Spirit Of Beacon Day 2020 - Pandemic Style - Pictures and Video!

With the state mandate of no parades or large gatherings during this pandemic of COVID-19, there was no chance that Beacon was going to have a repeat of any big parade like what caused a spike in the spread of the flu in 1917 in Phili. But Beacon would not be stopped from having its annual celebration of its team spirit - The Spirit Of Beacon Day - which we all know was started after racial tensions and riots in 1977.

Yes, this is all connected! And as people are people, the spirit never goes away, and the need to listen to each other never goes away. Hence the reason the Spirit of Beacon Day was started 43 years ago. To address this need to come together.

Thankfully the torch has been passed from committee to committee, and the Spirit of Beacon Day Parade continues. The current committee decided to have a drive-by parade, as well as a virtual concert. They worked closely with Beacon’s Highway Department to develop a route. The route was based on the plow route that the Highway Department uses when plowing our streets come winter.

The cars were divided into 4 quadrants and drive down different streets, led by Highway Department trucks. Yay trucks! Maybe you saw from your house, or maybe you saw in Instagram. People who did see were happy, and the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee was pleased with the results. Says president Gwenno James: "Thank you to the Spirit of Beacon Committee volunteers, and a big shout out to the City of Beacon Highway Department who lead the Drive-Thru and provided the route map. Their essential workers have continued serving our community throughout the pandemic and were on the front lines during the lock-down cleaning City Hall, keeping everyone healthy and safe. Thank you also to everyone who participated in the Drive-Thru and Virtual Concert, and to our video producers." And thank you for the generous support of our donors."

Watch their full video here. They covered a lot of people and talents! All photos used here are courtesy of the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee.

Pictures of Spirit Of Beacon Day 2020

The Spirit of Beacon Day Committee sent over these photos of some of the cars particpating and representing in this year’s Drive-Thru Parade.

