Spirit of Beacon Day 2025 Committee Announces Theme, Parade and Vendor Table Lineups!

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The 2025 Spirit of Beacon Committee Chair Ali T. Muhammad announced to the City of Beacon’s City Council the theme of this year’s Spirit of Beacon Day: “This year we're focused on the youth. Every year the spirit of Beacon Day is focused in the spirit of youth development, youth growth. Forty eight years ago when they started this, we know that there was a lot of tension in this community. People came together to ease that tension.”

Crediting inspiration to Whitney Houston’s song, the theme is: “Children Are The Future; Let Them Lead The Way.” Don’t be surprised if this song is in your head for the rest of the day. That is, until the school marching bands and the Marching Cobra’s knock it out with their beats!

The Vendor Table Lineup has been announced, and it’s fresh with new businesses, a collection of faith-based groups at the Salvation Army yard this year, and new food vendors, including Chocolate Studio (making an appearance up-block from their storefront near the Dummy Light), Big Vinny’s Bakery, Midnight Ferry from Newburgh, Pat’s Kitchen, Candi Cloud Confections, Brie & Boujee and others. St. Rocco’s and the Masjid Ur Rashid will be cooking as usual from their home-bases, and other organizations may be selling food from their tables as fundraisers.

The Parade Lineup has been announced as well.

Any updated Vendor or Parade Lineups will be re-published here at at Spirit of Beacon website as they happen. Tap on either lineup photo to enlarge it.

10am Streets blocked off in Spirit of Beacon Table Perimeter.

11am Spirit of Beacon Day Opens! Vendor Tables Open.

11:30am Volunteers of the Year Ceremony

12pm Parade lineup (those in the parade go to Rte. 52 (Yankee Clipper Diner).

1-2pm Parade starts!

5pm Spirit of Beacon Day ends.

Spirit of Beacon Day 2024: Who Will Be There! Maps Of Vendor Tables

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For the 47th year of the Spirit of Beacon Day, which started in 1977 as an answer to racial tensions between youth and the community, there will be 85 vendor tables in the center of Main Street with the goals of reaching people in the community about their services, providing joy, and food! One of the goal’s of this year’s Spirit of Beacon Committee was to incorporate more cultural food and vendors.

Food from some Main Street businesses who are also setting up tables on the sidewalk, like Nansense (Afghan burgers newly opened on Eliza Street), Matcha Thomas, Pats Kitchen Corp, St. Rocco Society, Masjid Ur Rashid, Hidden Rose Catering/Single Hungry Club, Hudson Valley Food Hall, Keyfood, Mama La’s Food For The Soul, The Potluck Eatery, and more.

Plus, all of the restaurants in Beacon (see ALBB's Restaurant Guide here) and shops (see ALBB's Shopping Guide here).

Visit vendor tables from organizations including (but no limited to) Queer Family Network, Chabad Of Beacon, Nails By Yoshii, Growing And Empowering Myself And My Sisters Inc., Beacon Light Tabernacle Sda Church, Beacon Of Health Collective, Midnight Ferry, Goodwill Church Beacon, Kadampa Meditation Center New York - Beacon Branch, Beacon Prison Rides, Rapp- Release Aging People From Prison, Makerdale, Daydream Collaborative Clinic, Piano Adventures Beacon, and many more.

A Little Beacon Blog will be there in the Kids Section offering face painting. The Kids Section is once again in the front yard of the generous Salvation Army Beacon Corps.

Remember, don't ask the businesses for their bathrooms! Use the Porta Potties that the Spirit of Beacon Sponsors have generously provided for you. Sponsors in part this year include Keyfood, Ziatün, Roundhouse, Dia:, and Hudson View park. Find this year’s banner once again on Keyfood (because Beacon remains in a Banner Ban).

See you out there!

Parking Pro Tips For Spirit Of Beacon Day - Free Parking At MTA Train Station + Free Bus

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For those of you coming in for the Spirit of Beacon Day, here are some parking pro-tips to make parking smooth for everyone. There are many side streets in Beacon, and while people regularly park in them, things can get particularly crowded on a Sunday when there are churches in session and a big event happening. Residents need to get out from their driveways, and fire-hydrants need to be honored for safety.

Parking Pro Tips:

  • Give generous room to a driveway. Don’t scoot to the edge of a driveway. That homeowner or renter can’t turn out of their driveway if you have edged too close.

  • Respect the fire-hydrants. Don’t park in front of a fire hydrant. Obviously! But some people still do it. Just don’t. You might just get a note on your car, or a civilian photo sent to the police.

  • Park at the MTA Train Station! It is free on the weekends. A Free Bus runs every 25 mins for the Spirit of Beacon Day from 11am-4:30pm to bring you up to Main Street and down to the Train Station. If you’re walking, you will walk past Two Way Brewery. Stop in for a beer and a board game!

  • Really don’t park in front of someone’s driveway. That’s just silly.

  • Homeowners: Please be tolerant if the side street parking wave reaches you. We’re all allowed to park in front of your house, we’ll just all be mindful.

  • Park as close to the curb as you can. This makes a difference for people turning out of their driveways.

  • Main Street will be partially closed between Key Food (S. Brett Street) and Yankee Clipper Diner (Fishkill/Teller Avenue). Keep this in mind as you navigate around Beacon.

Oct 1st: Spirit Of Beacon Day Moves To October 1st Due To Storm

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For the possible second time in its history, the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee decided to go to the rain date due to the advancement of Tropical Storm Ophelia. From their statement:

Due to the advancement of the storm that now has a name, Tropical Storm Ophelia, we are postponing the Spirit of Beacon Day to October 1, 2023. Same place, same times.

