A different celebrity mystery guest is a part of each trip. Passengers could find themselves traveling with Lucy’s personal secretary or her driver, the author of a “Lucy” book, or an actor from one of Lucille Ball’s television series! The tours conclude with a stop at Lake View Cemetery, where Lucille Ball is buried with her family.

All riders will receive a chocolate treat courtesy of The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, producer of the only officially licensed "I Love Lucy" chocolates, and a door prize will be awarded to one lucky traveler on each trip.

Sponsors for Lucy’s Birthday Celebration 2008 are Advertising Advantage, ATR Treehouse, Bank of America, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Community Bank, N.A., Cummins, DFT Communications, Donut Connection, Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation, Eagles Systems, Eric Cohler Design, Falconer Printing & Design, Fenton Photography, Garden of Eden, Habiterra Architects, Hanson Sign Companies, Hope’s Windows, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Mattress Co., Jamestown Savings Bank, Lake County Chrysler Dodge & Kia, Lakeview Computer, Ludwig Auction & Realty Co., M & T Bank, Pembroke Pines Media Group, Quality Markets, Rhoe B. Henderson Insurance Agency, Roberto’s Restaurant, Shults Auto Group, Summer Wind, WBFO and Welch’s. Prizes are provided by Aliz International, All-U, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Vandor.

Seating for Lucytown Tours is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. For tickets and information on all 40+ festival events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop (300 North Main Street), the Lucy-Desi Museum (212 Pine Street), and the Desilu Playhouse (2 W. Third Street) in downtown Jamestown, New York, are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Giftwear manufacturer All-U is providing over $500 in door prizes for the event sponsored by Quality Markets. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Village of Celoron’s Desi Arnaz Band Shell that was dedicated in the spring of 2007.

For more information or to order tickets for Festival events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown -- are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

The 40+ events festival weekend will also be the last opportunity to visit the original Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street that opened in May, 1996. Highlights of its current exhibit, “Lucy & Desi: Memories & Mementos,” include the first of four Emmy Awards Lucille Ball received, her ostrich feather-trimmed black peignoir, and original photos taken during Desi’s 1976 appearance on the first season of Saturday Night Live. After the festival, the permanent exhibits in the original Museum will be moved into one gallery at the new location.

The new Museum will be open to the public for an admission fee at 2 pm Friday afternoon, August 1. Festival visitors can purchase a pass that will admit them to all three facilities – the original Lucy-Desi Museum, the new Lucy-Desi Museum, and the Desilu Playhouse – throughout the entire weekend. Separate admissions are available for each of the facilities, with a special festival rate for the new Museum during the festival weekend. Admission to the two Lucy-Desi Museums is free to members, and Desilu Playhouse admission is discounted for Museum members.

For more information about all the Lucy’s Birthday Celebration events and how to become a Lucy-Desi Museum Member, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

But it’s not just Ruta Lee’s long-time charitable connection with The Queen of Comedy that brings her to Jamestown, New York, for Lucille Ball’s Birthday Celebration, August 1-3: it’s her appearances on The Lucy Show and Lucy Moves to NBC.

Lee’s extensive acting credentials include numerous movies (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Witness for the Prosecution, Anything Goes) and television appearances on series including The Andy Griffith Show, The Flying Nun, Mork & Mindy, Love Boat, Vega$, Murder She Wrote, and Roseanne.

On Saturday evening, August 2, in the Reg Lenna Civic Center in downtown Jamestown, the audience will hear Ruta Lee’s memories of working with The Queen of Comedy, be able to pose questions to her, and enjoy a screening of her appearance in The Lucy Show episode, “Lucy’s Substitute Secretary.” The 8 pm event is sponsored by Advertising Advantage and Eagle Systems.

Immediately following “I Remember Lucy: An Evening with Ruta Lee,” a limited admission gala reception will take place, giving fans an opportunity to meet Ms. Lee while enjoying live music and refreshments.