Spirit Of Beacon Day On Sunday; The Retail Therapy Guide - 9/25/2020

Everyone! It's Spirit of Beacon Day this weekend! With a city-wide drive-by parade on Sunday! That's right - pandemic birthday party style. The Spirit of Beacon Day Committee has been hard at work imagining how to have a festive day for the 43rd year, and select organizations have begun decorating their cars. Details on how the day works are listed below. It should be noted that the Spirit of Beacon Day started after racial unrest between Beacon students and the community in 1977. Many organizations came together to figure out how to address the discomfort, and it was decided that people needed to come together to get to know each other better and listen to one another. Read an older newspaper article about it here. The Jewish community will observe Yom Kippur on Sunday at sundown, the day of atonement. You can read about how the Beacon Hebrew Alliance has been observing in alternative ways during the pandemic, which included kayaks at one point.  THE RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Edited and Written By: Marilyn Perez and Katie Hellmuth Martin Story Screen Drive-In presents "Shrek" and "Dumb and Dumber" Day: Friday-Sunday, September 25-27, 2020 Time: 7:15pm (Shrek), 9:30pm (Dumb and Dumber) Location: The Park at USC, 724 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY Parking will be on a first come first serve basis. You can arrive up to 15 minutes before your screening's scheduled start time to be assigned a space. Please be aware that you must arrive no later than 15 minutes after your screening's scheduled start time to attend the movie.  All admissions sales must be completed in advance by reservation on this site. Tickets sales end one hour before the start of the screening. There will be no tickets available at the Drive-In box office. Information > Spirit Of Beacon Day - Virtual Event Day: Sunday, September 27, 2020 Time: 12-4pm Location: City-Wide, Beacon, NY Please note that the traditional Parade and Festival will not be held along Main Street this year, due to the Covid 19 health and safety guidelines. However, Spirit of Beacon Day will still be celebrated with a virtual and safe-distance event. Instead of the traditional Parade, there will be a Drive-Thru of Community Organizations & First Responders which will travel in groups of vehicles throughout the city neighborhoods and streets, led by the Highway Department. There will also be Special Recognition and Honoree cars carrying those who have especially served our community at the “front lines” during the Pandemic. Information > The Bannerman Castle Trust presents Daisy Jopling Band Bannerman Castle Fundraiser –  Select a Concert,  Appearing for 5 evenings! Day: Wednesday, September 30-Sunday, October 4, 2020 Time: TBA Location: Bannerman Island, Beacon, NY Tickets are $250. This is an exclusive, intimate and safe experience. Only 22 audience members are allowed per show and New York State health guidelines will be adhered to every step of the way. We will be filming the event on Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1, so please only book tickets for this night if you are happy to be in the film. Information > Newburgh Open Studios Day: Saturday and Sunday, September 26 + 27, 2020 Time: 12pm - 6pm Location: Maps available at Newburgh Art Supply, various studios, or by clicking here. Newburgh Open Studios is a great opportunity to visit artists in their studios, see their work, and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their working processes. Pop up galleries, group shows and the return of Glenlily Grounds - outdoor sculpture show. This is a hands-on way to experience Newburgh as you walk the streets to get to different studios. Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week! Made by Hand Pop-Up Store Days: Now through September 27, 2020 Time: 11am-7pm Location: 508 Main Street, Beacon, NY Near BAU, Vegetalien, near the mountain The Made by Hand Pop-Up Store aims to support and showcase local, independent artists whose businesses were adversely affected by Covid-19 by offering them a temporary storefront, observing safe social-distancing protocols, where buyers can discover their work within a thoughtfully curated collection that promotes aesthetic values rooted in social justice, repurposing of materials, and handmade processes. Information > WEAR UPSTATE + Katrin Reifeiss POP-UP Day: Friday, September 25, 2020 Time: 3-6pm Location: 44 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY Popping up at 44MAIN the weekend of September 25th is Katrin Reifeiss with her self-named line of Japanese Shibori hand-dyed clothing + WEAR UPSTATE, her Limited Edition collection of hand-dyed pieces inspired by upstate NY living.  **FRIENDS AND FAMILY RECEIVE 15% DISCOUNT off a purchase of $60 or more. Check out Kat's instagram @katrinreifeiss for coupon! Information >     EAT CHURCH 511 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, NY Pop-Up Alert!!  With the amazing response received last week to their noodles menu, Eat Church is back this weekend with their pop-up in Cold Spring!  Pre-order is LIVE for this Fri & Sat.  Don't delay, last week their menu sold out! Ordering online is SO EASY. Menu items include:  K.F.C. Wings - Korean Fried Chicken wings.  Crispy, double-fried, and coated in Gochujang based sweet/spicy sauce punched with garlic and ginger.  Sticky. Pho-King For Real - Popular Vietnamese beef broth and rice noodle soup.  Try with braised beef short rib and roast pork. Side-car of fresh herbs, crunchy sprouts, citrus and chilis. Fat Guy - Phat Thai Wok (pork belly, shrimp, or veggie, rice noodle) More Fun - Ga Bun Salad (double fried chicken or mushroom, rice vermicelli) Big Joy - Khao Soi Soup (chicken coconut curry, wheat noodle) Location: Marbled Meat Shop: 3091 Route 9, Cold Spring, NY Date/Time: Friday & Saturday September 25-26, 2020 - 4:00-8:00 PM. Information > Eat Church is an ALBB Sponsor! BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY Spirit of Beacon Day Weekend can be warm! Order the fresh and savory Mexican Gazpacho. Their food tastes so fresh! Some of Baja 328's recent specials also include Crispy California Roll Tacos, Pan Seared Salmon w/ Garlic Chipotle Pea Puree, and Sweet and Sour Chicken Wrap.  