News - BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA

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ASHWABAY ALLIANCE CELEBRATES BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY AND HONORS GARRY SCHALLA'S LEADERSHIP

Community members are invited to enjoy the remainder of the summer season, celebrate Schalla’s retirement, experience the Lake Effect Music Festival, and look ahead to a busy winter at Mt. Ashwabay.

Ashwabay Alliance is inviting residents, visitors, patrons, donors, volunteers, and community partners to take part in the remainder of Big Top Chautauqua’s 40th anniversary season and join the organization in celebrating Executive Director Garry Schalla as he prepares to retire.

Schalla has announced his resignation as Executive Director of Ashwabay Alliance. During his tenure, he has helped guide the continued development of the Alliance as a year-round organization connecting live entertainment, outdoor recreation, education, and community gathering. “Garry has brought tremendous energy, vision, and commitment to the Ashwabay Alliance,” said Ashwabay Alliance Board Chair Keith Kylmala. “We are grateful for his leadership, his belief in the potential of this organization, and the many relationships he has built throughout the community. We look forward to celebrating him throughout the remainder of this milestone season.”

For four decades, Big Top Chautauqua has brought people together for memorable nights of music beneath the canvas tent. This anniversary season celebrates the artists, audiences, volunteers, sponsors, donors, staff members, and neighbors who have made that legacy possible.

With more performances still ahead, the Alliance encourages the community to come up the hill, experience a show, bring friends and family, and help celebrate both Big Top Chautauqua’s 40th anniversary and Schalla’s contributions to the organization.

“Serving the Ashwabay Alliance and this community has been a meaningful chapter in my life,” Schalla said. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I am especially grateful to the staff, volunteers, artists, patrons, donors, sponsors, and community members who bring these places to life. I hope people will join us for the remainder of this special season and continue supporting the Alliance in the years ahead.”
One of the season’s special opportunities to gather will be the Lake Effect Music Festival, offering another chance to experience live music, community, and the distinctive spirit of Mt. Ashwabay.

Community members are encouraged to watch for additional festival information, as well as special local ticket offers during the remainder of the season. These discounts will provide more opportunities for area residents to experience Big Top Chautauqua, invite friends, and participate in the 40th anniversary celebration.
Every ticket purchased, charitable gift made, sponsorship secured, volunteer shift completed, and new guest introduced to Big Top strengthens the organization and helps carry its work forward.

A Busy Winter Ahead at Mt. Ashwabay
As the summer season comes to a close, the energy at Mt. Ashwabay will continue. The Alliance is preparing for a busy winter season filled with alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, youth programs, lessons, races, special events, and opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy time outdoors together.

Mt. Ashwabay remains a place where families gather, young people build confidence, athletes challenge themselves, and community members connect through recreation.

The Alliance is also looking ahead to 2027. During the coming months, Ashwabay Alliance will continue planning, listening, and evaluating opportunities for the future of Big Top Chautauqua. Community members are encouraged to stay connected for opportunities to learn more about plans for 2027, share their perspectives, and support the work required to produce another summer season. “Our community has always been at the heart of Big Top Chautauqua and Mt. Ashwabay,” Kylmala said. “As we celebrate Garry, enjoy the remainder of this historic season, and prepare for winter, we are also looking forward to the conversations, ideas, and support that will help shape what comes next.”
Those who want to support the Ashwabay Alliance can do so by attending performances, participating in the Lake Effect Music Festival, bringing new guests, making a charitable gift, becoming a sponsor, volunteering, purchasing a winter pass, and taking part in programs and events throughout the year.

Ashwabay Alliance will share additional information about opportunities to celebrate Schalla’s retirement, the Lake Effect Music Festival, local ticket offers, winter programming, and plans for the 2027 Big Top Chautauqua season in the months ahead.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

You’re invited to join Garry Schalla and members of the Ashwabay Alliance (Big Top and Mt. Ashwabay staff and boards) for a series of informal gatherings. No speeches. No agenda. Just honest connection.

COMMUNITY COFFEES WITH GARRY:
dates coming soon

Come meet your neighbors, share your story, and be part of shaping our collective future.
These smaller gatherings are a chance to ask questions, learn more about the Ashwabay Alliance, and enjoy coffee, tea, and morning treats.

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