For more information and tickets to the theatre event and gala, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or order online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

In addition to the artwork, the auction will offer over 100 vintage Lucy-Desi memorabilia items, plus special one-of-a-kind collectibles, including memorabilia from the Estate of Vivian Vance.

The auction is sponsored and conducted by Ludwig Auction & Realty Co. and will be held at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, 116 E. Third Street in downtown Jamestown. The preview for ticket holders opens at 12:30 pm, with the bidding beginning at 1:37 pm.

Another opportunity for both collectors and just the curious throughout the weekend is the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Collectors’ Show. Hours for the show at 217 N. Main Street are 10 am-4 pm Friday, 9 am-5 pm Saturday, and 10 am-4 pm Sunday. Among the vintage and out-of-production offerings will be movie posters, collector plates, dolls, comic books, magazines, and more. Admission to the Collectors’ Show is free.

For more information or to order tickets for Festival events, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or order online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

At the festival’s opening ceremonies at Jamestown’s City Hall Plaza on Friday, “Lucy” and “Ethel” will help distribute free punch and cake as part of Lucy’s Birthday Cake Bake-Off. The comic duo will be available for professional photos at the Photo Op at the Lucy-Desi Collectors’ Show, 217 N. Main Street, from 2-3 pm Friday and Saturday and “Ethel” will pose 11 am-noon on Sunday.

For more information on these and all the 40+ events during Lucy-Desi Days, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

The menu for the luncheon has been inspired by the popular “L.A. At Last” episode featuring William Holden in the Brown Derby.

Immediately following the program, Allan Glaser will be available to sign copies of The Official "I Love Lucy" Paper Dolls. The book’s artwork is by well-known Lucy artist Rick Carl. Some of Carl’s original art is part of the “Visions of Lucy” exhibit at Roberto’s Restaurant at 20 W. Third Street in downtown Jamestown. These pieces will be included in the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Auction on Saturday, August 2, during the festival. More information about the art auction is on-line under Festival Info at lucy-desi.com.

For tickets and more information, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or order online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

An actress and singer, Vance had a varied stage career before she defined the role of “second banana” on television. She was nominated for four Emmy Awards and was the first winner of the award in the Best Supporting Actress category. Following “I Love Lucy”, Vance was part of the cast in The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour and The Lucy Show. She later made appearances in a number of television programs, as well as playing Maxine, who dispensed Maxwell House coffee in a series of television commercials.

On Sunday afternoon Graham and “Ethel” (actress and “Ethel” impressionist Rhonda Medina) will host “Ethel’s Showboat Cruise” aboard The Summer Wind on Lake Chautauqua -- the same lake Lucy Ricardo talked about on “I Love Lucy”. Boarding for the 1:30 departure is at Lucille Ball Memorial Park in the village of Celoron, where Lucille Ball lived as a young girl.

For tickets to these events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

Beginning at noon on Saturday, young Jamestown area musicians from the Infinity Performing Arts Project will salute the Queen of Comedy with outdoor performances.

Vintage foreign trading cards, movie posters, collector plates, dolls, comic books, magazines, and more will be on display and for sale at the Collectors’ Show at 217 N. Main Street. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm on Friday and Sunday, and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

There will be no charge for Lucy’s Mystery Theatre at the Reg Studio Theatre, 108 E. Third Street. Hours for these constantly changing screenings of Lucille Ball’s television appearances are Friday: Noon-7pm, Saturday: 10 am-7pm, and Sunday: 10am-6 pm.

Each afternoon will be the finalist competition for a different contest inspired by classic “I Love Lucy” episodes. Friday will feature Lucy’s Goofy Golfing Contest at 4:30 pm, Saturday will be the Candy Factory Antics Contest at 4 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm will be the finals for the Egg Stuffing Contest. Competition finals will be at Potters Terrace, on 3rd Street between Main and Potters Alley. Registration for participation is 9 am-2 pm each day at the Information Booth outside the Reg Lenna Civic Center at 116 E. 3rd Street.

