Orange County NY Arts Council is thrilled to announce the 2023 OC Art Awards to be presented at the Art Affair, with this year’s whimsical theme, “Wonderland.” The event will take place on Saturday, November 18 from 6 - 10 p.m., at Villa Venezia, 2257 Goshen Tpke, Middletown, NY 10941.
The 2023 Art Affair Wonderland Honorees will be celebrated for their achievements and contributions to Orange County’s diverse artistic community. This year’s honorees are renowned visionaries: Ted Doering & Jean Lara, Ralph M’Vore, and Wickham Works with special recognition to Melissa Shaw-Smith.
Ted Doering & Jean Lara are visionaries in the world of business and community enrichment with decades-long record of supporting art and cultural initiatives throughout our region. Ted Doering founded Umbra of Newburgh in 2011, becoming the first turnkey soundstage production facility in the Hudson Valley and founded V-Twin Manufacturing, Ted Cycle Shed, The Motorcyclepedia Museum and the Velocipede Museum, all located in Newburgh. Ted and Lara have been long-time advocates for Newburgh, having aided City Hall’s revitalization efforts and making opportunities to bring added jobs and revenue to the city in thanks for its embracing of the motorcycle community. Ted and Jean will be honored for their continuous contribution to the progress and sustainability of arts and creative practice in Orange County.
Ralph M’Vore is a lifelong resident, multi-talented entrepreneur, and social creative powerhouse in the City of Newburgh. For over two decades, Ralph has been beloved by his community and known for his talent, positive attitude, and willingness to educate and serve. Artistically, Ralph is a Recording Artist, Songwriter, Music Producer, Choreographer, Composer, Director, and Producer. His leadership includes being the Founder/Artistic Director of MVORE INC. Ralph is Safe Harbors of the Hudson’s first performing Artist-in-Residence for 2023 and curated a week-long series of arts, education, and community enrichment programming focused on the needs of the City of Newburgh’s artist community. MVORE INC has performed as a previous featured artist at the OC Arts Council’s Art Affair, the Black Renaissance Festival, Soul Under The Stars, and Newburgh Illuminated Fashion Show Stage on Safe Harbors Green.
Wickham Works was founded in 2016 to connect and develop the nascent Warwick arts scene. Over the years, the organization has led the community by producing workshops, maker markets, festivals, and parades, designed to support artists and makers in and around Orange County. Wickham Works focuses their efforts on providing human connection through art to the community, while bolstering the arts economy in Orange County. At the heart of Wickham Works serves Melissa Shaw-Smith, who has nurtured the vision of an inclusive, vibrant, and creative community. Starting from a simple workshop, it has grown into the leading arts organization responsible for organizing and supporting hundreds of events reaching thousands of people in the Warwick Community. Melissa and all the artists, volunteers, and organizers at Wickham Works will be honored for their critical role in bringing together the arts in our county.
All proceeds from The Art Affair: Wonderland directly support programs and cultural events such as Hudson Valley Creative Impact, The Student Arts Showcase, Arts Outreach initiatives, and Community Arts Grants. The OCNY Arts Council is only able to provide these programs and cultural events with your generosity.
This event SOLD OUT last year. Tickets are now on sale for The Art Affair: Wonderland. Individual tickets start at $205, and a group 4-pack is available for $800. In addition, there is a Sponsor An Artist ticket which will allow an artist from the community to attend the event free of charge. Orange County NY Arts Council members will receive a ten percent discount. Email info@ocartscouncil for member discount code. Tickets are available at Eventbrite and on the website here >
Sponsorship packages and volunteering opportunities are also available. Please email info@ocartscouncil.org for more information or visit www.ocartscouncil.org for more information.
About the Orange County Arts Council (OCAC):
The Orange County Arts Council is a private, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to meeting the growing need for local arts advocacy and serving as a county-wide arts resource. A diverse Board of Directors made up of community leaders, business leaders, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists oversees the Orange County Arts Council. Many of OCAC programs are designed and implemented by volunteers serving on various committees.
Orange County Arts Council supports and empowers artists, fosters diverse forms of expression and promotes access to the arts through educational programs, cultural events, public projects and participation that is integral to the economic development and collective well-being of our community. To learn more, visit: https://ocartscouncil.org/ or call 845-202-0140.
Grants totaling $1 million have been awarded for six projects through the Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant (APG): Infrastructure Program. The special funding was allocated by the Dutchess County Legislature in the 2023 Dutchess County Budget to provide support to agencies currently funded through the traditional APG program to implement capital infrastructure initiatives. The APG: Infrastructure Program awards have been given to local 501(c)(3) non-profit agencies to implement capital and/or operating infrastructure initiatives, providing resources that allow them to address service gaps and needs throughout Dutchess County.
When asked by A Little Beacon Blog when the notice of applications was, Sean McMann of Dutchess County Executive’s office responded: “The application was released on March 15, 2023; the deadline to submit applications was May 3, 2023. This year’s program was only open to 501(c)(3) non-profit agencies funded under the 2023 traditional APG program, and the Department of Planning and Development sent an announcement to those specific agencies only. The County will not be accepting applications for APG: Infrastructure funds for the remainder of 2023.”
The special funding was allocated by the Dutchess County Legislature in the 2023 Dutchess County Budget to provide support to agencies currently funded through the traditional capital infrastructure initiatives.
Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said, “These grants will support these community partner agencies to make critical infrastructure improvements. We are grateful to the County Legislature for allocating this one-time funding to help these agencies make investments that can have a positive impact on those directly served through their programming.”
Community Based Services, Inc. – $130,000 to renovate the main barn at Cultivating Dreams Farm, a 10-acre satellite facility located in the Town of Beekman; the project will include full weatherization and installation of heating and cooling systems in the barn, which will allow for year-round indoor programming for individuals with special needs.
Dutchess Outreach, Inc. – $28,000 for equipment purchases, including a “grab-and-go” cooler, shed and hoop house-style greenhouse to expand access to local produce and healthy food options for low-income, food-insecure individuals and families throughout Dutchess County.
Exodus Transitional Community, Inc. – $44,100 to replace the roof and gutters on the organization’s two-family house, which is used to provide community-based, re-entry services and transitional housing for individuals affected by the justice system.
Family Services, Inc. – $523,621 for the continuation of safety and accessibility improvements at the Family Partnership Center in the City of Poughkeepsie, including renovations to the sidewalks and driveway, replacement of doors and windows, improvements to signage and wayfinding, and requisite finish upgrades to common area corridors. Rehabilitation and enhancements to the facility will provide long-term stability to numerous local human service organizations that regularly use the building for programming and events.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Inc. – $24,279 to support accessibility and inclusivity upgrades throughout the farm, including the creation and installation of bilingual directional and educational signage, as well as an outdoor mural-style welcome sign.
The Art Effect – $250,000 for the continued construction build-out of The Trolley Barn, which hosts youth-led exhibitions and performances showcasing students’ artwork, including renovations to several areas of the building to be used for studio space, galleries, administrative offices, and event support. Renovations to the building will allow the organization to fulfill its mission of empowering young people to develop their creative voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change.
The APG: Infrastructure Program provided funding opportunities for Dutchess County non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation. Funding was awarded to organizations on a competitive basis, based on the ability to demonstrate a capital and/or operating infrastructure project need which will provide organizations with the resources needed to fulfill community needs.
Here we are again...another rainy Friday before the Spirit of Beacon Day on Sunday, October 1st. But this time...the sun that had been forecast on Sunday has been sticking around on the weather apps. Plus, we have no more rain dates left! This is it, Beacon! Read all about it here, but everyone is still IN for the Spirit of Beacon Day, and we all survived the Postponement! "Thank you everyone for your support and enthusiasm," said the Spirit of Beacon Committee.
The biggest news coming out of the postponment was:
The Beacon Farmers' Market and Beacon Flea Market get to be OPEN on the Spirit of Beacon Day for the first time ever! The Spirit of Beacon Committee fully supports this decision, and had advocated for it. Read This >
Free Parking and a Bus is available to everyone coming in for Spirit of Beacon Day (and for any reason) at the MTA Parking Lot. Dutchess County has dedicated a special bus to pick people up from the train and pickup/drop them at Forrestal Heights and Main Street/Fishkill Avenue. Use this parking lot, as both markets will be occupying their usual municipal lots. Read This >
The Immersive Performance Experience SOON IS NOW in the grassy park of Long Dock Park also moved to October 1st from 12-3:30pm, with a performance from the famous Resistance Revival Chorus playing at 3pm. ALBB is a proud media sponsor. Read This >
Tell Your Friends:
Visitors should park in the free parking lot down at the train station. Then walk up, or wait for the free Dutchess County bus that is running every 25 mins.
Parking Pro Tips:
If people must part on the side streets, because we all need to and do so every day, ALBB created this Pro Tip Sheet for Side Street Parking. Read This >
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal & Electronics Recycling Event Day: Saturday, September 30, 2023 Time: 8am-12:30pm Location: Dutchess County of Public Works Facility, 626 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY (access the event by taking Route 44 East to Burnett Boulevard)
A safe and responsible way to discard a diverse range of household items that cannot be disposed of through regular recycling or garbage bins. Information >
Spirit of Beacon Day 2023 Day: Sunday, October 1, 2023 Time: 11am-4pm (Parade: 1-2pm) Location: Main St, Beacon, NY
The Spirit of Beacon Day is a city wide celebration for the community of Beacon, New York held annually since 1977 on the last Sunday of September. Spirit of Beacon Day is organized and run by a volunteer committee with hands on help and generous donations by local citizens and businesses, alongside the support of the City. Information >
SOON IS NOW -
Day: Sunday, October 1, 2023 Time: 12-3:30pm (The Resistance Revival Chorus performing at 3pm)
At 12pm you go to the park to see the visual arts exhibition in the River Center (the red barn) with work by Camille Seaman, Jaanika Peerna and Jean Brennan, meet climate activists from Beacon Climate Action Now, Climate Reality and Fareground, and sign up for a tour. SOON IS NOW gives (3) 45 minute tours of all of the creative performances in the park at 12:30pm, 1pm and 1:30pm Location: Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park, Beacon, NY
Free admission and open to all! With Alex Waterman, Raven Chacon, Bob Bellerue, Koyoltzintli, Elise Knudson, Elisa Santiago, Ava Heller, Randy Burd, Twinkle Burke, Jojo Gonzalez, Tom King, Jim Fletcher, Edwin Torres, Andrew Brehm,Jean Brennan,Camille Seaman, Jaanika Peerna. Information >
TONY E RETURNS TO SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY
Day: Sunday, October 1, 2023 Time: 2:30pm
Rapper Tony Echandy returns to Beacon and to the Spirit of Beacon Day to share his signature style of gritty lyrics in his vulnerable delivery. Music is happening all day from 11am-4pm on the Main Stage at Verterans Place. Tony E's slot begins at 2:30pm and only lasts for half and hour. Beacon Rising Choir comes on before him, and Bosco will end.