Tuesday - Thursday: 4-9pm Friday - Saturday: 12pm-10pm Sunday: 12pm-8pm Follow on Instagram > Baja 328 is an ALBB Sponsor! MEYERS OLD DUTCH 184 Main Street, Beacon, NY You know Meyers Old Dutch for burgers and vegi options, but did you know that they make specialty cocktails as well? Oh yes, dear reader. Often they change up the offerings on the weekends, so stop in or order in advance. More > Meyers Old Dutch is an ALBB Sponsor! HOMESPUN 232 Main Street, Beacon, NY Now about available at Homespun Foods are these delicious ciders from @floralterranes. They describe the taste as "a flighting summer breeze melting in the cold autumn night. The new feeling of an enduring romance that takes you deep into the love zone of life. A gateway to what you think Long Island is and can be." Flavors include Ronkonkoma Moraine, Suburban Moraine, Uplands, and Harbor Hill Moraine. More > Homespun is an ALBB Sponsor!   HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY You gotta love the comfort of the classics. Check out this Pulled pork sandwich served w/ French Fries & Carolina Coleslaw ($11). If you peep their Instagram at @hvfoodhall, you'll also get a peek of their  Pulled Pork Bowl served w/ Cornbread & Carolina Coleslaw ($12) and an order of Mac & Cheese ($9), 3 Piece Fried Chicken Meal served w/ French Fries & Carolina Coleslaw ($12) all from @mizhattiesbbq. You can still enjoy these meals outside under the Pergola next to @therooseveltbar Hudson Valley Food Hall is an ALBB Sponsor!   LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon We love the shape of these frame from @rigards - a customer favorite! From natural horn to sterling silver, RIGARDS frames have forged an instantly recognizable style that combines offbeat aesthetics with a quiet elegance. No less compelling are the signature finishes, imparting nuance and character to the frames and creating a distinctive bespoke element. Go Shopping > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!   BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon Now available at Binnacle Books, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, “World of Wonder: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments”  “[World of Wonders] walks. It sprints. It leaps. Most importantly, the book lingers in a world where power, people, and the literal outside wrestle painfully, beautifully.” —KIESE LAYMON  “From beloved, award-winning poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil comes a debut work of nonfiction—a collection of essays about the natural world, and the way its inhabitants can teach, support, and inspire us.”  Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS 436 Main Street, Beacon How is that home school hybrid hustle coming along? Need a little carrying all your goods and supplies as you run between errands? New tote bags just arrived at La Mére Clothing + Goods. Also - an array of new face masks are in - and some are embroidered. You can shop online at https://lamereclothingandgoods.com/ 24/7.  Wednesday- Saturday: 11am-6pm Sunday: 12pm-5pm PS: You'll find a Shopping Bar in the store, in case you needed a quick sip of wine while you shop. Information> La Mere is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! LEWIS & PINE 133 Main Street, Beacon But have you been inside the shop of Lewis + Pine? Or maybe you went last year, but need to go back now! The unique designs carry a signature feel, and those familiar with this line will recognize it right away. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces. Take your pick, and add to your collection. If you're buying a gift for someone, this is truly a treasure. Located near Bank Square Coffee. Shop  > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! View more upcoming classes for in the Adult Classes Guide and Kids Classes Guide. NEW: A new podcast program for kids Grades 7 and up with the Howland Public Library (via Zoom). Details > ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY 340 Main Street, Beacon Antalek & Moore's office is ready for the Spirit of Beacon Day! Known for their decorative windows, you can count on Antalek & Moore to be involved with community events at all times. Information > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you! TIN SHINGLE This week was American Business Woman Day! For Leave A Good Review Tuesday, readers were challenged to leave a positive review for one of their favorite women-owned business. You don't have to pick just one! Let Tin Shingle know who you reviewed in their Instagram comments. Comment > KATIE JAMES, INC. Do you need your Instagram account to wake up and say: "Good Morning!!" every day to keep your followers jazzed, and your brand top of mind? Are you a restaurant who needs to post the daily special? Are you a pilates studio who needs to post the weekly schedule? Katie James can do this for you, using photos taken at your place, as well as graphic design created to make this magic happen. Learn More > CASTING CALL: Paid Gig: Documentary For Being Over 50 + Turning Your Dream Career Into A Reality A documentary is looking for people aged 50+ who are pursuing their dreams for a year long documentary. The pay is SAG Union scale, and starts at $2670 for participation, and compensation is available for people who join your story. The casting agency NINA DAY is taking submissions now, and would love to hear from you. PRO TIP: Record your submission on your phone as a video. NINA DAY needs your answers to a few questions. Because this is a casting call, they need to see and feel your energy! Say where you live; who you live with; what your dreams are; what your job is if you have one; or what early retirement has been like. Paint the picture! Job Details >