Another prize-winning opportunity is the challenge to find pictures of 25 “I Love Lucy” comic books that have been hidden in downtown shops and restaurants. Entry forms for the Downtown Jamestown Loves Lucy Scavenger Hunt can be picked up at any of the three Lucy-Desi locations. Winners of prizes courtesy of the San Francisco Music Box Company will be announced in the fall.

Weather permitting, Friday and Saturday from 9:45-11 pm “Lucy Under the Stars” will be on the oversized outdoor movie screen on the corner of Third and Pine Streets. Viewers are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. Adding to the fun, popcorn and soft drinks will be available to purchase.

For more information on these and other festival events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third in downtown Jamestown are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays, with extended hours during the festival weekend.

While not all of the expanded Museum’s eight galleries will be complete, the festival weekend will be the first time the public gets a sneak peek at this new tribute to The First Couple of Comedy. Located at 10 West Third Street, it is next door to the Desilu Playhouse, Jamestown’s “I Love Lucy” museum.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy the original Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street that opened in May, 1996. Highlights of its current exhibit, “Lucy & Desi: Memories & Mementos,” include the first of four Emmy Awards Lucille Ball received, her ostrich feather-trimmed black peignoir, and original photos taken during Desi’s 1976 appearance on the first season of Saturday Night Live.

After the 40+ events festival weekend, the permanent exhibits in the original Museum will be relocated into one gallery of the new space.

For more information about getting your picture taken in Lucy’s Mercedes and all the other Lucy’s Birthday Celebration events, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Bobseine comes by his love of flying naturally, as his father is also a pilot. His dream is to create his own business around his passion, eventually opening a flight school and offering transportation services in helicopters and light jets. His determination and overcoming of obstacles were the traits that led to his selection as the winner of the Lucille Ball Scholarship.

In keeping with the character of its namesake, the scholarship is to assist a Jamestown Community College student pursuing an Associates Degree in performing arts or business, with special consideration given to students who show exceptional drive and determination and/or who have overcome unusual challenges.

Fifteen-year-old Lucille Ball was sent home from drama school in New York City with a message to her mother that she had no talent. It was through persistence and hard work that she came to receive international accolades as The Queen of Comedy. Her business acumen as the first woman to head a major studio, Desilu Productions – the largest production studio in Hollywood at the time – led her to personally champion the creation of Star Trek and Mission Impossible.

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz originally announced their creation of a scholarship at Jamestown Community College when they visited Jamestown in 1956 for the world premiere of their MGM film, Forever, Darling. The scholarship continued until Desilu Studios was sold to Gulf & Western in 1967.

In reflecting on his award, Bobseine noted, “I am immensely thankful to be selected for this award. I understand we must never forget the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. I could not agree more with Lucille’s philosophy that persistence and determination are the keys to succeeding.”

This spring, ten initial funders from across the country each provided $1,000 to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (CRCF) to launch the endowment for the Lucille Ball Scholarship. They are Ford and Jane Blaney, Wanda Clark, Chris and Tricia Olsen, William Peck, Melody Thomas Scott, Todd and Alexis Singleton, Ken Souza, William and Barbara Stubbs, Darrell Vail, and Lou Weiss. William Peck made an additional contribution so that the first scholarship could be awarded this year.

Randy Sweeney, Executive Director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, commented, “The Community Foundation has had the opportunity to help support a number of the activities of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center since its start several years ago. We are thrilled to continue this relationship with the administration of the Lucille Ball Scholarship Fund, which will award a student from Jamestown Community College. We are delighted that Gallager Bobseine has been selected as the first recipient, as he certainly depicts the characteristics of hard work, drive and a CAN DO spirit.”

Online gifts to the Lucille Ball Scholarship Fund can be made through CRCF’s website at http://www.crcfonline.org/DonateNow/tabid/332/txtSearch/lball/List/1/Default.aspx.

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Gift Shop, 300 N. Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or online at www.lucy-desi.com. Hours for the Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

For “Trekkies,” Ruskin can be expected to throw in some recollections of his appearances in four Star Trek series and a Star Trek: The Next Generation feature film. He is one of only three actors to appear in both the original Star Trek series and Star Trek: Enterprise.

