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Rochester Tourism

A New Look at Rochester

Four museum expansions, three one-time or major events, two openings and a National Landmark renovation mark 2006 in Rochester

Rochester N.Y.- Visitors who chose to return to Rochester for a vacation getaway can anticipate seeing a slew of new features along with traditional favorites. First-time visitors can expect the need to return in order to catch all of the attractions Rochester has to offer. Four museums are expanding including Strong Museum, Rochester Museum and Science Center, Artisan Works and the Seneca Park Zoo. Three major events will take place in Rochester this summer: The Drum and Bugle Corps will perform on Labor Day weekend, the Rochester International Jazz Fest will go on in June and the Empire State Games will take place in July. Also, the Susan B. Anthony House will begin renovations of Anthony's house in March.

The Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC) has a new permanent exhibit called Expedition Earth and also boasts a new expansion: the Riedman Gallery. Expedition Earth: Glaciers and Giants is the first phase of a major new natural science exhibit that offers 20 hands-on experiences to explore millions of years of changes in the local region's environment. This is the first piece of a multi-year project showcasing some of the museum's most dramatic objects such as recreations of the local habitat and glaciers. There is also a large-scale fully reconstructed mastodon skeleton similar to the one unearthed right here in New York. In April, RMSC will open Riedman Gallery, a hands-on exhibit that allows first-hand discovery of "how things work." Visitors can find out how light switches, thermostats, combination locks, and traffic signals work.

Every Rochester getaway should include Artisan Works, a place where anyone, artist or not, can immerse themselves in seemingly endless corridors of paintings, three-dimensional art, photography, kinetic art and more. While there, visitors can watch artists create original work in on of the 15 art studios housed in the building. This September, visitors can see an expanded gallery including a stage and cabaret-style theatre with the capacity to seat 200-300 people. Guests can stroll into a recreation of one of the first Juke Joints, complete with a bar (during events), a coat check and a second floor filled with art.

In September, the Drum and Bugle Corps championship will be in Rochester for the 42nd Annual Drum Corps Associates World Championships. The corps includes over 3,000 musicians and dancers representing 50 groups from throughout North America. Performances will include soloists, ensemble groups, and colorful football field-sized productions featuring brass players and percussionists of all ages.

Along with all of these new features to visit in Rochester comes the return of favorite festivals, the abundance of historical sites, the great waterways of Rochester and much more. The 108th annual Lilac Festival will be May 12-21, the International Jazz Festival June 9-17, the Park Ave Summer Fest August 5-6, the Xerox Classic August 7-13, the Clothesline Festival September 9-10 and the High Falls Film Festival will take place November 8-13.

NOTE TO EDITORS/FREELANCERS: If you would like to visit Rochester on a media trip or would like to send a writer to Rochester, GRVA would be happy to host you. Please contact either Patti Donoghue, director of public relations at 585-279-8315 or pattid@visitrochester.com or, Carrie Williams, public relations coordinator (info at top).

For lodging and package deals visit the "special offers" section of www.visitrochester.com. Please visit www.visitrochester.com or call 1-800-677-7282 for more information on events in Rochester including a quick guide to major festivals and events and the latest Visit Rochester Guide.

The GRVA is the leading resource to market the Greater Rochester community as the first choice for living, working, learning and enjoying life - for ourselves and others who wish to join us for a weekend or a lifetime.