Beacon Farmers Market! Every Sunday from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street!
Beacon Flea Market! Every Fair Weather Sunday from 8am-3pm at Henry Street (next to the Post Office).
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
If you haven't tried El Nica Spot yet... this is your sign to do so! Go on in and fill your belly and soul! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Elixxr Wellness: Wellness cafe offering drinks with adaptogens Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Fall is here! Anyone else ready for the pumpkin coffees, beers, martinis!? Well they've got you covered! New fall specials like the cider donut old fashion (see this Instagram for this post) & the flank steak taco 🌮 pictured here! Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas!
Oh & Happy Hour is every Tuesday-Friday from 4-6pm :) PPS: Check out Baja's specials! > Check out their specialty drinks > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BOI
Long Dock Park - down by the river
We love a food cart... especially a hot dog food cart! Find Beacon Boi at Long Dock with hotdogs from his food cart = best hotdogs ever. Made with the best (and unique) ingredients. Filled with goodness and so much love! It's here for you. Beacon Boi! Hot dogs and drinks! Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 12pm-Dark Location: Find the Beacon Boi cart down at Long Dock Park. Walk to the kayak locker, then take a right down that path to the strip of picnic tables. Beacon Boi is a Sponsor, thank you!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St. Tonight (Friday) from 7-9pm: Live music at Carter's Restaurant! Mama's Black Sheep is coming in from out of town to play for you. Cozy up in Carter's to listen and relax.
PS: Did you catch their Scallop Stuffed Crab 🦀 Cake Special last week? They posted it and it sold out! It was so soft in your mouth, the Panko breaded stuffed crab is perfectly pan fried. A light yet generously breaded texture. The large scallop sitting inside the stuffed crab is even softer. Sitting atop a special sauce, accented with light greens with mandarin and strawberries. Really a perfect dish. It was an appetizer, but will be hard to share. Very special to Chef and Owner Jon Lombardi. “No one else makes it this way. It’s my original.” Follow Carter's IG for their Specials. PS: The kitchen is now open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS! Brunch on Sunday's from 11am-3pm! PPPS!(?) Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! PPPPS!!! Katie James Inc. creates and curates Carter's Instagram, and can for your business too. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Feeling catty! Because it's time to stop into Luxe for a new fresh pair of Fall/Winter glasses! Whether that be reading glasses, sunglasses, or eyeglasses... Luxe Optique has you covered. All different styles and colors - like these! Stop in and start the season in style! PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! > BEACON HOURS
Monday from 10AM–5PM
Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM
Sunday CLOSED Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
It's officially fall! And Fall classes have dropped at Yanarella for registration! Ballet, Tap, Combination Classes, Contemporary, 'Dance With Me', and more. Save your spot and sign up now. Classes start at just $12/class!
Located on Main Street in Historic Beacon, their studio has been guiding and instructing students since 1957- over 60 years ago!
PS: Catch Yanarella in the Spirit of Beacon Parade 2023!
Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you!
Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >
Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
It's officially the best time of the year (in our opinion) because the foliage does not mess around! It's TOO good not to book your engagement sessions with Megan & Kenneth. Megan & Kenneth are Beacon-based family photographers and wedding photographers in the Hudson Valley. Their whole thing is about making sure you’re happy, comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. Because that’s when the magic starts! PS! Megan & Kenneth proudly and unequivocally stand with and support the LGBTQI+ community. Their team is honored to serve partnerships of all genders, cultures, traditions, and strive to showcase diverse love stories throughout New York City. And, in case there are any questions: Black lives matter. Stop AAPI hate. Love is love. F$&^ transphobia. Megan & Kenneth love you, just as you are. Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
MAPLE STREET STUDIO
95 Maple Street, Beacon, NY
(347) 678-1897
Just incase you missed it... Maple Street Studio in Beacon is accepting new students! Offering Classical Guitar, Flamenco Guitar, and Jazz Guitar Lessons for students of all ages. Students will be taught and led through the fascinating journey of learning to play the guitar by New York City guitarist, Dan Garcia. Dan Garcia’s love of Spanish guitar began right at home in his birthplace of Madrid, Spain. He maintains a thriving performance career and is also an entrepreneur and creator of the first bilingual how-to Flamenco Guitar App, and Learn Guitar App. He is a professor of classical guitar and music production at Manhattan College and a self-published author of guitar technique books. Dan founded Maple Street Studio in 2020 with the goal of providing an inspiring and unparalleled space for artists and students at all levels. Dan is focused on creating a space filled with sound quality, productivity as well as with indoor and outdoor space. The ultimate goal was "to create a safe space with state-of-the-art equipment where artists instantly feel inspired." Maple Street Studio sets itself apart by offering a creative environment, state of the art equipment and instruments, but most of all, nearly three decades of teaching experience and creativity of Dan Garcia who always focuses on musical individuality of each artist that enters the studio. Find Maple Street Studio Here > Maple Street Studio is a Sponsor. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
“I’ve been listening to Tony E since he’s been a senior in High School. He used to play basketball and I always would see him and Brian O’Connor beatboxing and freestyling. I’ve followed his music career since then and believe he’s one of the best storytellers to call New York home. He’s Beacon through and through and you can feel it in his music.”
