Health & Fitness
Village of Ossining’s First Annual Harborfest Explores the Beauty of the Hudson River on September 21
Bicentennial celebration continues with Ossining's inaugural waterfront festival
On Saturday, September 21, the Village of Ossining’s Bicentennial Celebration continues with the first annual Harborfest on the Hudson River. This year, Harborfest teams up with the Hudson Rising River Tour to bring Sloop Clearwater, the historic covered barge Pennsy 399, a farm feast, outdoor adventure activities, sustainability exhibits, vendors, live music throughout the day, and fun water-related activities to the shores of Ossining. Held along Ossining’s waterfront beginning at 11:00am, the festival will conclude with fireworks over the Hudson at 10:00pm.
The Village of Ossining’s inaugural Harborfest is expected to draw a crowd of several thousand. Various boats will be on display with boat-building demonstrations by local craftsmen. SEAS Westchester will have a small boat regatta at the Ossining Boat and Canoe Club (OBCC). OBCC will also be running a youth fishing program and seineing at the PAL Beach. Booths at Harbor Square will feature a variety of vendors including Hudson River-oriented groups, crafts and artists.
“Harborfest is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Ossining’s waterfront with a wide range of activities that include something for everyone,” said George Camp, chair of the Bicentennial Committee. “See the heritage ships, enjoy a boat ride or demonstration, paint, listen to music, stroll along the water, and learn more about Hudson River preservation efforts.”
Live music at Harbor Square kicks-off at 11:30am with a performance by the Ossining-based Mike Risko band and continues throughout the day with an eclectic array of musical genres from classic rock, pop, and instrumental jazz to urban folk, new age, and sci-fi rock & pop. The extensive music line-up includes eight groups, many with local ties to Ossining. KJ Denhert and her band will play the final set leading to the fireworks display over the Hudson. Additional artists include Erin Hill & Her Psychedelic Harp and the Grammy-nominated new age jazz band Sundad.
In addition to the live entertainment and other water-related activities, Harborfest attendees will also have the opportunity to go aboard a variety of water vessels including the sloop Clearwater, a majestic 106’ long replica tall ship.
Pete Seeger launched the sloop Clearwater in 1969 to clean up the Hudson River. A nationally recognized symbol of environmental awareness, Clearwater is a floating classroom to inspire tomorrow’s environmental leaders. While aboard, Harborfest attendees can enjoy the Hudson Valley’s beautiful vistas and historic landmarks while learning about the river and its place in American history.
Shattemuc Yacht Club sailors will provide free sailing trips from 12pm to 3pm for the first 15 people in attendance. Boats sail at 12pm and return to Shattemuc by 3pm.
Shattemuc’s 3rd annual Plein Air Paint Out and Auction at Harborfest gives artists an opportunity to paint along the Ossining waterfront in their choice of media. Check-in beings at 7am with breakfast and lunch provided. The completed paintings will be displayed on the deck of the Shattemuc Yacht Club at 3:30pm and auctioned off at 5pm. The event is open to the public, although artists must register in advance. For additional details or to register, visit www.shattemucyc.org, call 914-262-2029 or email coultery@optonline.net.
Held this year in conjunction with Harborfest, the 11th annual Ossining MATTERS Education Foundation’s 5K Run/2 Mile Walk kicks-off at 9am to raise funds to support and enrich learning opportunities for all children in the Ossining School District. The route includes a walk or run along the waterfront with runners continuing through the Edward M. Wheeler Crawbuckie Nature Preserve. Registration is available on site next to the Ossining Boat and Canoe Club from 7:30 to 8:30am. For more information or to register, visit www.ossiningmatters.org or call 914-510-9320.
The Village of Ossining’s Bicentennial Celebration is made possible with major support from Ginsburg Development Companies in collaboration with the Ossining Arts Council, Ossining Historical Society and the County of Westchester. Significant additional funding has been provided by General Electric Company, Emigrant Bank, Avalon Bay, Cedar Manor, Inc., Dorsey Funeral Home, Open Door Family Medical Center, Inc., Hudson Valley Bank, Bethel Homes & Services, Solomon Organization, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc., Mahopac National Bank and Club Fit.
The 2013 Hudson Rising River Tour is made possible by a broad collaborative of green groups, farmers, forward-thinking businesses, municipalities and state agencies as well as a grant from the New York State Department of Economic Development and I LOVE NY. For more information about Hudson Rising visit www.hudsonrising.com and www.facebook.com/hudsonrising.
For additional information on Harborfest or other upcoming bicentennial events, visit www.celebrateossining.com, www.villageofossining.org, or contact the Village Manager’s Office at 914-941-3554.
About the Village of Ossining
On April 2, 1813, the Village of Ossining became the first incorporated village in Westchester County to be state-chartered. Today, Ossining is a culturally diverse, affordable place to live, rich in both history and natural beauty. Approximately 24,000 people reside in the three square miles of this historic Village on the Hudson River, which boasts extensive shopping, recreational programs, educational enrichment opportunities, and community services. Ossining’s role in New York’s heritage has been recognized by its inclusion, as one of only 14 areas, in an Urban Cultural Park System designed to attract visitors to the State. With its Bicentennial anniversary in 2013, the Village of Ossining has launched “Ossining in 3D,” a yearlong celebration of events designed to honor the Village’s past while embracing its future. Visit www.villageofossining.org for more information.