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Spirit Of Beacon Day 2019 In Photos!

Full spread of the Spirit of Beacon Day 2019 in the Highlands Current.

Seeing your effort in print gives the greatest satisfaction. That is why we encourage everyone to pick up and support their local newspapers! The Highlands Current and the Beacon Free Press both published photos from the Spirit of Beacon Day 2019. Usually, Katie takes pictures also or does a live stream, but for the for the last three years, she has been marching in the parade as a helper for an elementary school float.

Here is a roundup of great photos of the parade that people shared on Instagram. Congratulations, everyone on a great day and celebration of community!

Beacon Bears and Cheer. Photo by Cindy Gould

Beacon Fire Engines at Spirit of Beacon Day Parade 2019 - Photo by @spiritofbeaconday

Art sculptures by Marion Royale Gallery at the Spirit of Beacon Parade 2019 - photo by @spiritofbeaconday

Main Street facing Mt. Beacon - photo by @amateur__resolution

Glenham Elementary, in front of the Salvation Army. Photo by @beaconarts

South Avenue Elementary School’s float. Photo by @beaconarts

Sargent Elementary School kids. Photo by @cluttermaz

The lineup of the parade route, along 9D (aka Wolcott Ave.) with a view of how the new apartment buildings will play into future photos and screetscapes. Photo by @Alittlebeacon

Photo by @belegrin

Do you have photos from this year’s parade? Send them to us at editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com so we can add them here!

How To Ride The Newburgh-Beacon Ferry During The Special Trial Weekends In September and October

IMPORTANT FERRY INFO
DATES:
Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29
Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19
TIMES:
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 10 am 4 pm
DEPARTURE: Boat leaves Newburgh at the top of the hour. Boat leaves Beacon at the half hour.
BOAT DOCKS:
Newburgh: Newburgh Washington Street Boat Launch (2 Washington Street)
Beacon: Beacon Institute Dock, located on the Beacon waterfront by the Metro-North train station.
Note: this is not the regular MTA dock, but is next to it.
Pro-Tip! There is a free public bus called the G Loop that runs Monday to Saturday, and will whisk you up the hill to Main Street. It even passes Barb’s Butchery. It runs on a train arrival schedule, and does not run on Sundays.
COST: $2, cash only

A lifestyle experiment is in place, and you can be a part of it. The Cities of Beacon and Newburgh, as well as Dutchess and Orange County are thinking that the people of this area may benefit from increased ferry service between Beacon and Newburgh, so have set up ferry service for two weekends and you’re invited to try it.

According to the initiative’s press release: “This service will help determine whether there is enough interest and traffic for a more regular service. Other benefits of increased service are allowing both cities to attract more regional tourism, allow for easier exchange for local residents to access strong job markets and entertainment, and forge innovative relations between City of Beacon and Newburgh.”

Here’s how you can ferry across the Hudson River on September 28 and 29 for Beacon’s Spirit of Beacon Day and for Newburgh’s Open Studios, and then again on October 19 and 20 for Beacon’s Annual Car Show, and Newburgh’s Literary Festival:

The Ferry Boat and Dock Are Different Than The Usual MTA Ferry

Because this is an experiment, a relationship with the The Hudson River Maritime Museum was initiated so that they could charter the boat, and not go through the MTA. The Hudson River Maritime Museum designed and built a solar-powered tour boat called the Solaris, which is the only 100% solar-powered boat in operation on the Hudson River. It does not require fossil fuels to operate. According to the museum’s website: “This vessel can travel up to 50 miles at night without the use of her solar panels. Even on cloudy days, the solar panels are so efficient that they continue to power the batteries.”

The boat can carry 28 passengers at a time. Service is first-come, first-serve, and costs $2 exact change, one-way. Cash only, no credit can be accepted.

Who Made This Ferry Experiment Happen?

According to the press release: “This effort was a joint effort by the Cities of Newburgh and Beacon and Orange and Dutchess Counties, with costs shared between Orange County and Dutchess County under a tourism initiative.” A Little Beacon Blog did a deep-dive article to discover more about why this experiment is so important, and the factors considered in implementing it.

For more information, please contact:

City of Newburgh Department of Planning and Development, Alexandra Church, planning@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov or (845) 569-9400

City of Beacon City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero, MPA, at aruggiero@cityofbeacon.org or (845) 838-5009.

Orange County Planning Department, planning@orangecountygov.com or (845) 615.3840.

How To Participate In The Spirit Of Beacon Day Parade - As A Marcher Or Table

A few readers have written in with questions about how to participate in the Spirit of Beacon Day Parade and street celebration. The parade is always on the last Sunday in September, which this year is September 29, and runs from Wolcott Ave./Polhill Park at the beginning of Main Street (near Bank Square) all the way to Tioranda Avenue (just past the Howland Cultural Center). Participants in the parade usually include the Beacon city schools, nonprofits, businesses, and others.

Learn more about the Spirit of Beacon Day here in our article about the new leadership, as well as the event’s history.

After the parade, people return to the middle of Main Street to enjoy the tables set up by different groups to come together with the community. If you are thinking of marching/rolling in the parade, or if you want a table, here are some guidelines from the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee, as posted on their new website:

Who Can Register For A Table At The Event?