Sponsored by Jamestown Mattress Company, this 10:30 a.m. event will be in downtown Jamestown’s Reg Lenna Civic Center.

For tickets and more information, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or order online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Later Friday morning, a Lucy-Desi Musical Revue by Jamestown Suzuki Strings & Friends will open festivities that include a mayoral proclamation and Lucy’s Birthday Cake Bake-Off – with cake and punch for everyone!

At the Tropicana Luncheon on Friday afternoon, Allan Glaser, author of The Official “I Love Lucy” Paper Dolls, will offer a salute to Elois Jenssen, one of Lucy’s favorite costume designers. Glaser will also autograph books throughout the weekend. Universal Studios’ “Lucy” (Diane Vincent) and her sidekick “Ethel” (Rhonda Medina) will host special “I Love Lucy” reenactment dinners Friday and Saturday evenings in the Tropicana Room above the Desilu Playhouse.

Friday evening the “I Love Lucy” Trivia Contest with “Lucy” and “Ethel” will be followed by a performance by Jamestown’s own comedy improv troupe, The Unexpected Guests, with a stand-up opening by John Schillner.

At Saturday morning’s Lucy Legend Event in the new Lucy-Desi Museum, participants will have their pictures taken in Lucy’s Mercedes-Benz with her long-time chauffeur, Frank Gorey.

Later Saturday morning legendary character actor Joe Ruskin will remember The Queen of Comedy from his appearances in both The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy. For “Trekkies,” he can be expected to throw in some recollections of his appearance in four Star Trek series and a Star Trek: The Next Generation feature film.

Among the treasures in Saturday afternoon’s Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Auction will be the “Visions of Lucy” original art now on exhibit at Roberto’s Restaurant, 20 W. Third Street, in downtown Jamestown. Collectors will also enjoy the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Collector’s Show, on-going throughout the weekend.

Screenings are a fun part of every Lucy-Desi festival, and this Birthday Celebration is no exception. Friday and Saturday afternoons will be highlighted by The Lucy Show and Life With Lucy film fests on the large screen in the Reg Lenna Civic Center. “Lucy Under the Stars” -- free outdoor movies -- will be shown Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting.

Sunday will commemorate Vivian Vance, the wonderful woman best known as “Ethel Mertz.” A morning tribute will be hosted by Vivian’s sister, Lou Ann Graham, and We Love Lucy Fan Club president Tom Watson. Sunday afternoon Ms. Graham and “Ethel” (actress Rhonda Medina) will welcome guests aboard The Summer Wind for “Ethel’s Showboat Cruise” on Lake Chautauqua. On Friday and Saturday afternoons, Ms. Graham, an accomplished actress herself, will teach comedy improv workshops.

A picnic lunch will be on the menu Sunday when the village of Celoron hosts the Lucy-Desi Fan Reunion. Special guest Wanda Clark, Lucille Ball’s long-time secretary, will share never-before-seen family scrapbook pictures.

On nine occasions during the weekend a different festival celebrity will host Lucytown Tours, when riders will enjoy a guided tour of area locations important to Lucille Ball, culminating with a stop at the cemetery where she is buried.

Live music from Infinity Performing Arts Project and three contests – Lucy’s Goofy Golfing, Candy Factory Antics, and Egg Stuffing – will be just some of the free street activities throughout the weekend. The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation (DJDC) will sponsor the Taste of Jamestown on Friday, with restaurants outdoors, featuring some of their signature menu items. On Saturday and Sunday, DJDC will bring craft vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities and more!

Weekend Guest Pass holders can visit the original Lucy-Desi Museum, the new Lucy-Desi Museum, and the Desilu Playhouse as often as they like. Admission to both Lucy-Desi Museums is free to Museum members.