— Ali T. Muhammad
Tony Echandy lived in Beacon for more than a minute. Performing at the Spirit of Beacon Day last year before he took the leap to leave Beacon for NYC, the rapper known as Tony E will be on the Spirit of Beacon’s Main Stage on Veteran’s Place at 2:30pm.
Hailed for his gritty, emotional and raw lyrics, Tony’s vulnerable delivery makes his songs captivating. Last year, Tony had released “Life Is Crazy.” His latest track, “Ice Cold” is out now. LyricalLemonade declared: “If you’re a fan of gritty, underground hip-hop, then you need to check out Tony E’s new single ‘Ice Cold.’”
Says Ali T. Muhammad, a Beaconite, former City Council member and current Spirit of Beacon Board Member: “I’ve been listening to Tony E since he’s been a senior in High School. He used to play basketball and I always would see him and Brian O’Connor beatboxing and freestyling. I’ve followed his music career since then and believe he’s one of the best storytellers to call New York home. He’s Beacon through and through and you can feel it in his music.”
Catch Tony E freestyling “On The Radar,” where he returned after 4 years as the Radar got off the ground. Keep up with Tony E on his Instagram and YouTube. He’s hard to catch, as he travels to LA and other locations for different experiences.
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.
SOON IS NOW, the climate and eco art & live performance festival in Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park is happening on a new date an time, due to last week’s weather. Fitting, being that this performance is all about the climate! This year, it is on the same day as Spirit of Beacon Day, so you have quite a collection of things to do this Sunday.
Important Things You Need To Know:
IMMERSIVE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Resistance Revival Chorus, coming to Beacon for “Soon Is Now” at Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park. On October 1 at 3pm.
SOON IS NOW is from 12pm-3:30pm. Multiple performances happen throughout the nature in the park, ending with the finale of the famous The Resistance Revival Chorus performing at 3pm. Tours take people through the different performances and run every half hour starting at: 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm. If you miss the start of a tour, you could wander around the park and fall into a group.
Lovers of Long Dock Park will get to experience it in a way they have never experienced it before. Located along the Hudson River, this park is mainly covered in tall grasses with winding paths cut through, surrounded by dunes of other grasses, shaded by trees and rocky beach along the water.
WHAT PEOPLE WILL EXPERIENCE ON THE TOURS
Tours will start at the River Center (big Red Barn). Walk straight to the dancers on the berm ahead of the River Center. Walk through the native grasses and the aster and sunflowers currently in bloom, and continue to the shore of the Hudson River. Performances will be seen all along the rocky beach - 3 performances in total. At the edge of the beach is a performance in a bog in the wetlands. The wetlands! The group will then go to the Outdoor Classroom, which is a mini concrete amphitheater located down low in what feels like a sunken part of the tall grasses. People will experience theater in this spot. People will make their way back across the park, past the kayak shelter to go straight ahead to meet a dancer again where they dance with 5 trees.
WHO YOU WILL SEE
Come to the park to see the visual arts exhibition in the River Center (Big Red Barn) with work by Camille Seaman, Jaanika Peerna and Jean Brennan. Meet climate activists from Beacon Climate Action Now and Climate Reality, and sign up for a tour.
This event is FREE of charge and open to the public and there are so many wonderful artists (many from Beacon) participating: Edwin Torres, Andrew Brehm, Elise Knudson, Elisa Santiago, Twinkle Burke and more. Click here for more details >
3PM: THE RESISTANCE REVIVAL CHORUS
Beaconites and those located nearby are in luck, as they get to experience The Resistance Revival Chorus up from NYC to sing a closing concert at 3pm. The Number Seven Sandwich Food Truck located near the River Center in Long Dock Park will have food for sale.
PARKING & DRIVING NOTES
The 46th annual Spirit of Beacon Day is happening up the hill on Beacon’s’ Main Street. A few notes for parking and driving down to Long Dock Park:
12pm-1:30pm Wolcott Avenue will be closed from Beekman Street (Giannetta’s Salon Spa) to Beekman Street (Rose Hill Manor Day Care), as Spirit of Beacon Parade participants will be lining up there. If coming from the south (Cold Spring), take 9D all the way, or if in Beacon, take Teller Avenue down to Beekman (Rose Hill Manor Day Care) and take a left on Beekman, which will take you past the Dia and to the park.
If coming from the north (1-84) take Wolcott/9D to Beekman (Giannetta’s Salon Spa) and take a right on Beekman. Pass Two Way Brewery and Brett’s Hardware all the way around until Long Dock Park.
Free parking is at the Metro North Beacon Train Station. The Spirit of Beacon Day will have a special FREE Dutchess County Bus that is shuttling people from the train up to Main Street from 11am-4:40pm. You can take it to help you experience both events.
Main Street in Beacon will be blocked from Key Food to the Yankee Clipper Diner, so take Henry Street if you want to go around Main Street for any reason.
“When I adopted the role of Chair for the Spirit of Beacon Day last year,” said Katie Hellmuth, “I and the new Committee members learned that both the Beacon Farmers’ Market and Beacon Flea Market were ordered by their contracts with the City of Beacon to be closed on the Spirit of Beacon Day. Which was an agreement set up years ago, before this administration. This was to open up parking in both the DMV parking lot and the Henry Street parking lot - which are both free municipal lots - on those days,” Katie told A Little Beacon Blog.
