Yates County Bicentennial

2023 Bicentennial Events

Saturday, October 7th

Authentic 1823 Dinner at Elks Club in Penn Yan. Tickets are available at the Yates County History Center, Yates County Chamber of Commerce and Yates County Historian's office for $40 each.

Friday, October 13th

Erie Stories, Keuka Outlet Trail. Tickets will be $10 and will be available at the Yates County Historian's Center. More details coming soon. 

Saturday, November 11th

Veterans Day Celebration. Save the date as more details are coming soon.


A list of Yates County Bicentennial Events


A photo of Yates County Bicentennial with a 200 in the center, celebrating 200 years.

Two hundred years. That’s the equivalent of ten generations that non-indigenous peoples have called Yates County home. Yet over those two hundred years, the population has remained remarkably steady. There were approximately 20,000 people living in Yates County in 1823, at its founding, and there are about 24,000 today.

Certainly there have been thousands of changes in the past two hundred years: transportation, communication, homebuilding, food processing, education and recreation, to name a few. But the same values of hard work, love of nature and friendliness have remained consistent over two centuries. It is a tribute to the hometown atmosphere and the relaxed way of living.

The people of Yates County appear to have taken much from the glorious natural wonders of the land. After all, when you come home to fantastic vistas, shimmering lakes, spectacular hills and no traffic jams, the effects of a “bad day" quickly melt away.

As we embark on this year long celebration of the bicentennial of our county, take time to drink in the beauty of this unique and glorious place called Yates.

Please enjoy this bicentennial video made by Aaron Mumby and Heather Tillman:

For up to date information about Bicentennial events, visit our social media pages!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085040006012


Please visit the Bicentennial exhibits during 2023 in the Yates County office building foyer and at the Yates County History Center at 107 Chapel St, Penn Yan, NY. Souvenirs and the book "Changes and Returns", a history of Yates County, can be purchased at the Historian’s Office or at the Yates County History Center.

A photo of a boat from the 1800s with people on board.