 attendees who walked through our doors for those events. What a boost to the local economy!
While we are busy fulfilling our mission as a center for the arts, we feel we have
also become a major economic driver for the city and the region. Imagine what those 28,000 people may have spent while in the area! Hotel rooms, restaurants, bookstores, gift shop.
Many business people have told me they see a positive impact each time we host an event. That makes us very proud! A stronger community can only help us in our goal to achieve our mission. I feel we are starting to be recognized for that vital role we play in the city and region.
We are continuing this trend in 2019. We are excited to say that for several months the weekends are already booked! Good things are happening.
Some upcoming events to look for are: A Rolling Stones tribute, the Shamrock Swing, a Mother-Daughter Tea, our first Hospice music event: The Grand Oneonta Opry, Orpheus Theater presenting “Damn Yankees,” the annual Dick Miller Tribute Series with a family-friendly magician, and our annual Veterans’ Tribute in November.
For more information, go to on our Facebook page or website (www.foothillspac.org).
Thank you all for your support. PLEASE spread the word: YOUR Foothills is making a difference in our community. Please show your support by buying tickets, making a donation or just by spreading a good word!!

Bill Youngs
is managing director
of the Foothills Performing Arts
& Civic Center,
Oneonta