“Beacon has a parking problem. Closing the markets should not be a bandaid solution to fixing that for one weekend of a community festival.”
— Katie Hellmuth, Chair of the Spirit of Beacon Day
“From our first organizational meeting with the City of Beacon last year, which included the City Administrator Chris White, Police Chief Sans Frost, and Lt. Jason Walden, we asked for both markets to be open. Knowing that if you open the Farmers Market, you have to also open the Flea Market,” Katie said. “Opening both markets would enhance the whole day, and connect the west end of Beacon’s Main Street with the Spirit of Beacon Day blocked off section. Often what happens is that the middle of Main Street is a bottle-neck of people. We want the people to also experience both ends of Main Street. The east end near the mountain is a whole different story but we want people there too.”
Beacon has a known parking problem. The city is running out of space to absorb cars wanting to park near Main Street. A parking garage has been floated, but has not yet been accepted by the public.
“For so many reasons, the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee wanted the Beacon Farmers’ Market to be open on the big day. But, Police Chief Frost and Lt. Walden were afraid of a repeat scenario of the Cupcake Festival,” Katie told ALBB. “During that festival, so many tourists came in, and parked all over the place. In organizational meetings, Lt. Walden was adamant that we keep the DMV and Henry Street parking lots closed but open to the public,” Katie said.
According to Katie, Chief Frost was willing to consider opening the parking lots for the following year, but he wasn’t comfortable for 2023. A huge fan of the Spirit of Beacon Day, Chief Frost anticipated a lot of people, and he wanted to accommodate them.
“Beacon has a parking problem. Closing the markets should not be a bandaid solution to fixing that for one weekend of a community festival.”
— Katie Hellmuth
However, the DMV parking lot is consistently under-used. On regular weekends, tourists don’t to know to park there. Despite new signage designed by the Main Street Access Committee. On their 2022 de-briefing, sources say that Katie asked Lt. Walden if the DMV lot was full on Spirit of Beacon 2022. According to sources, he confirmed that it was not.
This year, when the Spirit of Beacon Day went to rain date, which was possibly the 2nd time in its 46 year history, it forced a reconsideration of the rain date. “Once the tropical storm was strengthening, we didn’t know what direction the storm was going to go in. We feared the kids being out in that weather. We had done our homework and knew which of our service vendors and performers were still available the following weekend. So we quickly postponed the Spirit of Beacon Day and alerted all of our vendors so that they could prepare for the following weekend instead,” Katie said.
As for the Farmers’ Market, the procedure for the rain date maybe be unprecidented between the City of Beacon and the Farmers’ Market and Flea Market. “We knew this postponement would impact the Farmers Market. That they would still be closed on our original date because of the short notice. In my own heart of hearts, I knew that there was no way the Farmer’s Market was not going to be open on the rain date. I was texted by my farmer friends, asking what was going to happen for the rain date. I told them I didn’t know. I didn’t know if this was spelled out in their contract,” Katie said. “This is not an agreement between the Spirit of Beacon Day and the Farmers’ Market. It is between the City of Beacon and the two markets. Closing the markets is not the Spirit of Beacon’s preference.”
“What I didn’t tell them,” she continued “was that I was planning a full court press to get them open on the Spirit of Beacon Day rain date. And hopefully every year after this.” The City of Beacon and Dutchess County are discussing developing the DMV lot, which if built, would result in construction in that parking lot as well as a smaller parking lot for the Farmers’ Market. The City Council and City Planner have been discussing it in their last few meetings.
“Beacon has a parking problem,” Katie continued. “Closing the markets should not be a bandaid solution to fixing that for one weekend of a community festival.”
The rain date situation challenged the contract between the City of Beacon and the Farmers’ Market and the Flea Markets. “The panic that this rain date caused the Farmers’ Market participants was unprecedented. The market vendors depend on the Beacon Farmers Market (and Cold Spring, and other markets) to make payroll for themselves and their staff.”
It is unknown to ALBB at this time what the contract says about the event of a rain date. “The Farmers Market managers were inquiring with the Spirit of Beacon Committee as to how they could be open on the big day in any way. Before the postpone date happened. We didn’t know. Since the police gave their answer, and the City Administrator advised us and them to simply absorb the 50+ market vendors into the Spirit of Beacon’s 80+ vendors, without extending the closing of Main Street to accommodate that. We didn’t know what to do,” Katie told ALBB.
After the postponement to rain date, the Market managers, Hampton Fluker and Amy Bandolik, did their own full court press to get representation at the Spirit of Beacon Day. The Spirit of Beacon Committee set to their map-making of fitting in the 50+ vendors from the Farmers Market. Which was in addition to the 80+ vendors the Spirit of Beacon was responsible for. Katie agreed to take a meeting with Hampton and Amy to figure out how to make it work at 5pm on Monday.
“We tried every lot. I emailed landowner Joe Donovan for permission to use every grass space he has on the west end of Main Street,” Katie told ALBB. “Jeana Pearl Fletcher, the Spirit of Beacon Secretary and landscape architect, used her best skills to fit in all of the tables on our new map. Board Member Junior Dabashi was hopeful that maybe we could squeeze the tables close to each other. I mean, we were trying, because the City of Beacon was denying the markets use of the parking lots for the two years I asked the City to allow them to be open. But I couldn’t see how all of these tables could fit,” Katie said.