With everyone’s schedules and effort, and the weather forecasts, we were hoping that most of the rain would fall on Saturday. But it is looking delayed, and may fall heavier on Sunday with winds and those cool temperatures. The forecast seems to be holding for sunshine next Sunday. Otherwise, we would have pushed through the original date.

With all of the kids coming, and with the sunshine now staying in a forecast of sunshine, we are more comfortable with this move during hurricane season.

Thank you to everyone who dug in and were packing their cars with double tents to account for the rain to keep people dry. We hope you can continue to join us next Sunday. Thank you to the enthusiasm of Beaconites who were digging in to attend in the rain and voiced their support.

Please share with your friends to get the word out.

See you next Sunday.

Spirit of Beacon Day 2023 To Shine On Sunday September 24 - Keeping the Spirit In Weather

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What would be a Spirit of Beacon Day without a weather debate? Beaconites are a durable bunch. We are usually threatened by something, and we usually overcome through much perseverance. This time, there is rain on the horizon, but it’s possible that A. it may pour and pass before Sunday and B. avoid Beacon if we are protected just right between the mountain and the river, perhaps getting some drizzle.

We haven’t checked with the Historical Society, but we are told by past Spirit committee members that the Spirit of Beacon Day has never gone to a rain date. Said the current Chair of the Spirit of Beacon Day and publisher of this blog and article, Katie Hellmuth: “It has even been asked if it should have a rain date at all, so as to avoid this agonizing debate of to go or not to go to a rain date.”

Spirit of Beacon Day will hold the line and stay at September 24, 2024.

Inside The Decision Making Of Marching On

“We have contracts with vendors, but unfortunately, we do not have a contract with The Weather,” said Katie. “If it rains the following weekend, as well as this weekend, then we will have lost all of this momentum. The Spirit of Beacon Day is not just a day you can snap your fingers at to move to the next weekend. Yes, there are logistics that can be rebooked. But for every 1 person we sent an email to about Parade and Tables, they are connected to 10-50 other people in the community. The community has been pushing themselves so hard, with much excitement, to do this. And the day is here. It has arrived. We as a committee are embracing it. To be Beacon means to go with it and make it work. We didn’t want to risk bad weather the following weekend.”

If you want to see inside of the mind of one of the people making this decision, you could watch the video below.

Spirit of Beacon 2023 Banner Rises Again - To The Roof!

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The Spirit of Beacon 2023 banner has risen again onto the roof of Key Food for the second year in a row. A monumentous task last year where Spirit of Beacon committee members Junior Dabashi, Katie Hellmuth and neighbors climbed the roof of Key Food to figure out how to securely and safely hang the banner, after learning that Beacon had banned all banners from hanging across Main Street during this current administration.

Banners promoting event dates have been crucial for fundraising efforts and benefits, as groups use the banners to promote sponsors with logos. Not having a banner takes away that top-tier promise. As is what Beacon businesses do in Beacon, the locally owned franchise Key Food by the Said and Dabashi families, who was a top sponsor of the Spirit of Beacon Day last year and this year, offered their roof to hang the banner.

People also rely on banners to know about big dates and festivals. Not having it has made local organizations have to think of other ways to get the word out. This year, the following local businesses sponsored at the top level for the Spirit of Beacon Day, and are on the prominent placement of the roof:

Program Banner

Also hanging on display is the Spirit of Beacon program banner of the day. This provides the breakdown of what is happening at the 4 main locations for the Spirit of Beacon Day. This is where most of the community who shops at Key Food on a daily basis will see who is performing, like the new group The Dummy Lights, the rapper TonyE who is known by many Beaconites and is returning to Beacon from New York City just for this day, as well as other local bands. Read about the full musical lineup here.

This banner was made possible in part by the next level sponsors, Faust Design Build, Verplanck Auto, and Remark Printing. Signage was designed by Katie James Inc.

The other grocery store in town, Beacon Natural, is also a sponsor of Spirit of Beacon Day, as well as many others.

Super Last Chance To Register For Spirit Of Beacon Day Parade 2023

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The Spirit of Beacon Day Committee has announced that this is your very last chance to register to march or perform in the parade on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Even if you have rolled in this parade for the past X number of years, you still need to register.

They need to get your email into their spreadsheet to send you updates.

Register Here - Right Now!

Spirit Of Beacon Day Announces Musical Lineup for 2023!

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A Little Beacon Blog is a Media Sponsor of the Spirit of Beacon Day 2023. We are pleased to announce the musical lineup for the day, to help you plan which end of Main Street you want to be at, to hear which music when. We have reprinted in full their 2023 Musical Lineup in full:

Two musical stages are returning for this year’s Spirit of Beacon Day: The Main Stage at Veterans Place (next to Post Office and Towne Crier), and the garden at Cross Street. This year will mark the final year (most likely) for the Cross Street garden, as the building that has been slated there for years is finally going into construction. The landowners have graciously allowed the Spirit of Beacon Day to have one more concert there before the shovels go in. So…come to move your body as a final send-off to that location!

Music will begin from 11am-1pm at both stages. At 1pm, the music will pause as the parade comes through Main Street. Music at both stages will pick up again from 2-4pm. Thank you to Goldee Green for being our Musical Spirit Coordinator for Veterans Place, and to Stephen Claire of Beacon Music Factory for curating the stage at Cross Street.

