New Windsor Cantonment
In the Hudson Valley, wherever you go, history happened here. What sets places like the New Windsor Cantonment apart is the direct connection with our past. You can walk on the field where George Washington’s soldiers camped, and their families along with them. We can watch the movies, read the stories or memorize Revolutionary War battle facts, but that can be done anywhere in the world. When General Washington issued ceasefire orders ending the eight-year-long War of Independence, it was at the New Windsor Cantonment.
The New Windsor Cantonment is open for the season from April through October on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., including two special events taking place this spring. On Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Revolutionary War historians reenact the Brigade of the American Revolution. Dressed in period clothing, they perform military drill and battle demonstrations at 2 p.m. on both days.
On Monday, May 27 at 2 p.m., the New Windsor Cantonment presents a Memorial Day program, Honor Our Nation’s Fallen Soldiers. After an 18th-century graveside mourning ceremony, balladeer Linda Russell performs period songs.
The New Windsor Cantonment is located at 374 Temple Hill Road in New Windsor. For more information, call (845) 561-1765 or visit https://nysparks.com.
Pine Bush UFO Fair
Here’s a twist on Hudson Valley history: UFOs! For decades, the relatively high level of unexplained light patterns, ghosts and other supernatural phenomena in Pine Bush have earned the town the reputation of being the UFO capital of the East Coast. Celebrate this extraterrestrial connection at the Pine Bush UFO Fair 2013. This townwide event includes activities such as the “Eye Spy an Alien” scavenger hunt, local authors of books on UFO sightings, a Kids’ Corner, a parade, an “Out of This World” car show, face-painting and much more.
The Pine Bush UFO Fair takes place all day on Saturday, April 27. For more information, call (845) 744-8230 or visit www.ufopinebushfestival.com. Or just look up and see what happens…
Jack Leonard noted, “When you are on the river, ocean or in the woods, you are the closest to the truth you’ll ever get.” Here are some wonderful opportunities to connect with the outdoors:
Trout Derby, free fishing clinics
On Sunday, April 21, the Northern Dutchess Rod & Gun Club hosts its annual Trout Derby. This event is open to the public for all ages, and prizes are awarded to each age group. The pond is stocked, so between the manageable size and the number of fish, this sounds like a nice opportunity to introduce a newcomer to fishing.
Registration begins at 7 a.m., and fishing runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by the awards presentation at 3 p.m. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soda are available for purchase on-site. Admission costs $20 for adults and $5 for children aged 12 years and under. The Northern Dutchess Rod & Gun Club is located at 140 Enterprise Road in Rhinebeck. For more information, call (845) 876-3711 or visit www.ndrgc.com.