Local nonprofits, community groups, schools, churches and Main Street businesses. Space is limited: The nonprofit groups get registered first (since this has been the tradition), and additional spaces will be available to Main Street businesses.

How To Register For A Table

1) Local nonprofits, community groups, schools and churches register first, during July/August. If you would like to register your community organization, contact spiritofbeacon@gmail.com.

2) Any additional spaces available after August are offered to Main Street businesses on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact spiritofbeacon@gmail.com.

Who Marches In The Parade?

Local schools, churches, not-for-profit organizations, veterans, community groups, local businesses, Beacon’s City Council and first responders (like police, firefighters, etc).

How To Participate In The Parade As A Marcher

A registration letter is sent out in July and will be also available online. Contact spiritofbeacon@gmail.com.

Spirit Of Beacon Photo Exhibit At Howland Public Library

Over 30 people submitted the best of their Beacon photos to the second annual Spirit of Beacon Photo Exhibit, produced by the The Howland Public Library (HPL) and the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee. The artistic challenge was to find the best photo that captures the essence of the "Spirit of Beacon." Is it the people, the connection to the river, the historical buildings, the beautiful mountains, all of the above, or something else?

The photos have been chosen and will be on display starting opening night, (Second) Saturday, September 14, from 5 to 7 pm. The exhibit, curated by Michelle Rivas and Jennifer Blakeslee, will be on display through Sunday, October 6.

Stop by the library on opening night to see the annual community “portrait” of the City of Beacon. 

The Howland Public Library is centrally located at 313 Main Street in Beacon, NY. For more information, go to beaconlibrary.org.

Photo by Cindy Gould

Photo by Jennifer Blakeslee

Photo by Dylan Wood

Photo by Kevin Bertholf

Photo by Bill Winter

Photo by Rick Rogers

Photo by Carolyn Glauda

Photo by Kelly Ellenwood

Photo by Cynthia Careccia

Photo Uncredited

Photo by Philomena Kiernan

Photo by Ross Corsair

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Face Painters Wanted For Spirit Of Beacon Day

The Spirit of Beacon Day Committee is seeking volunteer face painters to give one hour of their day to being a face painter for kids between the hours of 12 pm and 4 pm. Supplies and training/orientation will be provided.

The Spirit of Beacon Day is Sunday, September 29, with a rain date of October 6, 2019.

Do you enjoy working with kids and paint? Sign up!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please email: spiritofbeacon@gmail.com.

Accepting Photos: Spirit Of Beacon Day 2019 Juried Photo Exhibit

Photo Credit: Howland Public Library

The Howland Public Library Calls For Photography:
Show Us The Spirit of Beacon!

The Spirit of Beacon Day is a citywide celebration for the community of Beacon, NY, held annually since 1977 on the last Sunday of September. The parade and festival highlight local community groups, volunteer organizations and schools, all joining together with local businesses on Beacon's vibrant Main Street. A day to bring the city together, especially the children and youth. Members of the community should get to know one another better, learn to know what each other likes through conversation, feelings, entertainment, education, and food.

The Howland Public Library wants to know: “What does The Spirit of Beacon mean to you?”

The Howland Public Library and the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee are looking for photographs that best capture the essence of The Spirit of Beacon. What makes our community so unique? Can you capture it in an image? Is it the beautiful mountains, the historic architecture, the connection to the river, the vibrant community, all of the above, or something else? Share your vision with us! Photographers of ALL ages and skill levels are invited to submit their original photos.

Selected photos will be exhibited in the Community Room Exhibit Space at the Howland Public Library in Beacon, NY, during the month of September as part of the Spirit of Beacon celebration. A reception for the community will be held on Second Saturday, September 14.

How to Enter

• Email up to three of your photos that you feel best capture the Spirit of Beacon for consideration to communityart@beaconlibrary.org.

• Images should be in jpeg format. Maximum file size 1MB. Name your files as follows: Last Name + First name + underscore + title.jpg. Example: SmithJohn_MountBeacon.jpg.

• In your email, please include the following information for each photo, 1) the title, 2) location and 3) year taken (approximate.)

Deadline

All entries must be received by Thursday, August 1.

Selection

The winning entries will be selected by a committee and all photographers will be notified by Saturday, August 10, if one of their photos has been accepted into the show.