Musical Lineup at Veterans Place Stage

Beginning at 11am:

Beacon Players Drama Club
School of Rock Band
GG & The Shades

Musical Lineup at Cross Street Stage

Beginning at 11am:

Mystery Band
The Dummy Lights

Spirit of Beacon Volunteer Award Announcement at Pohill Park:

Beginning at 12:30pm:

The Spirit of Beacon Volunteer Awards will be announced at Pohill Park, with the help and amplification of K104, who is returning this year to announce parade participants (thank you, Woodman and the K104 team!). This year, the Spirit of Beacon Committee is awarding the following people for their unwavering support and commitment to the City of Beacon:

Susan Antalek: For her decades of support both financial and volunteer for community of Beacon.
Gwenno James: For her commitment in various volunteer roles, and chairing and keeping alive the Spirit of Beacon Day during the pandemic.
Karen James: For her dedication to volunteering to various events and causes around the City of Beacon over the years.
Carman Johnson: For her ever-present volunteering and supportive efforts to whatever is needed to help the community of Beacon succeed.

Musical Lineup at Veterans Place Stage

Beginning at 1pm:

Beacon Players Drama Club
School of Rock Band
GG & The Shades

Musical Lineup at Veterans Place

Beginning at 2pm:

Bosco and the Storm
Beacon Rising Choir
TonyE

Musical Lineup at Cross Street Stage

Beginning at 2pm:

Beacon Music Factory Students
Watson
Entropy Machine
Beacon Youth Jazz Orchestra (rumor has it this group is morphing into an Afrobeat direction…this is your chance to follow them)

Theme Announced For Spirit Of Beacon 2023: "Level Up"

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The Spirit of Beacon Day’s Level Up announcement. In this picture is Don Raskopf, A dedicated community member and lover of the Hudson Valley River who served as a Board Member of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater who passed away in 2023.

The Spirit of Beacon Committee is back from last year, and has announced the theme for 2023: “Level Up.” The celebration is on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 11am-4pm.

The Spirit Of “Level Up”

Get a hat to show your Beacon Spirit! Purchase online and free Beacon delivery is available by a volunteer.

The theme for 2023 is “Level Up,” was originated by Spirit Board Secretary Jeana Pearl Fletcher. The intent of the committee is to empower the Beacon community to continue pushing through to keep the spirit of Beacon strong and flowing through everyone. Said the Spirit of Beacon’s Chair, Katie Hellmuth: “Whatever that spirit is to you, be it advocacy for people to be able to afford to stay here, or to have more employment and learning opportunities, or to create visions by bringing them to life, let the Level Up energy blow through you this Spirit of Beacon season.”

Said the Spirit Committee Secretary Jeana Pearl Fletcher: “Level Up is a pump-up message to challenge myself with something new, like a goal or event, and embrace lessons learned. It can be a collective practice too!”

The Spirit of Beacon’s Treasurer, Jennifer Garfield Abrams, felt this: “There are so may people in the community who work on different projects to ensure that it’s the best Beacon it can be. Sometimes our visions for Beacon’s ‘leveling up’ are different, but the important thing is that we come together across that difference to work towards an even more thriving community.”

Said Spirit of Beacon Board Member, Junior Zayed Dabashi about the theme: “To me, Leveling Up means to elevate our everyday efforts to better our present and strengthen the future for our youth.”

Organizations Are Signing Up For Tables To Reach The Community

Over 20 organizations have secured their registrations so far, including Conservation Advisory Committee, Growing and Empowering Myself and My Sisters Inc., Patriot Swim Team and M2O swim, Salem Tabernacle, Astor Services, Christ Church, United Methodist and others. Organizations can be outside of Beacon, as long as they reach and connect with the youth and connect the community.

After School Clubs Encouraged To Set Up A Table

For the first time, After School Clubs of the Beacon City School District are being specifically asked to consider coming out with a table. “Our kids are familiar with these clubs that provide so much enrichment to our kids,” said Katie. “We want to bring them out of the schools and into the street so that the community can meet them and talk to the teachers who are so passionate about these groups, that they dedicate their time after school to host them.”

Said Jeana: “We have waved the registration fee for After School Clubs and reserved at last 10 table spots for them, if they want to level up and come out. Register now!” These clubs can include STEM groups, tech groups, sports groups, home economics groups, gender welcoming groups, theater, etc.

Beacon Restaurants and Food Vendors Encouraged To Sign Up

Also for the first time, Beacon’s restaurants and Beacon-based food vendors are encouraged to register as a food provider. In the past, churches and organizations provided and sold food as a fundraiser. But in the past few years, the winds of change have impacted that effort. This 2023 Committee has made the decision to open registrations to food vendors from inside Beacon first, and if there are still openings, then outside of Beacon as well.

Said Katie: “It is imperative that our Beacon restaurants on Main Street benefit from the foot traffic on Main Street from people attending the Spirit of Beacon Day. Last year, the restaurants did very well because most food was in their shops. Based on feedback from last year, the people want street food on the street. So we are hoping our Beacon restaurants can provide by also setting up a table on Main Street. If not, then another Beacon-based business can register, and if still room, vendors from outside of Beacon. We’ll see who signs up! Regardless, people can be mingling in the tables, and turn right around to walk inside to a Beacon restaurant for a delicious meal. To-go or sit-down. I ordered to-go from BAJA last year!”

Spirit Of Beacon Day Opens Web Shop For T-Shirts & Hats As They Come Out Of Hibernation

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The Spirit of Beacon Day Committee has been a little quiet since the whirlwind event production that was the Spirit of Beacon’s 45th Day last September 25th, 2022. Doing all they could to coordinate the day so that it wouldn’t crack, the Committee immediately went back to their jobs in teaching, designing, grocery storing, coaching, writing, and everything else free spirits do to pay the bills in Beacon and beyond.

