Warren County Tourism Community to Honor Heroes of Hospitality
On July 20th, the Warren County Tourism Community will honor “Heroes of Hospitality” at a fundraiser that will benefit the SUNY Adirondack Scholarship Fund. This community event will take place at The Carriage House at Fort Willian Henry from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, and will be followed by fireworks. Tickets are available for purchase.
The Carriage House at Fort William Henry sits on the shores of Lake George, and was fully renovated during the winter of 2022 to 2023. This space has transformed over its many years, having originally been the site of a major battle during the French and Indian war. Its current incarnation is a lake-side venue and destination for cultural tourism. “We are proud to host this event for the second year, this time in our new venue, The Carriage House,” said Sam Luciano, President of the Fort William Henry Corp.
This year’s honorees for the event include a steamboat captain, an environmental advocate, a reading teacher, an entrepreneur, the nation’s longest serving mayor, and a lake steward. The annual event honoring individuals whose work has contributed to the success of tourism and hospitality in Warren County is also a fundraiser for the SUNY Adirondack Scholarship Fund – a portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go to a student or students at SUNY Adirondack enrolled in the school’s Hospitality Management Program. The recipient(s) must be residents of Warren County.
Hospitality Management is one of five business degrees offered at SUNY Adirondack, which also offers a one-year certificate in the subject… In addition to general education classes, students in the program take event planning, hotel resort management, and a variety of electives, including marketing and culinary classes, as well as receiving social media training: “Students learn how vast the industry is, and they receive an education they can take anywhere and get a job,” said Dr. Kelli Hatin, a Professor of Business at SUNY Adirondack.
This year’s honorees:
Mayor Bob Blais, who retired this year after 52 years of service as the Mayor of Lake George… The longest-serving mayor in the nation’s history!
The late Bill Dow, owner of the Lake George and New Orleans Steamboat Companies… Mr. Dow was a former member of the Lake George Village Board, the Lake George Planning Board, and a fire and water commissioner. He had served as president of the Lake George Chamber of Commerce, and chair of the Lake George Winter Carnival Committee.
The late Frank Dittrich, who with his family owned and managed multiple hospitality businesses in the area; including Marine Village Resort, Sun Castle Resort, Tea Island Resort, the Inn at Erlowest, and the Lake George Marriott. He was also known as a leading advocate for hospitality businesses and hospitality sector employees.
The late Helene Horn – a longtime reading and special education teacher in the Lake George schools, operator with her family of the Around the World miniature golf course, and founder of the Lake George Community Christmas Day Dinner.
The late Jeff Killeen – chair of the Lake George Association, former chair of the Fund for Lake George and a leading advocate for environmental protection of Lake George;
The late Jim Kneeshaw – a native of Bolton, longtime local educator, community volunteer, and 17-year member of the Lake George Park Commission.
For more information, or to register and purchase tickets, please visit the Fort William Henry website.