IGNITE the Winter 2016

March 4th, 2016 marked this year's 5th IGNITE the Winter which is put on by Cayuga County's YP's (Young Professionals) otherwise known as IGNITE.  I wanted to thank all of the wonderful individuals and organizations that made this event so magical while informing others about IGNITE and events we hold throughout the year. Every year IGNITE the Winter continues to grow thanks to our wonderful sponsors and our dedicated IGNITE Steering Committee. This year IGNITE implemented some changes after receiving feedback from the previous year. IGNITE sold tickets for chili/chowder samples and tickets for beer, wine and cider. By providing tickets; vendors were able to talk about their chili/chowder and/or business while handing out samples instead of continuously making change. IGNITE had every local brewery and cider maker in Cayuga County at this year’s IGNITE the Winter. IGNITE wanted to focus on an industry that really taking off in Cayuga County. I would like to thank The Good Shepherd’s Brewing Co., Prison City Pub and Brewery, Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing Co., Aurora Ale & Lager Co., Thirsty Pug and Sterling Cidery for all taking part in IGNITE the Winter.

The night started with Woodman Life (an IGNITE the Winter Gold Sponsor) presenting Mike Trapani of Jacobs Press for a community service award. Jacobs Press has been in business for over 100 years and we at IGNITE appreciate Mike and all he does for IGNITE. Jacobs Press was also a sponsor and provided IGNITE with posters and our food tickets. Grateful Dead cover band Fresh Guac kicked off the festivities on the main stage while Perform for Purpose performed inside the Genesee Mall. Progressive rock group A.D.D. was the second act on the main stage and needless to say they kept people shaking and moving as the temperatures dropped. IGNITE wanted to thank the City of Auburn as they showed off Auburn’s new showmobile. A special shout out to Mike Szoda of Sound Playground for providing the blue lighting throughout the event that seemed to add to the ambiance of the event.

Inside the Genesee Mall was the spot this year if you brought the little ones as we had everything from popcorn to face painting. Thank you to Auburn Beautification, Auburn Party Rental, Brad Cole, Cayuga County Sheriff’s Dept., Cayuga Seneca Community Action Agency, East Hill Family Medical, Farmboy Graphics, Fidelis Care, Generations Bank, Girl Scouts, HEAL, Kevin Burke, , Majorpalooza, NY Life Insurance, Perform for Purpose, Right 2 Run 19K, Teddy Mountain, Woodmen Life, Wild for Yogurt and the YMCA for providing FREE & FUN activities at IGNITE the Winter. The Genesee Mall was packed and I can’t tell you how many kids thanked us for the fun activities. Special thanks to The Ice Farm for the interactive ice sculpture and the Minturn family for the horse and carriage rides.

Let’s not forget about the chili/chowder cookoff! This year we had 22 food vendors which was a daunting task for guest judges who were The Citizen Publisher Rob Forcey, Cayuga County Clerk Susan Dwyer, City Councilor Jimmy Giannettino, Mayor Michael Quill and Fingerlakes Radio personality Paul Szmal. These judges had to taste had over 20 different tastings before they came to a final decision. Special thanks to the Auburn Downtown BID for taking care of the judges, tallying the votes and sponsoring the People’s Choice award of which they also counted all the ballots. First place for Best Chili went to the Fargo Bar and Grill, 2nd place went to Majorpalooza and 3rd place went to the Old Erie Restaurant. First place for the Best Soup/Chowder went to the Aurora Inn, 2nd Place went to the Old Erie Restaurant and 3rd place went to Relay for Life. The People’s Choice award went to Tyburn Academy with John Paul II Academy’s vegetarian chili a close second. Special thanks to Stephanie DeVito, Jesse Kline and Matt Weston of the Auburn Downtown BID.

I would also like to thank our sponsors Auburn Downtown BID, Auburn Public Theatre, Woodman Life, Generations Bank, The Citizen, Auburn Party Rental, Hilton Garden Inn, Savannah Bank NA, Auburn Community Hospital, Farmboy Graphics, Contiguglia Law, Jacobs Press, Fingerlakes Music Theatre Festival, Osteria Salina, Fidelis Care, Pinnacle Investments, Salon Mariposa, CNY Fingerprints, Walmart, Jill Fudo-Architect and Chris Rheaume of Edward Jones. Image Agent also provided IGNITE with an interactive map of Exchange St. for patrons to get a better understanding of all the organizations involved. Special thanks to Jeff Weigand, Rich Franklin, Rob Forcey and David Wilcox of The Citizen for all the promotions, articles, advertising and special guest judging. Sponsorship is key to putting on events like this and we would like to thank all of these organizations.

Last but not least I would like to thank the IGNITE Steering Committee:

Andrew Fish
Chistina Cornell
Christina Calarco-Lukins
Colleen Battalino
Gregory Mott
Ian Phillips
James Casasanta
Kierstyn Zaykoski
Matt Weston
Maureen Riester
Michelle Prego-Milewski
Tim Carr

How can we get you and the community more involved in IGNITE? What would you like to see more of? We’d love to hear your ideas on how we can continue to make this group for Young Professionals in Cayuga County a success. Message us on Facebook, email us, or contact Jon Wilcox at [email protected] with your ideas.

Jon Wilcox is chairman of the IGNITE Steering Committee, Business Development Officer/AVP for Savannah Bank and an Auburn resident.
Contact IGNITE by email at [email protected] or find us on our website at www.ignite-cny.org