“When I inquired with farmer vendors, Farmer Carrie of Eggbert’s Free Range Farm told me that she preferred to stay at the DMV because she has a double-wide tent and needs her refrigerated van to re-supply her inventory. The Farmers Market managers confirmed to me that there were about 7 other vendors like that. This seemed crazy to fit them in a confined space, where no regular customer-base would know where to find them,” Katie concluded.
In the end, the Beacon Farmers Market managers collected many testimonials from vendors on how detrimental the financial impact was on them, and sent them to the City of Beacon, requesting that the Farmers’ Market be included in any Spirit meeting with City Officials. In addition, customers of the market wanted the Farmers’ Market open on the big day of the Spirit of Beacon. “How can they not be a part of the day?” expressed Spirit of Beacon board member Jeana.
By Monday at 3:30pm, the City Administrator Chris emailed Katie to inform her that both markets would be open, but stressed, “This does not mean it is going to be allowed next year.” Via email to Katie, he added: “While this might cause some issues with parking, it is not fair to them to lose two weekends in a row.” This meant that the Farmers Market and Spirit of Beacon did not need to have their own planning meeting at 5pm to get this desired result, and Katie did not need to have a 3rd meeting with the City to advocate for this again across the table.
The Farmers’ Market made their announcement via Instagram: “We are delighted to announce that we have emerged victorious in our endeavor to operate the @beaconfarmersmarket on (and in conjunction with) @spiritofbeaconday ❤️🥬🎉 We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you (Beaconites & beyond) for your unwavering dedication and heartfelt testimonials, which have played a pivotal role in making this possible. As the market team, we are privileged to have the opportunity to serve our small business vendors, farmers & makers and to provide fresh food (and more) to our community.”
It is the position of the Spirit of Beacon Day that both markets be allowed to be open on the Spirit of Beacon Day forever. From the Spirit of Beacon Day’s statement: “The Spirit of Beacon Day fully recommends that this forced closure be removed from both contracts of the Beacon Farmers Market and Beacon Flea Market. We need them. We need both markets to help people move throughout the city. And the markets need regularity to prosper and survive.”
Darryl’s clothing boutique moved to Beacon years ago. Owned by Darryl and Ed, who ALBB publisher Katie declared to be her adopted grandma, Darryl’s dug into the Beacon community as best they could. They hosted artists on Second Saturday, and advertised with A Little Beacon Blog.
Seasoned stylists and shop owners, Darryl’s had established boutiques in New York City and in Rhinebeck before they opened their store in Beacon. Because of their advertising relationship with A Little Beacon Blog, Katie was in the store quite often to photograph clothing to feature in the weekend newsletter and Instagram. As is what happens with sustaining sponsors, Katie has a few statement pieces in her closet now from Darryl’s that she wore to a Beacon Historical Society fundraiser at the Roundhouse, and upgraded her bathing suite coverup game to Splashdown.
When A Little Beacon Blog asked why they were moving out, Ed stated that it was because of a rent increase that was too much, and that they could not sustain. Ed confirmed that they are keeping their stores in New York City and Rhinebeck.
The space already has a replacement: the tattoo artist and art gallery Distortion Society, which is currently located somewhat across the street in the old Riverwinds Gallery location. That location is about to go vacant for the moment because the owners of that property are finally building their building, after years of presentations to Beacon’s Planning and Zoning Boards.
Darryl’s was located near Blend on the west end of Main Street near the Hudson River and train station, which also just closed their location for juicier pastures Newburgh.
Blend Smoothie and Salad Bar announced via their Instagram that they are leaving their Beacon location, and opening in Newburgh. Blend opened in Beacon in 2020, and was a fan favorite for neighborhood kids just experiencing freedom from their houses for the first time during the pandemic, when they needed to leave the house during Remote Learning to feel independent.
When asked by A Little Beacon Blog if they were leaving because of rent, they replied: “We decided to close Beacon not based on rent, but because we’re opening our Newburgh location right across the bridge, steps away from the gym Planet Fitness.”
Blend was located at 135 Main Street, near Bank Square Coffee House and next door to Lewis and Pine. This is on the west end of Main Street, near the Hudson River and train side.
Blend has 6 locations, with the Newburgh/Beacon swap. The first location started in New Windsor, where owners Alaina James and José Medina are from. Other locations include Middletown, Monroe, Elmsford, and Mohegan Lake, which located inside of a ShopRite.
Since opening in Beacon, other health food stores have also opened, including Healthy In Color, which offers and acai bowl among other things including salads and house-made supplements and house-made bottled drinks, and Butterhead Salad, which is a house-made salad boutique, where the salads are tossed in front of you. With your choice of thick cookies, brownies and FROYO.
Chalk Art for the Spirit of Beacon Day, outside of the Post Office.
Before the petunias came down, signalling an end to summer, chalk art began popping up. Sometimes portraits and sometimes messages and expressions. The photo above was chalk art outside the Towne Cryer. The chalk artist revealed himself to be Ryan Manzi, a well known man around town with a deep talent in visual art. He and his friend Steve Stanton have been chalking it up, and dedicated some inspiration to Spirit of Beacon Day, creating designs outside of the Post Office before the rain washed it away.
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.
There's an old(er) Maroon 5 song, "Whiskey," that starts with the line:
"Leaves are fallin', it's September."