Delivery

Photographs (unframed, prints only) must be dropped off at the Howland Public Library between Friday, September 6 and Sunday, September 8. All photos should be printed 8” x 10” or 8” x 8” for square images.

If you need help printing your photo, reach out to Accuprint on Main Street, next to Isamu Sushi.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Notification of Acceptance: No later than Wednesday, August 7.
Accepted Photos Delivered to Howland Public Library: Friday, September 6 to Sunday, September 8.
Exhibition Dates: Saturday, September 14, to Saturday, October 5.
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 14, 5 to 7 pm.

The Spirit in the Spirit of Beacon Day 2018 - Pictures from the Day of "Unity in Community"

Everyone has their first Spirit of Beacon Day experience. If you moved here recently and didn’t know about it before, you may have woken up on Sunday morning to a lot of excited commotion, with a frenzy of people setting up tables and coordinating with one another on Main Street.

The Spirit of Beacon Day is one of the biggest efforts put on by the people of Beacon to strengthen the community of Beacon. If you just moved here from another place that didn’t really have a strong sense of community, then this feeling might be new for you, and you will most likely love it. The spell of the community is part of what you felt when you visited Beacon for the first time, and fell so unexpectedly in love with it.

Pictures of the Spirit of Beacon Day are below. But first, a brief history for those who have newly moved here or are newly interested in Beacon -because I hear the FAQs, and “What is the Spirit of Beacon Day” is an FAQ I hear often!

What Is The Spirit of Beacon Day?

The Spirit of Beacon Day festivities started in Beacon in 1977 as a call to mend a broken relationship between the youth of Beacon, and the schools and surrounding community. Well documented by the Beacon Historical Society’s book titled "Celebrating Our Centennial," in the winter and early spring of 1977, "racial problems became severe" for several days and nights. City leaders decided to meet several times to discuss the issues that were causing unrest. Organizers included a representative from the FBI's Community Relations office, Dutchess County Youth Bureau, then-Mayor Robert Cahill, local legislators, City Council, local churches, and representatives from youth-focused organizations like Beacon City School District, the Howland Public Library, the Beacon Community Center, and others.

It was decided that there would be a Community Day aimed at bringing the people of the city together in order to "get to know one another better, learn what each other liked, [via] conversation, feelings, entertainment, education and food." And so the Spirit of Beacon Day was born. Here are some pictures from over the years.

2018 Marked a New Year for Spirit of Beacon Day

This is an event put on by the people, and not an official sponsored City of Beacon event. The organizers usually were behind the scenes, sought very little recognition, and for the most part, the majority of Beaconites didn’t know who they were. That is, until the longtime organizers decided to retire from the role in 2017 (don’t worry - they didn’t really retire).

This prompted a new group to say: “Wait! What? No! The Spirit must go on! We will help!” And so the Spirit of Beacon Day has continued, under new leadership, with the help of the former leaders. The Spirit of Beacon Day has a new website to help get the word out, new megaphones, and new T-shirts to help people know what’s going on during the day. This year, the motto on the T-shirts was: “Without Unity There Is No Community!”

Your Spirit of Beacon Day 2018 In Pictures

There are so many photographable moments. Here are a few we found or captured. As for the schools, the PTA/PTO/PTSO is usually behind the production of designing and building each school’s parade contribution. It’s a challenging job to come back to, just after summer break - to dive into a big float-making project! But they do it each year (I’ve been a part of it for the past two years with South Avenue).

South Avenue Elementary School

Representing the parade theme of “Celebrating Unity” by celebrating our differences and beauty in the the moments when we become one, together, despite our differences. The Hudson River flows in two opposite directions, yet is one river. The fish and other wildlife make up one ecosystem, just as we do in Beacon!

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J. V. Forrestal Elementary

These cutie pies from J. V. Forrestal Elementary all got together on Family Fun Nights at the school to make an underwater world, full of jellyfish and flowing lace.

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Photo Credit: J.V. Forrestal PTSO and Gate House Realty

Sargent Elementary

It’s rainbows and unicorns at Sargent Elementary! And they shared some behind-the-scenes photos of how those magical balloon arches got made.

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Photo Credit: Sargent Elementary PTO

Glenham Elementary

The kids of Glenham Elementary drew their pictures, cut out their handprints, and hung them together to symbolize togetherness rooted in the world.

Walking down Main Street after the parade, the street was alive with options. The Spirit of Beacon Day is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the various community organizations, so you and/or your kids can get involved.

