Essex on Lake Champlain

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Essex Initiatives

In 1993, a group of local business owners and interested citizens came together and launched Essex Initiatives. The original mission was to coordinate advertising efforts to attract tourists and shoppers to Essex, NY B&Bs and businesses. Over the years that business community went its separate way, and Essex Initiatives morphed into a group of volunteers who support community activities either by supplying manpower, financial support or both.

Today, Essex Initiatives produces a number of annual events that enliven Essex residents’ lifestyles while attracting visitors who help support local businesses.

The Beautification Committee

Colleen Van Hoven (left) and Maureen Ecclesine of Essex Initiatives show off one of the recently erected road signs designating the hamlet of Essex. (Credit: Press Republican, Alvin Reiner)
Colleen Van Hoven (left) and Maureen Ecclesine of Essex Initiatives (Beautification Committee) show off one of the recently erected (2012) road signs designating the hamlet of Essex. (Credit: Press Republican, Alvin Reiner)

The Beautification Committee is responsible for planting the many barrels around Essex for Memorial Day and again for the holiday season. They are also responsible for other street decorations like holiday lights and wreaths.

This group was also responsible for the new town signs on the western and northern ends of the hamlet.

They obtained a grant from the Essex Community Fund/Adirondack Community Trust to pay for one and raised private funds for the other. Each sign cost around $1,300. (Press Republican)

A group of volunteers, this Essex Initiatives sub-committee is financially independent and holds a fundraiser each year to raise money for planting the barrels. The Town of Essex includes funds in its budget to support this group.

The Fourth of July

One Essex Initiatives supported event has become a Fourth of July tradition in Essex: the Firecracker Run.

Frank Hain had been responsible for the 5K Firecracker Run since its inception, but NEW Health has helmed the event in recent years. The entrance fee covers the cost of certificates and refreshments provided at the end of the race.

Taliesin's Goddess Mother lowering him into a little boat
A scene from the Mettawee troup’s 2013 summer performance of Taliesin.

The Mettawee Players

The Mettawee River Theatre Company is a traveling theater troop that performs each summer at Begg’s Park. If grants received have not covered the cost of the performance and EI has made up the difference to ensure that this fun outdoor theatre experience visits Essex again and again.

Downtown Essex Day

Downtown Essex Day is a major annual event in Essex, and it is Essex Initiative’s primary fundraiser. Katharine Preston and John Bingham organized the event for five years between 2008 and 2012. Amy Valentine and Richard Robbins spearheaded the effort in 2013.

Christmas in the Village

The Magic of Christmas in Essex is another yearly event that is much-anticipated. Local artisans and businesses have a great chance to display their wares just in time for the winter holidays. A modest registration fee paid by vendors offsets the expense of hosting the Christmas in Essex, and Essex Initiatives covers any overages.

Magic: Christmas in Essex
Magic: Christmas in Essex

Breakfast with Santa is a highlight of Christmas in The Village. Sponsored by the Masons, it is also underwritten by Essex Initiatives. Any donations are set aside for use by the Masons to sponsor a community event like Cabin Fever.

The Future of Essex Initiatives

Recent interest in the Essex business community formed a promotional cooperative to promote and support local enterprises may helped resuscitate interest in Essex Initiatives. The group was named CEVE (Committee for Economic Vitality in Essex).

In 2015, Essex Initiatives merged with young CEVE and kept the Essex Initiatives name.

If you are interested in learning how to volunteer or donate, please contact essexinitiatives@gmail.com. Learn more and stay up-to-date with EI on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/essexnyinitiatives/.

Download Essex Brochure/Map

In the summer of 2014 CEVE updated the longstanding Essex brochure and map illustrated by Ken Boynton and Sid Couchey. You can download a PDF version of the 2014 Essex Brochure/Map (PDF) here.

Essex Initiatives Archive

The following posts featured or mentioned Essex Initiatives since June 2011.