Chautauqua is a Gift.

Our loyal readers know what I’m going to say as we proudly salute Chautauqua Institution’s season opening this Sunday, June 28 with the time-honored Three Taps of the Gavel: understand, appreciate, enjoy.

But the message is worth repeating.

This edition, we challenge readers from Dunkirk to Jamestown, from Frewsburg to Findley Lake, and all across our readership region, to embrace Chautauqua as our own. The Institution, an internationally renowned jewel, is literally ours to cherish. It’s located within — not apart from — the Town of Chautauqua within our County of Chautauqua. Together, with Chautauqua’s strong and historic nonprofit administration, we welcome an estimated 100,000 visitors to its hallowed Grounds each summer season. Chautauqua is a cherished part of our summer.

Situated on 750 beautiful acres on the northern end of Chautauqua Lake, the Institution was originally founded 151 years ago as an “educational experiment in out-of-school, vacation learning” according to Chautauqua’s historical accounts. It continues to exist based upon its four major pillars of Arts, Education, Religion and Recreation. Aligned with a mission of indelible challenge, Chautauqua stands poised for us to consider “…the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program that explores the important religious, social and political issues of our times; stimulates provocative, thoughtful involvement of individuals and families in creative response to such issues; and promotes excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance and teaching of the arts.” As the host community, we have a front row seat, a stone’s throw access, and a one-of-a-kind in THE WORLD opportunity to take full advantage of the Chautauqua experience.

As our county’s leading economic driver, we also owe sincere gratitude for this special asset’s existence. Chautauqua Institution provides a total of $233.1 million impact annually — including 3,208 jobs supported and $28.8 million contributed to our state and local tax base, according to the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau archives. As the publisher of this community newspaper reliant upon small business support, I have come to understand firsthand the familiar mantra from the lions’ share of our fellow small business owners. We live to thrive with our “Chautauqua summer” partnership.

Chautauqua is a Gift. Our gift. And the gates are now open. Go explore.