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Fall has officially arrive here in the Hudson Valley, and to celebrate the both it and the Quadricentenial, the Hudson Valley is pulling out all the stops this weekend with the opening of the now legendary Walkway Over the Hudson – the world’s longest dedicated pedestrian walkway! The fun begins on Friday night with a parade of more than 1,000 individuals with lanterns that will march from one side of the walkway to the other. Saturday, the Walkway officially opens to the public at 3pm, and earlier in the day dignitaries including Governor Patterson will be on hand for the dedication of New York State’s newest – and tallest – elevated park in the sky. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Walkway website.
Big Gay Hudson Valley will be on hand on Saturday afternoon from 12 noon – 6pm in the Hamlet of Highland for the first annual Highland Hudson Fest. Included in the festivities; a scarecrow contest. Now, BGHV can’t just show up with any old scarecrow, so Patrick has been busy crafting our very-own CherCrowe all this week. Be sure to stop in to Downtown Highland to say “Hey” to BGHV on Saturday afternoon, and to experience the CherCrow in person!
You’ve also likely notice that BGHV has announced a new public event; the Poughkeepsie premier of Tom Judson’s “Canned Ham”, which will be performed at the Cunneen Hackett Arts Center on Vassar Street in downtown on Friday night, October 16th at 8pm. Yes, Tom used to be better known as “Gus Mattox” when he was working in the adult film industry, although long before he was chosen as the industry’s Performer of the Year in 20o6, he spent many years working both on – and off – of Broadway in a variety of shows, including Cabaret. Tom’s wit, musical acumen and refreshing outlook on mid-life make for a universally introspective, yet entertaining show that is sure to please men & women, gay & straight. Not only will you enjoy a fantastic show, but you’ll also be helping to raise funds for the Hudson Valley AIDS Walk which kicks off the very next morning – as a portion of the tickets sales will go directly to benefit Hudson Valley AIDS Related Community Services. Be sure to purchase your tickets for just $15 while they last! With limited seats available, they will go quickly!
Now, on with the listings:
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Friday, October 2nd
Eco-Fabulous Community Farm Stand, Route 32, New Paltz @ 4p
Come and join some of the Hudson Valley’s most-fabulous farmers (including Billiam of Highland’s very-own Liberty View Farm at the weekly Eco-Fabulous Community Farm Stand located at Robin’s Market on Route 32 south in New Paltz.
Old Lesbians Organizing for Change (OLOCs), LGBTQ Center, Kingston @ 6:30p – 9p
Judge Deborah Schneer will address their members after the usual 6:30 potluck. Judge Schneer was appointed to an Ulster County Judge vacancy by Gov. David Paterson, becoming the first woman and the first out lesbian to hold this position. In an exception to their usual “60 & over” policy, Lesbians of all ages are invited to join us for this informative meeting. Come join them and bring a dish to share.
Opening Night of “Side by Side with Sondheim”, Rhinebeck @ 8p
The Center for Performing Arts will be hosting this classically campy revue of hits from various Sondheim productions. Shows are at 8pm Fridays & Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. The show will run through October 11.
Pride of the Hudson Cruise to the Walkway, Newburgh @ 5:30p
Want to get a close look at the Lantern Walk over the Walkway this Friday night but don’t have a ticket? Hitch a ride on the Pride of the Hudson and get a first class view. Their $35 ride leaves from Newburgh at 5:30 and will return about 10:15, giving you an incredible, first-hand view of this amazing historic opening. Visit their website or call 845.220.2120 for more information.
“Home Video” Performs @ Jason’s Upstairs Bar, Hudson @ 8p
This electro-rock performer duo records their own tracks in a unique live experience fusing music with hypnotic visual projections. Find out more about them on their website.
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Saturday, October 3rd
What’s Dutch Country Seats Tour, Hurley & High Falls @ All Day
In honor of the Quadricentennial, Country Seats Tours and Hudson Valley Vernacular Architecture are touring the best in Ulster County’s Dutch architecture with house tours through Hurley & High Falls. Come explore the breathtaking architecture that’s preserving our area’s Dutch heritage. Tickets are available for the self-guided tours on the What’s Dutch website.
Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk, Forsyth Park, Kingston @ 10:30 – 11:30 AM
The LGBTQ Community Center will be joining with thousands of people nationwide in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s 2009 Out of the Darkness Community Walk. The walk begins at 10:30 AM in Forsyth Park in Kingston To join the Center’s team, or to pledge to support thier team, go to their team page.
Highland’s First Annual Hudson Fest @ 12 Noon – 5pm
The weekend of October 3rd marks the opening of the historic Walkway Over The Hudson, so come down to the quaint Hamlet of Highland in the Town of Lloyd for a party unlike any other! Big Gay Hudson Valley.com will be there with our fabulous outdoor living room in the middle of the street to spread the word about our site, and we’ll be joined by other exhibitors ranging from farm stands to wineries and a variety of other local businesses and organizations as well. Come and hang out in Highland to show them just how gay this little town can be – and get your picture taken with our CherCrowe!
Grand Opening of the Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland and Poughkeepsie @ 3pm
With an extensive schedule of events planned for the communities on both sides of the Walkway, check out the Walkway Over the Hudson website for all the details about the celebrations, walks, fireworks, and the myriad other activities that will be occurring that weekend.
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Sunday, October 4th
Orange County Rainbow Events Weekly Brunch, Newburgh @ 10:30a
Union Square on Route 17K in Newburgh will be hosting this week’s brunch with Orange County Rainbow Events. For info on pricing and RSVP’s contact Terry at orangecountyrainbowevents@yahoo.com.
Meet & Mingle Mixer and Cruise Information Session, Nyack @ 4:30p
Matt & Ryan from Hudson Valley Out & About will be hosting a mixer at Reality Bites Cafe in Nyack to share some information about their upcoming cruise to the Bahamas. Their trip is selling out fast and they’re looking for people who need cabin mates. Join them to find out more about this exciting opportunity.
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Coming Down The Pike….
October 12th & 13th: Clearwater Youth Empowerment Program
The Hudson River sloop Clearwater is hosting a Youth Empowerment Program aboard their famous floating environmental classroom. Open to LGBTQ youth and allies, this program will prove an inspiring and unforgettable opportunity to foster your inner leader while making new friends and exploring our unique environment. Email maija@clearwater.org for more information or to enroll.
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