Many Lucy’s Birthday Celebration events are free and others have limited admission. For a festival flyer or to place orders for ticketed events, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or order online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

“This learning-filled, laughter-fueled conference is designed to be positively productive for organizations, personally enriching, and professionally practical,” comments Dr. Joel Goodman, founder and Director of The HUMOR Project, which will celebrate its 31st anniversary at the conference. Goodman goes on to say, “In this challenge-filled world, we need humor, hope, healing, and creativity more than ever to survive and thrive. This conference is a great way to celebrate humor and to help people get more smileage out of their lives and jobs.”

The HUMOR Project has provided grants to more than 450 schools, hospitals, and non-profit organizations in the past. Recipients have used their funding to establish Humor Rooms and Comedy Carts in hospitals, develop a Geriantics program in a nursing home, publish a booklet on using humor in parenting special needs children, establish a Comedy Corps to telephone a joke-of-the-day for homebound elderly, provide humor resources for a shelter for the homeless, and much more.

According to Ms. Price, “I am excited to be participating in this conference, and to represent our Center at the most recent Legacy of Laughter presentation. The opportunities offered at the conference are sure to benefit our Education and Outreach Department as we continue our initiative to enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter.”

For more information on the HUMOR Project and the conference, call 518-587-8770 or visit www.HumorProject.com. For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center’s Education and Outreach, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN), ext. 211, or visit www.lucy-desi.com.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ret Turner has designed for a virtual list of Hollywood Who’s Who. In addition to his often Emmy-nominated contributions to such shows and specials as Mama’s Family, The Carol Burnett Show: A Reunion, Dolly, Donny & Marie, and The Sonny & Cher Show, his work was also a part of the groundbreaking pilot for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. Later, Turner created for the Kennedy Center’s 25th Anniversary and the 51st Emmy Awards in 1999. In 2002 the Costume Designer Guild made a special award to him for Career Achievement in Television.

Lucille Ball asked Turner to create a gown for her appearance with Bob Hope at the 1989 Academy Awards. From six sketches he presented, Lucy selected a high-necked, long-sleeved black dress covered with bugle beads, gold sequins and imitation diamonds. Turner was present at the Oscars that evening and, just before going on stage, Lucille handed him her purse. Lucy walked on stage to a standing ovation so heartfelt and prolonged that she was stunned and teary. This was to be her last public appearance; she passed away a few weeks later.

“What an honor it is,” observed the Center’s Ric Wyman, “that a designer of Ret’s stature and fame would share his talents with us. We are very grateful for his tremendous show of support!”

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit www.lucy-desi.com. Hours for the Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine in downtown Jamestown, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd Street, and the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop at 300 N. Main Street are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Lynn noted, “We are very pleased that so many previous donors, individuals, board members, governmental organizations, and employees of the organization have had the foresight, determination, and tenacity to complete this project. It certainly creates a wholesome family atmosphere and helps put Jamestown on the world map.”

He continued, “We wish to thank the community for not only supporting our work with the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center but our many other business development projects and our efforts at the Gateway Center to improve the quality of life in the Greater Jamestown Area.”

Lucy-Desi Center board president Charles Edward Fagan expressed his appreciation for the Lynns’ gift. “On behalf of the board and staff of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center as well as Lucy-Desi fans around the world, I want to thank Gary and Helen Lynn not only for the wonderful donation of their building, but for all the support they have given the Center over the years. We would not be where we are today without them!”

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit www.lucy-desi.com. Hours for the Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine in downtown Jamestown, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd Street, and the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop at 300 N. Main Street are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

On-going throughout the weekend will be “Visions of Lucy,” artists’ original creations on display at Roberto’s Restaurant, 20 W. 3rd Street. The James Prendergast Library has a unique exhibit of First Couple of Comedy television and radio studio audience tickets from the private collection of Joel Tator.

Vintage foreign trading cards, movie posters, collector plates, dolls, comic books, magazines, and more will be on display and for sale at the Collectors’ Show at 217 N. Main Street. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm on Friday and Sunday, and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

There will be no charge for Lucy’s Mystery Theatre at the Reg Studio Theatre, 108 E. Third Street. Hours for these constantly changing screenings of Lucille Ball’s television appearances are Friday: Noon-7pm, Saturday: 10 am-7pm, and Sunday: 10am-6 pm.

