Quad flag drop

From Nancy Lutz at Dutchess County Tourism:

Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial 400th Flag Drop

Did you happen to see a New York State van marked as the official "400th Flag Delivery Van" on Market Street this Wednesday? The white van carried four members of the State's Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Committee, including Executive Director Tara Sullivan, plus hundreds of new Quadricentennial flags. The "Quad Squad" is on a road trip from New York City to Albany, stopping in every county along the way. They came to Dutchess County to hand deliver 200 Quadricentennial flags, one for each Dutchess County municipality, school and library, so they may be raised with pride this spring.

Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus accepted the bright blue and yellow flags outside the Dutchess County office building in Poughkeepsie, along with Dutchess County Tourism Director Mary Kay Vrba, who also chairs the Dutchess County Quadricentennial Committee. The number 400 forms the sail of a ship.

Mr. Steinhaus observed, "2009 is an exciting year for all of us, as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the Hudson River. This celebration is a special opportunity to spotlight Dutchess County to visitors from all over the world as they join us for this historical occasion."

The Flag-Drop served to raise awareness for a great summer and fall chock full of Quadricentennial events. These include June's River Day, a flotilla of tall ships traveling from New York City to Albany; Joseph Bertolozzi's Bridge Music premier; visits from historic ships; a September college regatta; many festivals; and several conferences, all culminating in the opening of the Walkway Over the Hudson in early October.

Twenty-five area government officials, as well as representatives from local schools and libraries were on hand to receive the flags from Tara Sullivan, Barbara Fratianni, Carol Bisetta and Nicole Sama, all representing Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial, Department of Environmental Conservation.

"Let's make our 400th an extraordinary moment in our state's history and lifetime!," said Tara Sullivan. "We are looking forward to seeing these flags flying brightly throughout the entire Hudson Valley."

All Dutchess County municipalities, schools and libraries can receive a 400th flag free of charge to fly outside their building to mark the Quadricentennial.

"If you are from a town, village, city, school or library in Dutchess County, we have a 400th flag set aside especially for you!" said Mary Kay Vrba. "Please call Dutchess County Tourism at 845-463-4000 to make arrangements."

The Flag Drop also marked the launch of www.Dutchess400.com, Dutchess County Tourism's website for all area Quadricentennial activities.

"We anticipate the Quadricentennial to have an enormous regional impact, with exposure from national and international media. We look forward to all of the visitors who are expected to provide a major economic boost to Dutchess County," continued Mr. Steinhaus.

This celebration is an unique opportunity to display our county’s wonderful assets, our rich history and scenic beauty to visitors from all over the world.

Dutchess County Tourism is a division of the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation and is funded by the County of Dutchess.

In the photo, Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus (left center) hands off some new flags he has just recieved from the "Quad Squad" to members of local government and schools, assisted by Mary Kay Vrba, director of Dutchess County Tourism (far left).