ROCHESTER EXPLODES IN COLOR, MUSIC AND GREENS!

April 24, 2008, Rochester, NY--Rochester, New York, home to the largest collection of lilacs in the world, a renowned musical city and a historic golf
Mecca, will be hosting visitors from throughout North American and around the world this May and June as Rochester kicks-off its full season of special
events.  May and June events include:

The Lilac Festival, May 9-18 will celebrate the blossoming of the famed Highland Park lilac collection-the largest in the world.  There will be ten full
days of entertainment, a parade, arts show, food and tours of the parks historic 22-acre of lilacs.  Over 1,200 bushes bloom each May in colors ranging from the deepest purple to the creamiest of whites.   Horticultural staff who lovingly tend the lilacs throughout the year expect the collection to be at its peak over the festival dates.   Admission to Highland Park and the lilac collection is FREE as is much of the daily ntertainment.  Parking is available on site, but shuttle service is recommended as a way to more fully enjoy the events.    Details about this year's Lilac Festival are available at www.lilacfestival.com

The 7th Annual Rochester International Jazz Festival, June 13-21, has gained
attention from global audiences as performers and visitors come from around
the world.   The festival offers nearly 200 individual performances by over 600
musical artists at a wide range of locations located throughout downtown
Rochester.   The atmosphere created by the range of events and audiences
brings an eclectic and electric feeling to the entire community.  Long
renowned for its musical depth, Rochester provides year-round musical
opportunities for residents and visitors.  The Eastman School of Music (named
the "Hottest music school in the country" by Newsweek in 2007) and many
unique musical venues open during the festival, enthusiastically hosting
audiences who might otherwise seldom pass through their doors.   This year,
downtown churches are expected to provide some of the more non-
traditional, but popular music venues.  Admission to the RIJF is available in a
variety of ticketing packages and passes.  Details available at
www.rochesterjazz.com.

The Senior PGA Championship, May 19-25th, and the Wegmans Rochester
LPGA, June 16-22 will welcome and showcase some of the nation's top golf
legends and women golfers.  Spectators are expected from throughout the
United States and Canada.   The tournaments add to Rochester's deep golf
heritage.  In addition to the private Oak Hill and Locust Hill courses hosting
the tournaments respectively, the Rochester area offers over 50 public and
semi-private courses available for individual and tournament play.  Full details
on the golf tournaments can be found at www.seniorpga2008.com and
www.rochesterlpga.com.

Visitor and travel information about Rochester is easily available at
www.visitrochester.com or by calling 1 800 677-7282.

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