Let’s take a look at a few scenes from the day!

The Beacon Players, which is the theatre club of the Beacon High School. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

The Highlands Current, a local newspaper based in Cold Spring that is devoted to covering Beacon as well. Beacon beat reporter Jeff Simms usually writes the Beacon articles and this day is representing at the newspaper’s table. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

The Beacon Historical Society. Without them, we wouldn’t know the many iterations of what Beacon’s community has been like, as it changes over generations as different people migrate to and from here, from all over. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

The Beacon Fire Department. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

The Beacon Police Department. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

The Beacon Elks Club. It’s that brick building on Wolcott Ave. that Frequently offers line dancing and car shows!

The Mt. Beacon Eight. A group dedicated to sharing the story of the eight veterans who died when their plane crashed into Mt. Beacon, after they had survived many war battles. A Little Beacon Blog wrote about them here.

Animal Rescue Foundation, located along the Fishkill Creek, off of Wolcott avenue as you head out of town. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

The Salvation Army, located near Beacon Pantry. Photo Credit: The Salvation Army Beacon

The Sisters of Strength S.O.S. They are an outreach ministry affiliated with the Springfield Baptist Church, making a difference for other organizations like the Salvation Army Beacon and others.

Photo Credit: Humans of Beacon

Kids from Compass Arts’ Rompatom class playing music. Photo Credit: Screenshot from video from Angela Helland.

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Yanarella School of Dance performance. Photo Credit: Yanarella School of Dance

Watch the video below produced by the City of Beacon:

We Got Stickers! And Totes! Visit A Little Beacon Blog at Spirit of Beacon Day

This year’s table experience is going to be a little different. For the first time, Main Street businesses are allowed to have a table. Normally the vendor opportunity was reserved for nonprofits, since the genesis of Spirit of Beacon Day was rooted in community organizations and schools coming together to create dialogue and improve relations.

A Little Beacon Blog has a table near our office at 291 Main Street. Come by and say “Hi!” We will be handing out stickers, and selling our first-ever tote bag for $25. We will donate $5 of every bag sold to ARF and the Beacon Historical Society. These two organizations are participating orgs in this year’s Spirit of Beacon Day. Without the Beacon Historical Society, we would not know as much as we do about the many iterations of Beacon. ARF matches homeless dogs and cats with their furever human families. We have 100 totes. So that could be pretty good! 

But first, I’ll be marching with South Avenue Elementary in the parade, as I helped out with making the float.  

See you soon!

SEEKING STATEMENTS FOR ARTICLE: Float Themes for Spirit of Beacon Day Parade

If you are an organizer of a float or presentation that is participating in the Spirit of Beacon Day Parade, we would like to hear from you about the meaning of your float in keeping with this year's theme. If you would like to provide a statement about how your organization is showing how it is "Celebrating Unity," please email your statement to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com.

Thank you!

Photographers Wanted -> Howland Public Library & Spirit of Beacon Day Committee Wants to See Your Spirit!

PHOTO CONTEST
Submission Deadline: August 1st, 2018
Exhibition Dates: September 8 – October 6th, 2018
Submission Rules & Details >

The Spirit of Beacon Day has been a part of the community since 1977, always held on the last Sunday of September. Over the past year, they have gone through a lot of changes - including a new website! The event is organized and run by a volunteer committee with help and donations by local citizens and businesses, alongside the support of the City of Beacon. The Spirit of Beacon Day is set for Sunday, September 30, with a rain date of Sunday, October 7.

Spirit of Beacon Photography Contest

This year, the Howland Public Library and the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee are looking for photographs that best capture the essence of The Spirit of Beacon. They are looking for images  capturing what makes the community so unique. Is it the mountainous backdrop? Our connection to the Hudson River? The historic architecture? The colorful, vibrant, and diverse community? The backyard gardens and/or chickens? What makes Beacon Beacon, in your eye?

How to Enter the Photo Contest

Photographers of ALL ages and skill levels are invited to submit their original photos by the deadline of Wednesday, August 1. Photos should be submitted with a certain format and naming structure. Read more about the submission requirements here. 

Selected photos will be displayed in the Community Room Exhibit Space at the Howland Public Library during the month of September as part of the Spirit of Beacon celebration. A reception for the community will be held on (Second) Saturday, September 8. 

You can get more details and information on how to register at the library's website.