Each afternoon will be the finalist competition for a different contest inspired by classic “I Love Lucy” episodes. Friday will feature a Snail Snacking Contest at 4 pm, Saturday will be the Brown Derby Dining Contest at 4 pm, and Sunday at 3:15 will be Aunt Martha’s Old Fashioned Salad Dressing Relay Race. Competition finals will be at Potters Terrace, on 3rd Street between Main and Potters Alley. Registration for participation is 9 am-2 pm each day at the Information Booth outside the Reg Lenna Civic Center at 116 E. 3rd Street.

Weather permitting, Friday and Saturday from 9:45-11 pm “Lucy Under the Stars” will be on the oversized outdoor movie screen on the corner of Third and Pine Streets. Viewers are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. Adding to the fun, popcorn and soft drinks will be available to purchase.

For more information on these and other festival events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd in downtown Jamestown are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays, with extended hours during the festival weekend.

With visitors so far coming from 19 states, two Canadian provinces and Tasmania, planning for the May 23-25 festival is in its final stages. Some of the 40+ festival opportunities are already available in downtown Jamestown. These include the Visions of Lucy art on display at Roberto’s Restaurant and the Lucy-Desi Studio Audience Ticket exhibit at the James Prendergast Library.

Folks are preparing their costumes for Sunday night’s Lucy-Desi Fans Talent Show & Costume Party hosted by Melody Thomas Scott. Audience members in costume will be invited to join the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center founding board member and star (“Nikki”) of The Young and The Restless on stage. Talent show participants will also be on stage; no previous “talent” is required – and several surprises are guaranteed!

Wilmer Valderrama, “Fez” of That ‘70s Show, is getting ready for his Saturday night Tribute to Desi Arnaz. The evening will feature clips of his and Desi’s work. Wilmer’s and Melody’s events will both be at 8 pm in the Reg Lenna Civic Center in downtown Jamestown.

For details on these and all the 40+ Lucy-Desi Days 2008 happenings, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd in downtown Jamestown are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, producer of the only officially licensed "I Love Lucy" chocolates, is providing samples for each of the nine Lucytown Tours throughout the weekend. Inspired by the famous “Job Switching” episode, Lucy and Ethel -- in their candy factory attire -- appear on the box lids and wrappers of this entire line of deluxe chocolates. One winner on each trip will receive a numbered edition figurine inspired by the famous candy factory episode.

There will also be opportunities to win prizes at several events during Lucy-Desi Days. Prizes for Sunday morning’s “I Love Lucy” Trivia Contest are from Vandor, the giftware company that has licensed hundreds of “I Love Lucy” products for more than a decade. All-U Activewear will provide door prizes for Sunday afternoon’s Lucy-Desi Fan Reunion & Picnic. Prizes for the Lucy-Desi Fans Talent Show & Costume Contest, hosted Sunday night by Melody Thomas Scott of The Young and The Restless, are courtesy of The Franklin Mint.

Sponsors for Lucy-Desi Days 2008 are Advertising Advantage, Bank of America, ADKO, B & B Catering, Community Bank, N.A., Iconography, Donut Connection, Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation, Eric Cohler Design, Falconer Printing & Design, Fenton Photography, Garden of Eden, Habiterra Architects & Landscape Architects, Hanson Sign Companies, Jamestown Mattress Co., John S. Trussalo CPA, Josie Caprino’s Chocolate Fountains & Desserts, Lake County Chrysler, Dodge & Kia, Lakeview Computer, Ludwig Auction & Realty Co., Management Strategies, Rhoe B. Henderson Insurance Agency, Roberto’s Restaurant, Shults Auto Group, Summer Wind, Taco Hut, Wegmans, and Welch’s.

