"They say everything happens for a reason. I truly believe that it may be so."
Anna Fales
In 2014, a change in careers led me to ask my last customer, Danelle Dalpra, if there may be any part-time positions at the Italian Fisherman for the summer. Danelle promptly directed me to speak with her father, Dan. I was told someone was needed to sell tickets for the Bemus Bay Pops. One thing led to another and I was soon overseeing guest operations as an assistant to Dan.
I often teased that I had the "best office" in the world and for many reasons quite possibly the best job in the world!
Who could have argued with me! I was enjoying summers on beautiful Chautauqua Lake, meeting wonderful people from all over the United States, Canada and even around the world. Then, of course, I had the "best seat in the house" to not only the most breathtaking summer nights imaginable, but also to some of the greatest entertainment around. Guests would often tell me they have never seen anything so unique in all of their travels and often told me how lucky we were to have such a wonderful venue in our community.
I have to admit before working for the Pops, I had never been to a concert on the floating stage. I still can't believe it when I think back. I realized for myself just how special the Pops was on the evening of a Think Pink Floyd concert in 2016. On that night, I had the good fortune of being able to go onto the roof of the Italian Fisherman. The scenes I witnessed from all sides took my breath away! The streets were a river of people, the side yard was jam-packed and so were all of the nearby restaurants. When I looked out over the lake, the bay shimmered with tiny boat lights like diamonds sprinkled near the floating stage and throughout the bay. That particular evening of music was without a doubt my favorite memory of the Pops and the one memory etched in my mind, forever! It is one of the main reasons I stayed with the Pops for so many years. I soon realized how important this little concert venue was to our entire county, to its economy and to its tourism history!
We were very blessed over the years with many selfless volunteers, a talented pool of staff, many generous sponsors and friends who were instrumental in our success.
Over the years, the Dalpra family became like family to me and to my entire family .. all of whom worked and volunteered for both the Italian Fisherman, the Bemus Bay Pops and eventually the Chautauqua Lake Pops.
I cannot thank the Dalpra family enough for what they have done for my family and our community, at large. I hope the Pops is here to stay!
In closing, I would like to thank everyone who has supported the Bemus Bay Pops through the years and most recently the Chautauqua Lake Pops which celebrated its first official concert season in Mayville NY in 2019. For those of you who have never attended a concert or have considered supporting the Pops organization, please do so. It is a wonderful way to help the community and to keep the music playing on the beautiful Allegheny Health Network Floating Stage.
Anna Fales
Think Pink Floyd presented an unparalleled reproduction of the live Pink Floyd experience when they stepped onto the Bemus Bay Pops floating stage during the summer of 2016 while Anna stood on the roof of the Italian Fisherman taking in the sights and the sounds when the Bemus Bay Pops was located in Bemus Point NY.
That night, the band delivered the music of the classic Pink Floyd concerts of the 70s and the 80s. The national touring act performed the music from all eras and every classic Floyd album. Based out of Philadelphia, members of the quintet call Pennsyvlania and New Jersey home, but travel the United States offering fans the chance to truly experience the music of Pink Floyd .. live in concert complete with a full laser show, stage props and the iconic round video screen while often times playing complete albums.
Be Safe.
Pat Locke
Maestro Muse
