Watkins Glen Promotions, Inc. is a not-for profit 501 (c) (3) corporation operated by a board of volunteers focused on the planning and management of quality special events in Schuyler County. It is our goal to bring visitors into the community to showcase the natural beauty and creative talents of the area.
Through special events, we aim to bring visitors into the community to showcase the natural beauty and creative talents of the area. These events also generate buzz, excitement, and enthusiasm from local residents. These events bring the village together and with the help of our hundred of volunteers, make each year’s festivals successful.
We promote tourism, we have an economic impact, and we affect the quality of life for our residents. So, why are we the best kept secret in town? Because we promote our events, not our organization.
In 2024, Watkins Glen Promotions is hosting a new event in Odessa, NY. This event is called Odessa Community Day, and is a vibrant celebration of our local community, showcasing the best of what we have to offer.
From craftvendors to delicious food, live music, and engaging family activities,
this event promises a day of fun for all ages.
Stacy Husted, President
Kelly Miller, Vice President
Bridgette Stewart, Secretary
Chelsea Stamp, Treasurer
Tom Seem
Marianne Marts
Carole Pierce
Laurie DeNardo
Michaela Christensen, Director
Cindee Frederick, Storefront Manager
Anne Yessman, Staff
Donna Beardsley, Staff
Stacy Husted has always had a hand in many different volunteer endeavors in Schuyler County. She has been on the Watkins Glen Promotions board since 2005 and has been President since 2022. For a long time, she was also the committee chair for the Falls Harvest Festival.
She loves volunteering for her community and is also an active member of the Montour Falls Fire Department. Stacy tries her best to assist all our festivals wherever she can to help out, as they are run entirely by volunteers. For her, nothing beats hearing from the attendees how much they enjoy the event(s) and how grateful they are. It makes it all worth the long hours on our feet all day and the work leading up to the event. Stacy also enjoys meeting new people, volunteers and attendees alike.
Stacy’s favorite season is Summer and enjoys spending her time on the lake and on her boat with her family.
Raised in Waverly, NY- she visited Watkins Glen while in college and fell in love with the beauty of the area. A few years later she moved here, met her husband in Watkins Glen and raised her 2 daughters here. Kelly has been a resident for over 30 years in Watkins Glen.
Kelly volunteers for our Promotions Board, Co-chairs for the Waterfront Festival, and Vendor Coordinator for Grand Prix Festival. When she’s not volunteering with Promotion events, she regularly attends WG and Chemung County Chamber events. She will also help with events that support her employer Arc of Chemung-Schuyler.
When she’s off the clock, Kelly enjoys being with friends, spending summers in her pool with her family and granddaughter. Watching and attending sporting events with friends and family.
Bridgette Stewart started working in Schuyler County in 1994 as a graphic designer and office support at the Hi-Lites Newspaper in Watkins Glen. Eventually, she was able to purchase the paper company and has been owner for the past 11 years.
In addition to her role as a board member and board secretary, Bridgette volunteers for all four of our main festivals in some way, shape or form. Additionally, Bridgette is a Watkins-Montour Rotarian and a past member of the United Way of Schuyler County Board.
When not working Bridgette loves to travel, visit her 12 grandchildren and quietly enjoy country living at her home in Interlaken, NY.
Laurie is a lifelong resident and Watkins Glen’s biggest champion. As the Village’s Mayor and co-Chair of the Waterfront Festival, you can find Laurie downtown pitching in at any time.
Retired HR Director from Cornell University, Laurie brings an array of experience to the Promotions Board and she jumps in and volunteers for many events. In her spare time, you can find Laurie relaxing on her boat on Seneca Lake with her partner Robin Burnett.
Watkins Glen Promotions board member Tom Seem has been a part-time and permanent
area resident since he was born. Tom worked as a reporter and anchor for
WENY-AM-FM-TV.
Tom is a member of the Board of Directors of the Arctic League in Chemung County, an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Big Flats, a board member of Watkins Glen
Promotions and a member of the Grand Prix Festival Management Committee, He is
also president of the Glen Eldridge Club.
Tom and his wife, Pat, have two children and five grandchildren, all enthusiastic visitors to
Seneca Lake and Schuyler County!
Carole, who served as Director of Events at Watkins Glen Promotions for a span of 16 years, retired in 2020. Carole remains actively involved, joining the Board of Directors in 2021 and taking on the
role of Volunteer Coordinator of the Grand Prix Festival. Additionally, she
contributes her time to various committees, including the Waterfront Festival, Grand Prix Festival and Village Christmas.
Prior to her career at Watkins Glen Promotions, Carole owned and operated
Orchard Ovens In Dundee, NY. When she is not volunteering, Carole enjoys being retired and spending time
with her three (incredible) children and five (amazing) grandchildren and family.
Chelsea Stamp is the current Treasurer of the Watkins Glen Promotions Board. She joined the board in 2017 upon returning back to the area and looking for a way to give back to her community. Chelsea has also been a member of the Village Christmas committee since 2017 and is currently the Parade Director for the festival.
She enjoys being a part of an organization that is involved in multiple festivals during the year which bring tourists and community members to Watkins Glen and the surrounding area.
When Chelsea is not working or volunteering, you may find her out and about in the community swimming, running, or otherwise being active with her family and friends.
Michaela is a coffee enthusiast and to-do list conqueror who thrives on making a positive impact in their community. She finds inspiration working alongside dedicated volunteers, each driven by a shared commitment to community betterment.
Having called Watkins Glen home for over 12 years, Michaela is a devoted parent to a vibrant 5-year-old and a cherished 12-year-old pup. With a vision to elevate their local organization to new heights, Michaela dreams of fostering connection through impactful community events and initiatives.
When not busy juggling parenthood and community endeavors, you'll find Michaela indulging in indoor rowing, exploring outdoors, or unwinding at local breweries and wineries.
Cindee has been with the Watkins Glen Promotions Team since 2016. She’s recently been promoted to store manager, a position she has attacked with zeal. Cindee grew up sailing on Seneca Lake and is thrilled to be living and working in one of the best places in the world.
Anne retired from Insurance in 2021, and joined the Watkins Glen Promotions team. Her years of customer service help put a smile on our storefront customers' faces!
Anne enjoys meeting tourists and locals alike, and takes pride in helping them choose just the right gift or souvenir that we carry, so that they can remember their special time in our area.
Watkins Glen Promotions organizes many events throughout the year, and Anne can be found at a few of them working the Information Tent, slinging festival merchandise, or helping direct people the right way.
When Anne is not working, she is spending time with her loving grandchildren and reading.
about us...
Watkins Glen Promotions, Inc. is a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit organization led by a dedicated board of volunteers committed to fostering community vitality through the curation and management of exceptional special events in Schuyler County. Our organization is on a mission to breathe life into our community, celebrating its natural allure, sparking creativity, and fostering unity. We don’t just organize events; we create experiences that drive tourism, energize the economy, and elevate the quality of life for every resident.
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