Billed as an “appreciation walk and ride” for the American flag, hundreds converged on New Paltz yesterday bedecked with Old Glory. They were met by perhaps two score of protesters, resulting in a thunderous shouting match across Main Street for several minutes.
Joey Garcia decided to organize this event because he has a love and appreciation for the American flag and his country. “To me it represents many things — freedom, compassion, strength and pride to name a few,” said the organizer. “But lately, our flag has been under attack.”
In just a few weeks’ time, the annual New Paltz Halloween parade will transform this community into a destination for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people. However, an aspect of that tradition which is very important to the youngest participants — full-size Hershey’s bars, handed out to every child who looks to be under 13 years of age — may not be able to continue, and organizers are looking to community members for help.
Willie Yee has gotten praise from his teachers for how good he’s become at stage magic, but it’s the members of his audience whose reactions matter most to him. That’s because he learned the art to bring it where no magician has gone before: into the heart of Red Cross relief operations.
Vendors of handmade clothing, knitwear, beaded jewelry, macramé, soaps, jams, honey, flavored oils, pickles, pottery, wooden ornaments, carved and painted gourd birdhouses, Ugandan crafts and more had their booths arrayed along Huguenot Street. At long tables in the rear of the church parking lot, fairgoers bought hot dogs, burgers, chili and coffee to enjoy while listening and dancing to the bands that played all afternoon on two stages. The musical lineup — all local — included the Woodstock Brass Quintet, Jennifer Anne Country, Jordan Stoner, Cherished Memories Doo-Wop, Wind & Stone, Club Swing, Red Neckromancer, New Paltz Rock and Blue Plate Special.
The Wallkill River Watershed Alliance held its second annual Wallkill River Festival last Saturday at the Open Space Institute’s new River-to-Ridge trailhead on Springtown Road in New Paltz.
New Paltz Middle school students on their way for an after-school snack will walk by a painting of the flag, if money to paint one on the side of La Bella Pizza Bistro is successfully raised.
This festival is all about getting regular folks “down by the riverside” to remind one another what it is that needs rescuing, why and how.
Debbie Cuney Flynn and Cathy Sifre are sisters-in-law, best friends and “wish partners,” as volunteer wish granters with Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley.
The 62nd annual Elting Library Fair will be held on Saturday, September 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The book sale continues Sunday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free both days, but avid book hunters and flea market enthusiasts who want first crack at the merchandise on Saturday may pay $10 for early bird admission from 8-9 a.m.