With Shipping and Free Pickup now in place, the Spirit of Beacon Committee has opened their web shop for online orders of the t-shirts and hats - while supplies last! Free Pickup is an option for locals. In true Beacon fashion for a new business or enterprise, the Open Hours for pickup are selective and read like an Onion article: “Hours for pickup are varied and not consistent. Generally range from 12-2pm on the weekday, and sometimes on the weekend. For Free Pickup, please email spiritofbeacon@gmail.com after you order to see when Katie (the Spirit of Beacon Committee President) is at the co-work desk to give you your order. Alternatively, she will email you. Or find your place of residence to put it in your mailbox and disappear.”

The logo was designed by Kim Dei Dolori, and t-shirts designed by Allie Bopp. Design direction for all from Katie James, Inc. The hats were produced by Joker Ink, and the shirts produced by Remark Printing.

Will the t-shirts be a new color this year? Who knows! Only you can get the original design now. And sport that hat. Click here to shop now.

Spirit of Beacon Has New Logo From Design Contest

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In celebration of its 45th year, the Spirit of Beacon organization has selected a new logo in an attempt to bring more color and a sense of what makes Beacon Beacon to its branding. The design direction from the Committee was to “reflect Beacon as a community,” and to “reflect Beacon in its unique location between the mountain and the river, with buildings and houses in between.”

Four designers submitted unique looks, and the Committee had a hard time deciding which one to select. The chosen logo was from Kim Dei Dolori. She said: “I loved the direction and challenge of showing our town tucked between the mountains and the river and had so much fun coming up with this design. You’ll see nods to iconic Beacon landmarks and the playful, quirky font gives a warm feeling of nostalgia with a handmade quality. I hope you enjoy it!”

Thanks to sponsors and donors, the Spirit of Beacon was able to award the selected designer $300. Sponsorships and Donations are still open. See all of the designs here, and more from the design challenge.

Spirit of Beacon Day Hosts Logo Design Contest: Last Chance To Enter! Sunday Midnight

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The Committee for the Spirit of Beacon Day is launching a Logo Design Contest for the redesign of the Spirit of Beacon Day, now celebrating its 45th year. The winning logo will be awarded $300, and will be used on all signage, website, social media, merchandise, etc. All entries will be published for viewing, so that everyone can see the range of ideas.

Design Direction:

  • Community: Reflect Beacon as a community.

  • Location: Reflect Beacon in its unique location between the mountain and the river, with buildings and houses in between. Consider using illustrations of a mountain, river, apartment building and house.

  • Colors: Colors can reflect the Beacon City School District colors, but do not have to. The color purple has been mentioned as a desired color, in addition to earthy colors like green, brown, red, and blue. No need to base your colors off of this website. These colors are temporary and will be changed once the logo is selected.

The Spirit Of Beacon Day Is OPEN!

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Everyone!!

The "Spirit of Beacon Day is alive an well," said former Chair Gwenno James to the City Council during a meeting back in July, during her final appearance as Chair. She was there to present the new Board who volunteered after she put out the call across different channels, which was also published by A Little Beacon Blog.

A Little Beacon Blog's publisher, Katie Hellmuth Martin, felt the role a natural fit for her, being that she had produced 2 floats for South Avenue Elementary School (and decorated 1 drive-by car in the parade during the pandemic), as well as her experience hosting pop-up shops and other community events in her former office space on Main Street.

Junior (Zayed) Dabashi of Key Food had also volunteered to serve, with his experience running many community events for Key Food's family grocery stores in Beacon and in Milford, PA, including car shows (one of his favorites), and open-to-the-community cookouts at the Mosque in Beacon.

Ali T. Muhammad volunteered as well, and as a Beaconite who served on Beacon's City Council, his commitment to Beacon runs deep. You'll see him on the day of the event with a microphone in his hand, serving as a Board Member and MC.

Nickeya Allen pulled in as Treasurer, eager to serve, as her two young children had attended the parade and festival in year's past, and she has participated with ALBB before via Juneteenth.

The reaction from friends and community members has been consistent, and in two forms:
1. "You are crazy!"
2. "Amazing, thank you!! You might be crazy!"

It is true. Anyone who steps into these roles knows that they have a marathon ahead of them. The difference is this is a group marathon where many in the community want to also dive in, get creative, and express what is Beacon.


This Year's Theme: "The Origin Story"

The theme of this year's Spirit of Beacon Day is: "The Origin Story," and here's why:

Event organization wasn't the only reason the role felt right to Katie. In her introductory speech at City Council for the public to hear, she stated: "When the pandemic blossomed into the racial reawakening across the United States and even in Beacon, NY, I started covering the protests down Main Street that marched to Memorial Park and Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park to listen to people's stories during the open mike sessions.

"As a reporter, I got out of my comfort zone and spoke with neighbors I had never spoken to before, heard their stories about their lives in Beacon, and reflected. In 2020, when September rolled around, I thought the Spirit of Beacon Day was the perfect time to kaleidoscope this. To shine the light on the origins of why the Spirit of Beacon Day was created in 1977." But the pandemic happened, and squashed all in-person events. Gwenno and her committee did all they could to produce a virtual version of the day to keep the spirit alive.

According to an article in the Beacon Evening News from 1985: "For a number of years, the students from the Beacon School System and the community were having some problems that had racial overtones. It was during the winter and early spring of 1977 that, for several days and nights, racial problems became severe. The Sheriff’s department was called into the community to help bring the situation under control. A community meeting was held at the Howland Library."

During that meeting, a solution arose: a community day to bring the people together to better understand each other. This day was called The Spirit of Beacon Day.