In this life, leaves have been green and aren't falling yet. In Beacon's recent past, September was a hot month, and the Spirit of Beacon Day parade was held in sun that melted everyone. Not these past two years! It's been colder and rainy, and that is what Beacon is embracing for this 46th Spirit of Beacon Day.
Would the Spirit of Beacon Day be complete without a rain date debate? Rose Story, who led the Spirit of Beacon Day for over 20 years, told A Little Beacon Blog: "That was always a difficult decision for us to make. I can only remember one time in the 20+ years I headed it that we postponed it and one time when we should have! Hope the weather holds out."
Come out to hear on the Main Stage: TonyE, Bosco, Beacon Rising Choir, GG and the Shades, The Beacon Players, and the School of Rock.
At the Cross Street stage, come to hear The Dummy Lights, Watson, Entropy Machine, Beacon Youth Jazz Orchestra from the Beacon Music Factory.
It's drizzling at moment, and there are at least 2 events still happening:
A partial SOON IS NOW. Some performance will continue on in the Red Barn indoors at Long Dock Park. The rest has been moved to October 1st. See below for details.
Natalia Huang Piano Studios Open House for piano classes is Saturday.
Welcome Megan & Kenneth Photography as a Subscribing Sponsor of ALBB's Business Directory!
This photobraher's base is simple: help those in need around her. Megan & Kenneth are Beacon-based family photographers and wedding photographers in the Hudson Valley. Capturing celebrations, engagements, proposals, and lifetime moments for couples and families throughout the region. Candid photographers focused on natural images and comfortable moments to share the life and joy from your special occasions. Learn More >
Welcome Natalia Huang Piano Studios as a Subscribing Sponsor of ALBB's Business Directory!
Natalia offers in-person and online courses. An Open House is today Saturday! Learn More >
Natalia Huang Piano Studio Opening Event Day: Saturday, September 23, 2023 Time: 1pm-3pm Location: 10 Cross street, Unit 1, Beacon, NY 12508
Make a smore, drink some hot cocoa and enjoy a mini lesson on our gorgeous Yamaha! RSVP here > Natalia Huang Piano Studio is a Sponsor. Thank you!
SOON IS NOW -
PARTIALLY POSTPONED Day: Saturday, September 23, 2023 Time: 2pm
Part of this performance is still happening indoors on Saturday. September 23, 2023. Says the organizer:
"Well, we had to postpone @soon_isnow to October 1 because of weather. Unfortunately that meant a few of our artists will be unable to participate. So we are very fortunate that we can still bring them to audiences on Saturday, Sept 23rd at 2pm indoors in the River Center (red barn) at Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park.
BOB BELLERUE, RAVEN CHACON and ALEX WATERMAN will perform Tidal Memories (2023) and Twinkle Burke and Jojo Gonzalez will read 2 short plays from the Climate Change Theatre Action Collection. If there is max capacity indoors we will open the glass doors so people can hear out on the porch. Wear warm clothes! Bring your umbrella! These artists are truly extraordinary."
Nourish Our Neighbors Shindig Day: Saturday, September 23, 2023 Time: 7pm-10pm Location: Howland Cultural Center477 Main St, Beacon, NY
Raise awareness and funds for Fareground, while raising a toast to the volunteers who make it all happen. The Shindig begins with an open bar of local beer and wine wine along with farm-fresh bites. Information >
I Am Beacon's I Run Beacon 5K Rain Or Shine
Day: Sunday, September 24, 2023 Time: 9am Location: Memorial Park, 2 Cahill Drive, Beacon NY
A Little Beacon Blog is a proud Media Sponsor of the I Run Beacon 5K this year. Registration is open to run or walk up until the day of the run. I Am Beacon just wants to see you out. This run is on the same day as the Spirit of Beacon Day. The two events compliment each other, and don't interfere. Register To Run Here >
Spirit of Beacon Day Day: Sunday, September 24, 2023 Time: 11am-4pm Location: Main Street, Beacon, NY
The Spirit of Beacon Day is here! The festivities will run from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24th. The parade will feature over 40 groups marching or performing, and the streets will be lined with over 80 vendor and community organization tables. The Amerscot Highland Pipe Band will kick the parade off at 1:00 p.m. and it will wrap up with the incredible Marching Cobras. This year's Grand Marshall is Retired Fire Chief Gary VanVoorhis, as we thank him for his years of service to Beacon. Before and after the parade, there will be live music located at stages on Veterans Place and Cross Street.
There is free parking in municipal lots, at the DMV, and at the MTA Train Station, where a free shuttle bus will be running up to Main Street every 25 minutes.
There are portable restrooms for your use throughout the day. Please use those instead of asking businesses to use theirs. Volunteers will be available to direct you to the five locations, spread out along Main Street. Locations are as-follows:
Corner of North Brett & Main Street near Key Food
Corner of Eliza and Church at the far corner of Rite Aid’s Parking Lot
Corner of South Chestnut and Henry Street at the far corner Rite Aid Parking Lot
Pohill Park behind visitor’s center
Corner of North Chestnut and Church Street near St. Rocco's.
There will be food sold by vendors. Enjoy that, plus do visit Beacon's restaurants. They appreciate and need your business.
For more details and maps, visit www.spiritofbeacon.org. While the weather looks wet, Beaconites are digging in to do their best to come out. Stay safe, and have a wonderful weekend. Information >
Live Music At Spirit of Beacon Day
Beacon Farmers Market! Every Sunday from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street!
