ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – For almost 20 years, Ithaca has celebrated teachers during their winter break.

Ithaca Loves Teachers champions the work of educators and provides a boost in tourism. A plethora of special events and discounts from local businesses, including dining and lodging, are available to any public or private school teacher, employee, or staff member.

“Our community is founded on education, and it is only fitting that we celebrate this foundation and the people who educate our future leaders, innovators, and nurturers,” said Peggy Coleman, Vice President of Tourism and Director of Visit Ithaca. “We are excited to welcome educators back to Tompkins County in a meaningful way. Theirs is an important and difficult job and I am grateful for their work.”

Last year, the two-week event generated more than $200,000 in economic impact for Tompkins County and attracted more than 2,000 educators and their families. More than 2,300 event-specific deals were redeemed over the course of the event.

“As any retailer, restaurateur, or lodging establishment can tell you-the couple of months immediately following the holiday season are often the most difficult,” said Tompkins Chamber President Jennifer Tavares. “Ithaca Loves Teachers presents, teachers, and their friends and family with a reason to come to our community-or even to get out and enjoy community offerings, if they’re local or regional-and have fun while investing some of their money here.”

The event is additionally open to teachers’ union retirees, homeschool teachers, and childcare workers. Register now. To redeem deals, and upon checking-in to accommodations, be prepared to show your school ID badge or equivalent, or proof of employment in education/teachers’ union retiree status. Visit Ithaca staff will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday during the event at the Downtown Visitors Center, located inside the Tompkins Center for History and Culture at 110 North Tioga Street.

Ithaca Loves Teachers runs from February 16th through the 28th.

Photo courtesy of Visit Ithaca