2009 marks the 400th anniversary of both Henry Hudson's historic voyage and exploration of the Hudson River and Samuel de Champlain's discovery of Lake Champlain. The 2009 Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration will commemorate both of these legendary voyages as well as the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton's maiden steamboat journey up the Hudson.
The highlight is the flotilla of hundreds of boats sailing from New York Harbor on Friday June 5 and arriving in Albany one week later. The flagships are expected to arrive in Beacon on Sunday June 7 at 5pm and depart on Tuesday June 8 at 5pm. There will be educational programs at the waterfront all day Monday and Tuesday.
Many other events are scheduled this year to celebrate the Quadricentennial, including some in the Beacon area. Several galleries and cultural institutions in and around Beacon will be hosting exhibitions and shows that celebrate the historic event and explore its motifs. And Beacon's annual festivals and parades, including Spirit of Beacon Day and the Hat Parade, will be using the Quadricentennial as their central theme this year.
RIVER DAY FESTIVITIES IN BEACON
June 6
Hat Parade
2:30 PM - 3:30PM, Main Street in Beacon
This year's theme is the Quadricentennial. Come celebrate 400 years and see some great themed hats and stay for hat contest.
June 7
Welcome the Fleet Festival - Scenic Hudson
2PM - 7PM, Beacon Point Park (aka Long Dock)
Live music, storytelling, free kayak and bike rentals, volleyball, hula hooping and a community art project. Food and drink from local vendors.
Scenic Hudson Festival Program
Hudson River Days Festivities - Beacon Sloop Club
2PM - 7PM, Beacon Riverfront, Ferry Dock
Live music and refreshments sponsored by the Sloop Club.
River Day Program
June 8-9
Hudson River Days: Educational programs all day on board boats in port
Beacon: Clearwater, Mystic, Onrust, and Woody Guthrie
Newburgh: Half Moon, Harvey and Cleveland
For more information visit:
Searchable Calendar of Dutchess County Events
Newburgh Beacon Bay Celebration 2009
The NYT Review of Quadricentennial Exhibits
Quadricentennial Fleet Schedule (June 5-13)