Seating for Lucytown Tours is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. For tickets and information on all 40+ festival events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop (300 North Main Street), the Lucy-Desi Museum (212 Pine Street), and the Desilu Playhouse (2 W. Third Street) in downtown Jamestown, New York, are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Probably of greatest interest to Lucy historians will be a small orange ticket dated October 19, 1951. This particular ticket provided admittance to a memorable first season episode of “I Love Lucy” that found Lucy Ricardo so preoccupied with horoscopes and numerology that she hosts a séance—with Ethel Mertz playing the part of Madame Mertzola.

The James Prendergast Library is located at 509 Cherry Street. Hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10 am-8:30 pm; Wednesdays, 10 am-5 pm; and Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public through May 31.

Another opportunity is the challenge to find pictures of 25 “I Love Lucy” comic books that have been hidden in downtown shops and restaurants. Businesses participating in the Downtown Loves Lucy Scavenger Hunt include The Bag Babe, Benson’s Ladies Apparel, Bro Laines Bridal, Carlson’s Jewelry Smithing/Weeping Willow Gifts, Charm Salon, Craft World, Dave’s Pizza, Donut Connection, Dorian’s Plus, Esquire Cleaners, Frame & Glass Shoppe, Geer-Dunn Office Furniture and Supplies, Golden Griddle, Jake’s Uptown Grille, Jamestown Dance Supply, Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, Kwik Solutions, Lisciandro’s Restaurant, Oriental Star Chinese Buffet, The Pub, Roberto’s Restaurant, Suburban Blend, Subzone, Taco Hut, and Tim Horton’s.

The public is invited to pick up a Scavenger Hunt entry form at the Lucy-Desi Museum (212 Pine Street), Lucy-Desi Gift Shop (300 N. Main Street), or Desilu Playhouse (2 W.3rd Street) and match the 25 photos shown with the businesses where they have been hidden. The contest ends October 31 when winners will be drawn from all of the correct entries. Over $500 in “I Love Lucy” merchandise will be awarded as prizes, courtesy of the San Francisco Music Box Company. Winners will be announced on the Lucy-Desi Center website (www.lucy-desi.com) no later than November 15, 2008.

Hours for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center attractions are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. For information about Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 23-25, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com.

On Saturday (May 24), multiple award-winning Squeeze, the Clown (aka Sue Marranconi of Meadville, PA) will lead two sessions of Clowning 101. These classes will cover the different types of clowns, their origins, costuming and behaviors as well as discussion of comedy movement and what creates laughter.

One of the top ten clowns in the Clowns of America International competition, Squeeze has won silver and bronze medals at the World Clown Association and placed first for three consecutive years at the Mid Atlantic Clown Association.

Sunday (May 25) will find Squeeze instructing Ballooning 101. Of this class, she notes that it “will cover everything you need to start twisting your way to some fabulous creations. You'll get a ‘BANG out of it for sure; after all it's ‘POP’ art!”

A limited number of tickets are available for these workshops. For a Festival booklet or to order tickets, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

While Wilmer was born in Miami, his family moved to Venezuela, his father’s native country, when he was three years old. When he was 13, they moved to Los Angeles. He learned English with the help of television shows like “I Love Lucy”.

Wilmer began taking drama classes in high school and was soon appearing professionally. From 1998-2006, he played Fez on That ‘70s Show; he was a junior in high school when the pilot episode was filmed. Since 2006, he has produced and hosted the MTV series Yo Momma. He recently launched his own men’s fashion label, Calavena.

Wilmer voiced Rodrigo in Clifford’s Really Big Movie, and voices the main character, Manny, in the Disney Channel’s Handy Manny series for preschoolers. His other film credits include Summer Catch, Party Monster, Beauty Shop, The Darwin Awards, Unaccompanied Minors, El Muerto, The Condor, Save the Date, and ChiPS that will be released in 2009. Other big screen film projects Wilmer is currently starring in include Days of Wrath and Columbus Day, both of which are slated for release later this year.

Wilmer’s appearance in Jamestown headlines more than 40 events during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 23-25.

For a Festival booklet and to order tickets, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.