While Penn State football has been the most visible of the Centre Region's seasonal attractions, the local tourism bureau is promoting the area as a scenic valley full of year-round cultural and recreational opportunities.

During an annual membership dinner last week, James C. Walck, president of the Centre County Lions Country Visitors and Convention Bureau, cited increased bureau membership and increased state funding as evidence of growing tourism in the county.

Bureau Vice President Karen Rugh said the agency has experienced a great deal of success and growth during the past few years, serving a growing clientele.

The bureau distributes visitors' guides and various other literature to groups outside the county to foster interest in the Centre Region. The organization also advertises throughout the state to draw in visitors to the area.

One area the group promotes is the region's outdoor facilities. For those who enjoy outdoor life, Centre County can be an attractive destination. The streams and lakes in the area are noted for spectacular fishing, and have attracted personalities like former President Carter. The area is also a popular draw for hunters.

Currently skiing enthusiasts can use the slopes at Tussey Mountain Ski Area. Tussey provides seven trails and four lifts from early December to late March, according to a brochure of attractions.

Centre Hills Country Club, Elks Country Club and Toftrees Resort are favorite spots for golfers. Other outdoor activities range from glider rides to horseback riding.

The dinner's guest speaker, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Mark S. Singel, said the State College area is a rich tourist area, with football high on his list.

"For my own personal enjoyment, there's nothing finer than football Saturdays at Beaver Stadium," said Singel, a Penn State graduate.

In his discussion of the "America Starts Here" tourism campaign for Pennsylvania, Singel said the state could bolster tourism promotion simply by exposing visitors from other states to Nittany Lion football games.

Penn State football games are part of the many events which occur in State College and the surrounding area which are outlined in the Centre Region event calendar. It showcases a celebrity golf tournament at Toftrees resort, a memorial day celebration in Boalsburg and the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Displaying the works of artists from around the country, the Arts Festival attracts thousands each year to downtown State College.

Also listed as Centre County attractions are performances and art exhibits offered by the University through its theaters and museums.

The Master of Ceremonies for the banquet, Chuck Witmer, emphasized the importance of membership involvement for continued success.

"You're very important to the bureau," Witmer said of the local businesses. "Without your support and your membership, we couldn't do the things we do."