Beacon Flea Market! Every Fair Weather Sunday from 8am-3pm at Henry Street (next to the Post Office).
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
The walls are blank inside the HV Food Hall and they are in need of art! If you're an artist please email examples of your work (hvfoodhall@gmail.com) to discuss the possibility of showing your art on their walls. The HV Food Hall rotates their art every two months and try to give preference to local artists. Hit them up! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Elixxr Wellness: Wellness cafe offering drinks with adaptogens Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Fall is here! Anyone else ready for the pumpkin coffees, beers, martinis!? Follow Baja to keep up with their seasonal specials! And... Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas!
Oh & Happy Hour is every Tuesday-Friday from 4-6pm :) PPS: Check out Baja's specials! > Check out their specialty drinks > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BOI
Long Dock Park - down by the river
Look for Beacon Boi at Spirit of Beacon Day! He will be near Mr. V's. Otherwise, find him at Long Doc with hotdogs from his food cart = best hotdogs ever. Made with the best (and unique) ingredients. Filled with goodness and so much love! It's here for you. Beacon Boi! Hot dogs and drinks! Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 12pm-Dark Location: Find the Beacon Boi cart down at Long Dock Park. Walk to the kayak locker, then take a right down that path to the strip of picnic tables. Beacon Boi is a Sponsor, thank you!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
Were you wondering what the Kale Asian Noodles dish would look like from Carters? Voila. Enjoy with shrimp, beet kimichi, gochujang curry, chili crunch, scallion and mint. You will love this dish! It’s one of their Specials so don't miss out and get it now! PS: The kitchen is now open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS! Brunch on Sunday's from 11am-3pm! PPPS!(?) Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
It's time to stop into Luxe for a new fresh pair of Fall/Winter glasses! Whether that be reading glasses, sunglasses, or eyeglasses... Luxe Optique has you covered. All different styles and colors - like these understated glamour with the Rishell Sun sunglasses by Oliver Peoples. Something for everyone! Stop in and start the season in style! PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! > BEACON HOURS
Monday from 10AM–5PM
Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM
Sunday CLOSED Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
Fall classes have dropped at Yanarella for registration! Ballet, Tap, Combination Classes, Contemporary, 'Dance With Me', and more. Save your spot and sign up now. Classes start at just $12/class!
Yanarella is as sponsor of this year's Spirit of Beacon Day!
Located on Main Street in Historic Beacon, their studio has been guiding and instructing students since 1957- over 60 years ago!
PS: Catch Yanarella in the Spirit of Beacon Parade 2023!
Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you!
Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >
Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
Welcome Megan & Kenneth Photographers to ALBB's Business Directory! Megan & Kenneth are Beacon-based family photographers and wedding photographers in the Hudson Valley. Capturing celebrations, engagements, proposals, and lifetime moments for couples and families throughout the region. Candid photographers focused on natural images and comfortable moments to share the life and joy from your special occasions. PS! The Perfect Time of Year for Engagement Photos is Here! Who doesn't love some good foliage?! Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
MAPLE STREET STUDIO
95 Maple Street, Beacon, NY
(347) 678-1897
Just incase you missed it... Maple Street Studio in Beacon is accepting new students! Offering Classical Guitar, Flamenco Guitar, and Jazz Guitar Lessons for students of all ages. Students will be taught and led through the fascinating journey of learning to play the guitar by New York City guitarist, Dan Garcia. Dan Garcia’s love of Spanish guitar began right at home in his birthplace of Madrid, Spain. He maintains a thriving performance career and is also an entrepreneur and creator of the first bilingual how-to Flamenco Guitar App, and Learn Guitar App. He is a professor of classical guitar and music production at Manhattan College and a self-published author of guitar technique books. Dan founded Maple Street Studio in 2020 with the goal of providing an inspiring and unparalleled space for artists and students at all levels. Dan is focused on creating a space filled with sound quality, productivity as well as with indoor and outdoor space. The ultimate goal was "to create a safe space with state-of-the-art equipment where artists instantly feel inspired." Maple Street Studio sets itself apart by offering a creative environment, state of the art equipment and instruments, but most of all, nearly three decades of teaching experience and creativity of Dan Garcia who always focuses on musical individuality of each artist that enters the studio. Find Maple Street Studio Here > Maple Street Studio is a Sponsor. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
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.
As is fitting with Soon Is Now mission to move and inspire people to change their ways in order to help the climate not keep changing, Soon Is Now has moved their event to their rain date of October 1, 2023.
Soon Is Now was created by Eve Morgenstern 3 years ago. It is a climate and eco art, live performance and activism event. Says Nara Garber: “There is no more urgent issue right now than climate catastrophe, the ripple effects of which drive so many other crises. Come to Beacon, NY on October 1st and enjoy an afternoon of poetry, dance, and song amidst the beauty of the Hudson River and Long Dock Park while contemplating all we stand to lose and must fight to preserve. The Resistance Revival Chorus will end the afternoon with a free concert.
A Little Beacon Blog is a proud Media Sponsor of the I Run Beacon 5K this year. Registration are still open to run or walk the day, which is a Rain or Shine event with no rain date. This run is on the same day as the Spirit of Beacon Day. The two events compliment each other, and don't interfere. The I Am Beacon crew will be participating with 3 tables in the Spirit of Beacon Day with food and podcasting. Register To Run Here >
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
