Dutchess County Heritage Days

Dutchess County Heritage Days - It's the 300th anniversary of Democracy in Dutchess and we're celebrating with Heritage Days events all year long. Mary Kay Vrba thanked Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro for his support of Heritage Days, as well as the Dutchess County Legislature & Ad Hoc Heritage Committee members for their care and participation this year.

The Heritage Days Student Essay Contest winners were greeted by Robert Rolison, Chairman of the County Legislature, who was on hand to read a Resolution passed by the Legislature and present copies to the students.

Kathy Ferussi from Essay Contest sponsor Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union presented Visa gift cards to the winners. Platinum sponsors are Central Hudson & Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union. Bronze sponsors are The Dutchess County Historical Society, The Poughkeepsie Ice House & The Poughkeepsie Journal.

Will Tatum, Dutchess County Historian Recognized the eighteen young winners from throughout the county. He presented the awards to the 17 young people who were in attendance. Noreen Martin, Chairwoman, Heritage Days Education Sub-Committee was also there to congratulate the group (see attached list of winners)

Upcoming Events

Ken Podziba, President & CEO of Bike NY was on hand to highlight the Discover Hudson Valley Bike Ride, to be held here on Sunday, June 30. For the first time Discover Hudson Valley Riders have the option to challenge themselves with a non-competitive time trial along the 33,50,75 and 100 mile routes. The routes in Dutchess and Ulster Counties include the Mid-Hudson Bridge and Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. Register at www.bikenewyork.org/ride/discover-hudson-valley-ride/

City of Poughkeepsie Mayor John Tkazyik announced that everyone could look forward to celebrating Independence Day with a fireworks display. They will be set off once again on the Hudson River in Waryas Park, this year on Thursday, July 4th.

Additional Heritage Days events include the transportation-themed "Dutchess on the Move" Parade on Saturday, July 6th, which kicks off at 10:30 a.m. in Poughkeepsie, ending at Waryas Park. The DCRCOC Hot Air Balloon Festival is also held that holiday weekend, July 5-7. Information on that is at www.DCRCOC.org. July also marks the 225th Anniversary of New York's Ratification of the US Constitution in Poughkeepsie's courthouse.

September 14 and 15 brings a Civil War Re-enactment to Bowdoin Park, as re-enactors from the 150th NY Volunteer Regiment honor the men who went off to war to preserve the Union. A Revolutionary War Weekend is planned in Fishkill for September 21 and 22 at Van Wyck Homestead and other sites. Both feature demonstrations, lectures and interpretative programs.

Beacon Centennial Celebration Events continue throughout 2013. The 100-year anniversary unites businesses & highlights the past, present & future of this revitalized industrial city; see www.BeaconCentennial.org