The 45th Year For The Spirit Of Beacon Day

In early Committee discussions, the Board members expressed the importance of opening up the day to new organizations to participate. The Committee is so excited to dive into this project to bring it to you, with you. We encourage all of you to apply for a Table and/or to participate in the parade. if you have developed something in the last few years, let's see it! Show it to the people so that more young people can experience it. If you have had something for decades, but never considered participating in this day, please do so now!


Let's Gooooooooo!

Below are all of the ways you can help. Thank you Highlands Current and Beacon Free Press for covering the initial change in leadership! Please follow Spirit of Beacon Day on Instagram for latest announcements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

VOLUNTEERS
Yes, we need so many Volunteers! Volunteering can include helping parade floats and marchers get lined up the day of the parade, helping vendor tables get set up, connecting with non-profits, speaking to Main Street business owners, putting out yard signs in advance, going to collect those yard signs once the day is over, emailing businesses for sponsorship opportunities, producing Instagram art and posts, running the Facebook page, etc.
Learn More >

GOFUNDME FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
The Spirit of Beacon Day now has a GoFundMe drive! Producing this event does cost a bit. Our goal is to raise funds needed for the essentials, and have stipends that we can offer to the schools for decorating their floats, as well as a few other ideas. We do want a cushion so that we are not starting with a low balance at the start of the planning phase. Due to time, we are not having a Fundraising Event this year because August is when everyone goes on vacation, and September is Float Building Time!! All hands on deck.
PS! If you are a business wanting to give, please see our Sponsorship option to get promotion .
Donate Now >

SPONSORS FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
Businesses in Beacon are one of the keys to holding the community together. They provide employment, enjoyment, and entertainment. This year, the Committee has developed Sponsor Levels that include logos on T-Shirts, yard signs, bathroom signs (yes! we are encouraging people to use our porta-potties rather than the bathrooms inside of businesses!), and more.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

TABLE APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is everything with its vendor tables and experiences. Which non-profits and social entities making a difference can the community reach out to and meet at a table? Vendor tables are limited, and we are keeping it to non-profit and social groups or entities only. Application required, and if accepted, a $35 Table Fee is needed to secure the spot. Food businesses are encouraged to reach out to partner with a non-profit if they want to offer food. We are encouraging After School Clubs to apply to represent at a table, and other groups not normally seen but need the exposure to reach our young people. Non-profits and groups can serve/sell food as usual! Otherwise, we encourage everyone to also visit our brick and mortar restaurants in Beacon, in addition to the rare street food you'll find from the organizations.
Apply Now >

PARADE APPLICATIONS
The Parade for the Spirit of Beacon Day is everything! Open to both Beacon businesses and organizations, this parade does require application so that we can keep track of everyone, and curate the lineup. Consider marching, rolling or both! Show your colors.
Apply Now >

PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS
We want to hear you play! We want to watch you dance! If you have never performed at the Spirit of Beacon Day before, please apply now. Past and future performers are encouraged to apply. The event is known to attract 3,000 people.
Apply Now >

CRAFTS & ENTERTAINMENT APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is looking for activities for Kids we will curate throughout Main Street. This includes face painting, hair braiding, hula-hooping, whatever you got going on. The Salvation Army has graciously donated their space again for a Kids Section setting, and we have a few other places in mind for Pop-Up Experiences.
Apply Now >

KEY FOOD FIRST SPONSOR AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
In addition to being a Board Member, Junior Dabashi surprised the Committee with a Sponsorship as our first "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000) Sponsor. Key Food Beacon is a longtime participant in the Spirit of Beacon Day as a donor and table participant. This capital enabled the Committee to secure the porta-potties - with an extra ADA compliant unit that fits wheelchairs. We were also able to begin securing a bagpipe band. Thank you JB Said and Junior Dabashi!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

LAST OUTPOST SUPPORTS AS FIRST "SPIRIT SPONSOR"
As Junior and Katie were walking around Main Street, saying hello to business owners and touching base with them, the Last Outpost store voiced their strong support for the Spirit of Beacon Day, and came on as our first "Spirit Level Sponsor" ($250)! They carry amazingly rugged things in there, and do check out their custom Beacon made merch.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

ROUNDHOUSE SUPPORTS AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
One of the most historic buildings in Beacon, and a longtime major sponsor of the Spirit of Beacon Day, the Roundhouse has signed on as a "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000)!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

LOGO DESIGN CONTEST FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY
The Committee for the Spirit of Beacon Day is launching a Logo Design Contest for the design of the Spirit of Beacon Day logo, now celebrating its 45th year. The winning logo will be awarded $300, and be used on all signage, website, social media, merchandise, etc. All entries will be published for viewing, so that everyone can see the range of ideas.
Get Design Direction >

 

Guides To Beacon

When you come to Beacon for the Spirit of Beacon Day, use A Little Beacon Blog's all-inclusive Restaurant and Shopping Guides to prepare you for where to shop and eat. You will buy food from the organizations in the festival who are serving up their own fundraising-based food, but you will also be walking into restaurants for more delicious dishes you don't want to miss. And the shopping....oh the shopping in Beacon is so good!

Spirit Of Beacon Day Slated To Dim To Darkness If No New Leaders Step In

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UPDATE: Hearing the call, a new Chair and committee members have stepped up. New Volunteer opportunities are available and will be announced at the 7/5/2022 City Council Meeting.

Beacon’s unique Spirit Of Beacon Day has been an annual celebration of Beacon’s community of colors since 1977, after what was rumored to be a bar fight over a girl spilled into the streets and escalated into “racial tensions.” Fighting for several days and nights culminated, and a community solution was created. Generational Beaconites know that Beacon’s Main Street was once a place to avoid, for fear of fighting and drugs. To this day, Beacon’s Main Street hosts a plethora of types of people, where we all try to live in harmony and learn about each other.

