Ossining Says Goodbye to Summer with Festival and New Kayak Launch

The Town of Ossining bid a fond farewell to summer this weekend with the End of Summer Festival and kayak launch at the Louis Engel Waterfront Park. The festival marked both an ending and the beginning of a new era in Ossining’s history. The ending was the music festival that was the grand finale of the popular summer music concert series for the year, while the new beginning was the opening of the new kayak launch that hopefully will draw more people to the Ossining waterfront by making the river even more accessible to the public.

“It has been very important to the Town and Village to find ways to increase public access to the river, Ossining’s best asset,” said Town Supervisor Catherine Borgia. “Thanks to Henry Atterbury [superintendent of parks and recreation] we have a new policy that allows kayak launches from the beach; which is a perfect spot to launch a kayak.”

“I think it’s great,” said Dan Thayler, a kayaker from Yorktown. “I prefer to launch off a beach rather then a dock, it’s easier.”  

In the past there was a policy that banned kayak launches from Engel Park that was brought to the town board’s attention by Henry Atterbury. The board decided that the policy was outdated and kayaks could be launched from the beach at Engel Park. To make the park more attractive to kayakers, the town is providing racks just off the beach where kayaks can be stored free of charge.

“We have kayak racks so people can store their kayaks here,” said Borgia. “We are happy to have you here. Please launch your kayak. We are very happy that Ossining is the place where everyone has access to the river.”

“The Coast Guard Auxiliary is proud of their partnership with the Ossining recreation department and the village and town boards,” said Robert Daraio, a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Flotilla 67 in Ossining. “Working together we continue to support safe boating on the Hudson and making Ossining a destination.”

The official opening of the kayak launch was just one event a day long festival dedicated to saying goodbye to summer and hello to fall. The event featured food from Wobble café, craft vendors and the music by local bands such as; Mike & Miriam Risko, LIAR, Don Smith, Terri Larmar, Chuck Treppeda and K.J Denhert.

“Ossining is such an artistic community,” said Borgia. “We want people to know all the musicians and artists.”

Stephanie Unger was one of the Ossining residents who had a booth at Saturday’s event.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Stephanie Unger, an independent consultant for The Pampered Chef who had a booth at the event. “It’s a beautiful day. It’s a great way for the community to come out and enjoy the waterfront.”

Linda Levine echoed Stephanie’s sentiment.

“I’m glad to see people down at the riverfront,” said Linda Levine. “We need to have access to the water; that is why we live in Ossining… it’s one of our greatest natural beauties.”