2018's Spirit of Beacon Day Will Be Under New Leadership - Gwenno James Steps In

Photo Credits: Dan Rigney

UPDATE April 2, 2018 - Spirit of Beacon Day now has a website - www.spiritofbeacon.org and you can now follow them on Facebook.

An almost-big local story of 2017 was that the volunteer organizers of the annual autumn Spirit of Beacon Day were stepping down, and would not be appointing a successor. Panic set in among those who heard the fringe rumors, but those who keep an ear to the ground didn't miss a beat. Longtime Beacon resident, building owner and textile designer Gwenno James heard the open call for replacement volunteers voiced by Mayor Randy Casale during a City Council meeting in July 2017, and decided to step in and step up to take on the enormous task of organizing a parade to celebrate the entire city.

Gwenno James, the new volunteer organizer for the Spirit of Beacon Day, in her Beacon textile studio.
Photo Credit: Gwenno James

Over the years, organizers have for the most part been invisible enigmas, except to their friends and community members who knew who they were. While the succession of the organizers is described clearly in "Celebrating Our Centennial," a book produced by the Beacon Historical Society, the newest members of the Beacon population tended to not know who produced the parade, only that it happened year after year and was the most celebrated time to show off public schools, nonprofit groups, and other initiatives that strengthen the Beacon community by helping neighbors get to know neighbors.
Trivia tip: Gwenno herself penned several pages in the Historical Society's book! 

We wrote about the Spirit of Beacon's backstory here, and have interviewed Gwenno below for the latest on what the future holds for the Spirit of Beacon Day.

ALBB: Some have said: “Beacon has changed. It doesn’t need a Spirit of Beacon Day anymore.” What’s your response to that?

Gwenno James: The Spirit of Beacon Day has been a wonderful celebration bringing everyone together across our community for forty years. When the original founders met in 1977 at the Howland Cultural Center, they agreed that “the community should get to know one another better. We should learn to know each other’s likes and dislikes regarding conversations, feelings, entertainment, education and food." I think that this intention/manifesto is as relevant today as ever, and helps us continue to grow together as a community.
 
ALBB: How did you come to take over the Spirit of Beacon Day Parade?

Gwenno James: First of all, I’d like to say that we are all so grateful to the committee who have been running the Spirit of Beacon Day parade for many years, for their dedication and hard work, including Rose Story, Roy Ciancanelli, Diane Sedore, Tony Lassiter and Bob Outer. They will continue to provide their support and advice going forward, which is great, and will enable us to transition smoothly and pass on the “torch.”

I look forward to leading the new committee with volunteers from all across our community. How the transition came about was: In July, an announcement was made at the City Council meeting that the committee would be stepping down. The Mayor and others encouraged folks from the community to step up and help. I had already been in touch with Rose Story, the committee Chair, earlier in the summer to offer help and to volunteer for the 2017 parade, so when I heard the news, I contacted Rose again and said I would be happy to help with any transition and, as needed, lead going forward.

We then further discussed with Mayor Casale, and he gave his support, alongside the City. An announcement followed at the next City Council meeting. Others also came forward to help and I spoke at the Beacon Chamber and Beacon Arts joint meeting, where members showed their support and volunteered.

During this year's [2017] parade, I “shadowed” Rose and Roy to learn more about how the parade is run on the ground. I also connected in person with the volunteer organizations and school groups.

ALBB: What will the upcoming year look like for you as you prepare?

Gwenno James: There will be a kickoff meeting around March with everyone who has expressed an interest to become involved. We will plan from there and assign volunteer tasks going forward. We will have continued meetings throughout the Spring and Summer and there will be plenty of opportunities for folks to provide input and help.

[Editor's note: As for a website and social media presence for the Spirit of Beacon Day - that is coming, and we will return to this article to update it with the new link.]

ALBB: How can others submit to volunteer?

Gwenno James: We welcome anyone who would like to volunteer and become involved. Folks can get in touch via email: spiritofbeacon@gmail.com

The good news is that many members of the original committee would like to continue helping and advising going forward, so we can build upon the great efforts they have done and have continuity. 

ALBB: Will anything different be done for businesses on the day? Traditionally it has been for nonprofits only.

Gwenno James: This is certainly a matter that we will discuss at our next committee meeting. It’s great to get input and we will be connecting with the Main Street businesses to hear their feedback over the coming months.

ALBB: Thank you Gwenno, and good luck! We look forward to experiencing next year's parade!