After nearly fading to dark in 2017, organizers including Gwenno James stepped in to carry the torch. The Spirit of Beacon Day has been organized by a small core volunteer committee, and the torch has been passed on from one generation to the next. The committee has always worked closely with the city administration, alongside the support of the mayor and city council.

Now in 2022, the Spirit of Beacon’s current chair, Gwenno, made this announcement at a recent City Council meeting: “There is not enough manpower on our volunteer committee to coordinate Spirit of Beacon Day this year.” She explained how other committee members have also needed to step down during the past couple of years. “We are making a call for new leadership and volunteers to step in.” The Spirit of Beacon committee is seeking a new Chair, as well as Director of the Parade and Director of the Street Festival. Leaders are also needed to organize the kids events and entertainment for the day.

Please send an email to spritofbeacon@gmail.com if you are interested.

Gwenno James wearing the 2018 Spirit of Beacon Day shirt, Celebrating UNITY “Without unity there is no Community!”

About The Spirit Of Beacon Day

According to "Celebrating Our Centennial," published by the Beacon Historical Society. According to the historians, in the winter and early spring of 1977, "racial problems became severe" for several days and nights. Meeting several times to discuss the issues were city leaders and concerned agencies, including a representative from the FBI's Community Relations, Dutchess County Youth Bureau, then-Mayor Robert Cahill, local legislators, City Council, clergy people, and representatives from youth-focused organizations like Beacon City School District, the Howland Public Library, the Beacon Community Center, and others.”

What resulted was a day called the Spirit of Beacon Day, where organizations were invited to parade down Main Street, serve cultural food, and perform joy. The mission of the Spirit of Beacon Day is: “A day to bring the City together, especially the children and youth....the community should get to know one another better, learn to know what each other likes in conversation, feelings, entertainment, education and food.”

For the last 45 years, the event has been run by volunteers and is not a city-produced event. The City of Beacon produce very few events, in fact. It is the people of Beacon who make the magic happen.

Sunday Is A Big Day :: Retail Therapy Guide 9/24/2021

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Sunday is Beacon's annual Spirit of Beacon Day! This 44 year old event, run entirely by dedicated volunteers (this is a City-blessed event, but not a City-sponsored/organized event), began in 1977 after racial tensions between Beacon students and the community escalated into days. In trying to come together to understand one another, this day was born.

Normally celebrated as a grand parade with a route lined with information tables from organizations, faith-based organizations, non-profits, and food, the first year of the pandemic brought that public parade to a pause, and instead, the organizers re-routed a mini-parade throughout the city.

This year, with businesses open, yet safety measures still in place with the Delta variant surge, the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee has coordinated opportunities for organizations and businesses to hold opportunities in their spaces. Get all of the details here at the Spirit of Beacon Day Website. Additionally, ALBB has also listed the events with a brief historic intro here.

It should be noted, that while this day is celebratory, the housing situation in Beacon is not. Several of our families with children of all ages have had to move out, or stay in place in small apartments or houses in order to stay here. Renters of all ages have little protections, and are also being forced out due to rising prices.

After being pressed by the community to develop a solution, this topic is being discussed at City Council. You can hear the latest public opinion on it during last week's City Council Meeting. This public comment was partially in response to the City's vision of having "poor people" ride e-scooters and public transportation everywhere, instead of needing or wanting cars, as the City recommends reducing parking requirements in order to build more housing. While the parking issue has pros and cons, it has sparked debate and brought renters' stories into the forefront.
 
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE
Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin

You can sponsor this Event Guide with your event, for extra promotion of it! If you'd like to guarantee to see your entertainment event listed here, book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here.



Spirit of Beacon Day
Day: Saturday + Sunday, September 25 + 26, 2021
Time: Times vary
Location: So many.
The official live event from the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee is the concert on Veterans Place. All around town, there will be other opportunities as well.
Spirit of Beacon Day Community Concert
Sunday, September 26, 2021
12:00 PM 5:00 PM
Veterans Place Beacon, NY, 12508 United States
Celebrate Spirit of Beacon Day on Veteran’s Place by the Post Office with live entertainment and music with performers from across our community!
12pm : GG and the Shades
12.30pm : Beacon Performing Arts
1pm : Speeches, Awards and Yanarella School of Dance
1.30pm : Bosco and the Storm
2.30pm : Judith Tulloch Band

Other Opportunities Include:
I Run Beacon
Spirit of Beacon Flower Bouquets at Flora Good Times
Stonykill Farm Tour : Visit the animals and enter the farm raffle!
Drink Up! A Display of Bottles, Crocks, & Jugs from Main Street Beacon's Past
Fundraiser for Land To Learn at Dirty Bacchus
Glenham Elementary Collaborative Art Piece
Hudson Hills Collaborative Art Piece
Fall Fun at Forrestal, with JVF PTSO
Live Music and a Donation at Be Bhakti Yoga
Open Mic Night at Beacon Performing Arts Center
Beacon Performing Arts Center
Women’s Parish Club Pre-Christmas Fair Jewelry Bargains!
Annual Home Made Cookie Sale at Christ Church, United Methodist
Beacon Farmer's Market - Local Produce and Music
Totally Fit with Dr Sara
Beacon Historical Society at Hudson Beach Glass
Beacon Performing Arts outdoor pop up concert
Raven Rose gives back to Mid Hudson Animal Aid
Chicken Yoga with Beacon Hood Chicken
Berte supports Mutual Aid Beacon
Beacon Music Factory Presents: Takes A Village - next to Ronz Guitar Gallery
Support ARF at Solstad House
Shop for Good at Beacon Mercantile
Outdoor Art Show at Beacon Bread Company
Spirit of Beacon Day Community Concert
Free give-a-way Beacon Style! at Marion Royael Gallery
Common Ground Farm + Hudson Valley Brewery
Support a local non profit at KAIGHT
New Covenant Outdoor Talent Show & Krispy Kreme Sale
Sloop for Sloop - Support the Sloop Club at Dogwood
Information > 

