Flotilla's Westchester agenda

Before the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial flotilla arrives in the Mid-Hudson area next month, it will make a few stops south of here. Westchester County has planned a series of events for its River Day. Here are the details from the Westchester County Office of Tourism:

River Day Weekend, June 6th and 7th, is a celebration of Henry Hudson’s historic 1609 voyage and a weekend of fun, fairs, festivals and fireworks! On Saturday morning, June 6th, the flotilla makes its way up the Hudson from New York Harbor as part of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial. Cities and villages along Westchester’s Hudson River are celebrating with a series of events for the entire family.

Flagships such as Henry Hudson’s Half Moon replica, the Clearwater sloop, the Woodie Guthrie and Onrust will lead the flotilla, making stops along the way. The flotilla will be welcomed with cannon fire and church bells as it travels the Hudson. The Clearwater and Mystic Whaler will dock overnight at the Tarrytown Boat Club and the Woodie Guthrie, Shearwater and Riverkeeper’s teaching boat will dock at the Hudson Harbor bulkhead. Both the Clearwater and Riverkeeper vessel will be welcoming visitors aboard. The other ships will dock in Rockland County. The flotilla heads north on the Hudson promptly at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 7th.

“River Day Weekend will be a very exciting time in Westchester,” said Kim Sinistore, Director, Westchester County Office of Tourism, “Visitors and residents of all ages have the opportunity to be part of history. They can view the flotilla, attend arts festivals and street fairs, learn about the river and its environs, play games, write poetry, hear live music and enjoy fireworks. This is the perfect weekend for a getaway to Westchester - A Great Place to Play!”

Saturday events include the Sleepy Hollow Arts Festival and Field Day; the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse will be open for tours; activities and entertainment along the waterfront in Yonkers and Irvington; live music at the Tarrytown waterfront in the evening and fireworks at 9pm. On Sunday in Tarrytown, Lyndhurst is the location for Westchester’s legacy Quadricentennial event “Hudson River Fest”; the Annual Main Street Fair and the Historical Society’s Strawberry Festival; “A Taste of Ossining” in Ossining’s Engle Park; festivities and entertainment in Peekskill’s Riverfront Park; and the 2nd Annual Rivertowns Jazz and Blues Festival continues from Yonkers to Tarrytown, June 5th thru the 14th.

For additional River Day Weekend and Quadricentennial information, please visit www.westchestertourism.com and click on Quadricentennial