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ImageThanks to increased numbers of local participants, day trippers and overnight visitors, attendance at Ithaca's Winter Recess teachers festival almost doubled in 2008. A total of 2,527 teachers and family members registered for the '08 event, shattering the mark of 1,304 participants who attended the inaugural event last year.

Overall attendance rose 94 percent from 2007, with overnight bookings growing by 68 percent. Visitors came from as far as California to attend the weeklong event, which remains the nation's only community-wide festival celebrating classroom teachers.

Winter Recess honors preK-12 educators and district employees with special events throughout town and discount deals at dozens of area businesses. The 2008 calendar included 83 events, with activities and deals at 140 Ithaca-area locations.

"Winter Recess was a homerun this year," said Fred Bonn, director of the Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau, the event coordinator. "We're thrilled at the response from teachers, the incredible support from local businesses and the positive impact this had on the overall community. This event really celebrates what the Ithaca-area is all about. And at the same time, it benefits the economy by building year-round demand for tourism. It's a winner on every level."

Dates for Winter Recess 2009 are Feb. 13-22.

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