Ithaca, N.Y. – Organizers anticipate 5,000 teachers and family members to attend Winter Recess 2012, Ithaca’s one-of-a kind festival for public school teachers and district employees.

Scheduled Feb. 17-26, 2012, Winter Recess coincides with the Presidents Week school break and offers a community-wide calendar of special events, retail incentives, dining promotions and lodging deals just for educators.

“This event celebrates educators, thanks them for all their hard work and showcases the Ithaca community,” said Fred Bonn, director of the Ithaca/Tompkins CVB, the event coordinator. “It’s a case where doing ‘right’ and doing ‘well’ go hand in hand.”

More than 200 local businesses are involved this year, offering events, entertainment, parties and discounts for teachers and their families. The calendar includes more than 50 events, all of which are free or discounted to educators.

Winter Recess is open to public school teachers, school employees, district employees and their families. Registration is free. For information visit www.IthacaLovesTeachers.com , or contact the Ithaca Visitors Bureau at (800)284-8422, info@VisitIthaca.com.