With the summer in full swing, be sure to add the first annual Hudson Summerfest to your list of upcoming activities this season. Head to the beautiful Henry Hudson Waterfront Park on August 19 for a day of fun and philanthropy. Stunning views of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River will serve as the backdrop for a series of performances, with all ticket proceeds benefiting three local non-profit organizations: FarmOn! Foundation, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, and the Hudson Area Library.
Bring your dancing shoes because the festival will feature musical performances from various genres. 60’s style quartet, NRBQ, Too Blue, The Zolla Boys, New England rock band, Matchstick Architects, The Black Mountain Symphony, and the Valley’s own, The Fabulous Versatones, among many others. Then, prepare to be amazed as the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus whirls and twirls through the crowd, performing on stilts, juggling, and interacting with festivalgoers.
Head to the Hudson Area Library tent, where volunteers from Etsy will offer free arts-and-crafts lessons for kids of all ages. The Library will also present readings by authors and illustrators, like Jackie Rogers, Barbara & Victor Mojica, James Preller, Tara Crowl, Elizabeth Zunon, and Esme Shapiro, with books for sale in the tent.
Be sure to come hungry: FarmOn! Foundation will organize a diverse menu of locally sourced fresh food and drinks for purchase. Looking for nibbles? Free food and drink tastings will also be available in and around the festival grounds.
The first annual Hudson Summerfest was initiated to highlight the importance of community together-ness. Based off his love of music and passion for the community coming together, event creator Chad Weckler sought to design an event that combined local business and agriculture, a project that he hopes will unite the Hudson Valley. “Frankly, creating an event has many collaborations that contribute to the process of creating a festival experience, especially one that caters to all ages … It’s great when the community comes together!”
Weckler selected the three non-profits: FarmOn! Foundation, the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, and the Hudson Area Library in hopes that with help from this festival, each non-profit will be able to further inform the public about all the good they do. Making all proceeds go toward local organizations will emphasize the need for community unity, importance for contribution to youth programs, and ultimately the celebration of diversity. By bringing these organizations onto one location and highlighting their contribution to the community, the fun in fundraising will certainly be brought out.
The festival will kick off at 11 a.m. (gates open at 10:30 a.m.), and go until 7 p.m. Tickets proceeds will be tax-deductible donations, with adults 18 or more paying $25, youth 7-17 payinfg $13, and free admission for children 6 and under. Activities will proceed rain or shine.
For more information about the festival participants, musicians, transportation options, and what is allowed into the event, visit the Hudson Summerfest website.
