POUGHKEEPSIE, NY– Dutchess Tourism, Inc. has announced the finalists for their 7th Annual Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction. Award winners in eight categories will be announced at a special breakfast that has tentatively been rescheduled for 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 16th at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum. The event was to have taken place May 7th during National Travel & Tourism Week.
These are the three finalists in each category:
The Dutchess County Executive’s Award for Overall Distinction: Dutchess County Fairgrounds; Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum; Hudson Valley Renegades
Arts Award of Distinction: Bridge Music; Jazz in the Valley; MJN - Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center
Culinary Award of Distinction: Farmers & Chefs; Harlem Valley Homestead; Sunflower Bakery
Family Entertainment Award of Distinction: Four Brothers Drive-In Theatre; Greig Farm; Sinterklaas!
History Award of Distinction: Dutchess County Historic Tavern Trail; Elmendorph Inn/Historic Red Hook; Mount Gulian Historic Site
Outdoors Award of Distinction: Beatrix Farrand Garden Association; Innisfree Garden; Mountain Tops Outfitters
Hospitality Service Award of Distinction: Tom Baurer, Hospitality Volunteer; Djan Paunovic, Terrapin Restaurant; Adam Pregno, Marriott International
Accessible Hospitality Award of Distinction: Egg Hunts for All at Tymor Park; Julie’s Jungle; Roosevelt & Lyceum Cinemas
According to Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Mary Kay Vrba, “Even though we are not able to gather together during this difficult time, we still want to honor our tradition of recognizing the small businesses and non-profits who provide exceptional offerings to our community and contribute to a “Storied Experience” for our visitors.” She added, “We are very much looking forward to the day when we can celebrate with them in person. In the meantime, our staff continues to work tirelessly from home so when the time is right, we are prepared to aggressively market travel to Dutchess County, and to play our part in re-invigorating our economy by inviting visitors to experience the dynamic destination that we are.”
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “During this tumultuous time, we recognize the many small businesses that are a part of our community and make up the fabric of Dutchess County’s tourism industry. We know many businesses are struggling and we want to take time to appreciate and recognize the good work and contributions that are being made on a daily basis by one of the county’s important industries.”
Tickets for the awards breakfast, catered by Simply Gourmet, are available at www.DutchessTourism.com/awards. The breakfast will include local products from Ready Coffee, Soukup Farms, Harney & Sons Fine Teas and Hudson Valley Fresh. Reservations are required.
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About Dutchess Tourism
Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is the officially designated destination marketing organization for Dutchess County and is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International. It is an independent 501c6 non-profit organization that works to bring tourism dollars to area businesses by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world. The office is located at 3 Neptune Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie with 17 Tourist Information Centers located around Dutchess County. The website is www.DutchessTourism.com and they can be reached at 845-463-4000. Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is partially funded by monies received from the County of Dutchess.