Catskill Food Festival
Day: Saturday, September 25, 2021
Time: 12pm - 6pm
Location: 10 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414
Food Trucks, Food Vendors, & Live Music!
Information > 

Barton Orchards Fall Festival
Days: Saturday, September 25, 2021 & Sunday, September 26, 2021
Time: 10am - 6pm
Location: Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY 12570
Information > 

Fall Harvest Festivals
Day: Now - October 31st!
Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY
Information >

Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!

                                  
Submissions are coming in for the Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide. If you would like your exhibit or showcase featured here, please consider supporting A Little Beacon Blog with an Event Placement Sponsorship. Thank you!
 
TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St.
It’s going to be a beautiful weekend to sample some beers at Two Way! Their patio and taproom are open 12- 11 p.m., 
See beers on tap here >
PS: Trivia is on Thursdays!
PPS: Live Music on Fridays!
King Dutch, September 17, 2021, from 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Stay tuned for more!
OPEN:
Thursday 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday 4:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Two Way Brewing Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
 
EAT CHURCH
3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY
Ditch the meal prep & pick up some Grilled Beef Banh Hoi made by Eat Church! Delicious & beautiful!
Find Eat Church at:
- Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring (daily grab-n-go fridge!)
- Industrial Arts Brewing from Thursday-Sunday (order online now!)
- Beacon Farmers Market on Sundays!
So many opportunities to get your hands on this deliciousness!
Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!

BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193 Main St.
BBC is hosting a Garden Gallery! Join them in celebrating the 44th ANNUAL Spirit of Beacon Day! The festival & parade may have been canceled this year, but satellite events are popping up over the entire city this month! The day will be filled with arts & music happening outside on the back patio! This Sunday the 26th, from 12-7 pm! Come out for a great time! 
PS: BBC is open 8am - 5pm every day except Wednesday.
PPS: if you need a special loaf or pastry for your holiday or event, BBC is more than happy to take custom orders! Give them a call today.
Menu > 
Order Pick Up or Delivery > 
Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!

MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
We tried this hot dog special, and it was SO GOOD. MOD doesn't do specials like this often, so know this: Follow their Instagram. Place your order early if you see a special flicker across your feed. You can place the order with a few taps from Instagram, and even set a time to pick it up, hours later! MOD doesn't mess around. You can order from a QR Code from their tables, without going inside. Pictured here was the Alpha Dog - filled with delicious kalamata olives, pickled peppers, onion relish, Romain, feta and dill aioli. YUM!
Patio open, indoor dining open, take out available. 
Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm
Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight.
Order Now >
Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!

TITO SANTANA TAQUERIA
142 Main St.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls from Tito Santana! The shrimp is an add-on (along with many others) so you can really make your bowls however you want! Two Vegan options are available for burrito bowls & many other Vegan options available throughout the delicious menu. Check it out >
PS: Dinner takeout special available Monday-Friday from 4pm - 9pm: 4 tacos, + 2 street corn, + 1 chip & salsa, + 1 rice & beans for only $24!
PPS: Catering available!
Menu > 
Catering > 
Tito Santana Taqueria is a Sponsor, thank you!

HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Not only can you get delicious food from the All Day Menu at Homespun, but you can also get delicious drinks! Many different wines (red, white, orange, pink), craft beer featuring locals, cider, and much more! Homespun even has a Beer Store & Beer Subscription online! See more here >
PS: Gift Cards are available in-store at Homespun! 
PPS: Order cutoff for Farm Kits is every Tuesday at 5pm, and pick up is at Homespun every Friday, anytime between 10am-7pm.
Find more Farm Kit Info Here >
OPEN HOURS:
Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm
Order Food >
Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you! 

HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
There's a new menu, new hours, and new staff from Barbs Fry Works located inside of the HV Food hall! Anddddd, the entire menu is gluten-free. So not only can you get loaded fries, but now you can get bar bites, salads, sides, and different sauces!
Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu!
Momo Valley: Himalayan Spiced Hand-Crafted MoMo & More
Barb's Fry Works: Gourmet, small-batch-loaded fries. And salads.
El Nica: Nicaraguan Food
Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio!
Schmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff
Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!

BAJA 328
328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
It's Taco 'Tuesday' every day at Baja! Go on in and try their 13 different types of tacos! & don't forget to check out their specials menu! Baja has many starters, tacos, main plates, quesadillas, and sides. They also have a kid's menu! Something for all!
PS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm
Check out their specialty drinks > 
Check out the specials >
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!

ZIATUN
244 Main St.
No better way to start your weekday/weekend mornings than with a cup of Arabic Coffee from Ziatun! Lightly sweetened, and just a pinch of freshly ground cardamom. So no, you don't only get delicious food from here, but you get delicious drinks like this special coffee! Stop in this weekend.
Menu > 
Order Online > 
Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
 

DIRTY BACCHUS
380 Main Street, Beacon
Raphael Lyon / Enlightenment Wines Meadery / The Athanor - This is among Enlightenment’s driest meads and it is a new category for Raphael Lyon, Dirty Bacchus' favorite mead maker, who ferments caramelized local wildflower honey for several months before aging it for two years in used whiskey barrels. A complex mix of cooking spices, allspice, cedar and browned butter keep one’s nose busy in the glass unfolding layer after layer of olfactory excitement. On the palate, strong black coffee, caramel, rum and brown butter balance well with a fine acidity that lifts the whole experience and carries it to a very long finish. Stop in this weekend! Try something new.
PS: Dirty Bacchus is hiring!
HOURS:
Mon-Wed: 12-6pm
Thur- Sat: 11am-7pm
Sun: 12-5pm
Dirty Bacchus is a Sponsor, thank you!

BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon
Gayl Jones, “Palmares” available at Binnacle! “First discovered and edited by Toni Morrison, Gayl Jones has been described as one of the great literary writers of the 20th century. Now, for the first time in over 20 years, Jones is ready to publish again. ‘Palmares’ is the first of five new works by Gayl Jones to be published in the next two years, rewarding longtime fans and bringing her talent to a new generation of readers.
Intricate and compelling, ‘Palmares’ recounts the journey of Almeyda, a Black slave girl who comes of age on Portuguese plantations and escapes to a fugitive slave settlement called Palmares. Following its destruction, Almeyda embarks on a journey across colonial Brazil to find her husband, lost in battle.  Combining the author’s mastery of language and voice with her unique brand of mythology and magical realism, Jones reimagines the historical novel. The result is a sweeping saga spanning a quarter century, with vibrant settings and unforgettable characters, steeped in the rich oral tradition of its world. Of Gayl Jones, the New Yorker noted, ‘[Her] great achievement is to reckon with both history and interiority, and to collapse the boundary between them.’ Like nothing else before it, ‘Palmares’ embodies this gift.”
Binnacle is NOW *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!

BRETT'S HARDWARE
18 West Main Street, Beacon
It is not FALL! & Bretts Hardware has the most beautiful mums! These will go fast. Get your color now! Or a few - we love a good Mum collection along the front door or staggered on the steps!
PS: The cold is coming! Get your winter mats & supplies!
Stop in & check it all out.
Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!

LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Still looking for that perfect aviator? Look no further! Luxe Optique has ya covered!  Whether you want sunglasses or regular glasses, Unique Design Milano makes the perfect aviator frame you need in your eyewear collection! Stop in today and shop Luxe Optique's collections!
HOURS:
Monday: 10am–5pm
Tues-Saturday:10am–6pm
Sunday: 11am-4pm
Shop Online >
Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!

LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
470 Main Street, Beacon
Your wardrobe called & it wants this **NEW** Quilted Pouch Handbag that is  available now online and in store from La Mere! Psst…it’s under $50!!!!!
Saturday Store Hours 11-6pm
*New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping
Download their free app in the iTunes Store
PS: Everything is under $100!!
Shop Online >
La Mere is a Sponsor, thank you!
Yanarella Dance Studio
312 Main St., Beacon, NY
Discover Dance This Fall at Yanarella!

Unlike many other studios, Yanarella's year begins in December and runs all year until their recital in November. They offer classes in all levels and styles and now offer Zumba! They offer full-year classes as well as Fall Introductory Courses, Winter Camps, and Summer Camps. For each additional class, there is a multi-class/Family discount.

Yanarella has three dance rooms, all adjacent to waiting rooms with half walls for observers, instead of observation windows. All rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, mounted and standing ballet barres, and full-length mirrors. They also have a sprung wooden floor made specifically for dancers.

Visit Yanarella Dance online. 
Register for classes today! 
Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you!

             
 

ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
Antalek & Moore is honored to serve a community that values local businesses! Antalek & Moore provides world-class service to Beacon and beyond. They offer commercial and personal insurance solutions to customers in the Hudson Valley community, the New York region, and across the country.
Give Antalek & Moore a call today: 845-831-4300 and visit their website.
Latest Announcements >
Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor. Thank you!
 


TIN SHINGLE
You have a voice. You have a story to tell. Your guest(s) have stories to tell. You need to get it out there, and you’d thrive with a production partner to get it done. You could record your podcast yourself, but you want a team making it with you, keeping you on-point; suggesting ideas; recognizing opportunities. There are several components to producing your podcast and the Tin Shingle team wants to help you!
Find out more >
Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
 
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Redesign Alert! Katie James Inc. is the design team behind A Little Beacon Blog. The most recent branding project includes a redesign for the ALBB's sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?” As the hosts grew into their voices, a new design emerged.
Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Social Media Lead At The Hyacinth Group
Details >

HIRING: Daycare Teacher & Assistant Wanted At Care 4 Me, Inc.
Details >

HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers
Details >

HIRING: Sous-Chef Position At Homespun Foods
Details >

HIRING: Part-Time Production Assistant At SallyeAnder
Details >

HIRING: Brett's Hardware in New Windsor
Details >

HIRING: Meyers Olde Dutch
Details >

List your job in ALBB's Job Listings >

BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY


BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR
Samantha Cuello Consulting
Tin Shingle
Katie James, Inc.

CAMPING
CHILDBIRTH  >  CLASSES
Juniper Birth

CHILDBIRTH  >  DOULA
Juniper Birth

EDUCATION > MUSIC
Maple Street Studio (guitar!)

EDUCATION > TUTORING
Heads Up Learning

HEALTH & WELLNESS > MASSAGE
Focus On Massage Therapy

HOME IMPROVEMENT > INTERIOR DESIGN
Jacklyn Faust Interiors

HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES
Blue Green Lawns

INSURANCE > BUSINESS, HEALTH, LIFE, HOME
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency

REAL ESTATE > HOUSE INSPECTIONS
Rizzi Home Inspection Services, Inc.

List Your Business In The Business Directory > 
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