Yonkers Downtown Waterfront BID Plans June 6 "River Day" Celebration

May 20, 2009 - PRLog -- The Yonkers Downtown Waterfront will be one of the best destinations to view the flotilla of  boats making its way up the Hudson River on River Day, Saturday, June 6 in celebration of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial.

In anticipation of the many visitors who will throng the waterfront to view the flotilla— led by the replica of the Half Moon ship that Henry Hudson used in 1609 to navigate the river that bears his name—the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront BID is promoting River Day as one of the year’s best days for visitors to shop, dine and enjoy the great outdoors by the river.

Originating in lower Manhattan, the flotilla is expected to pass the Yonkers waterfront approximately from 10 AM to noon as it heads north to mark the 400th anniversary of the historic journey.

A number of restaurants in the district will be offering $16.09 specials to celebrate the Quadricentennial. Department stores and other retailers will also join in providing shoppers with special discounts throughout the day.

The festivities will also include free street entertainment including musical performances and other attractions for the family.

Steve Sansone, Executive Director of the Yonkers Downtown BID, said: “River Day kicks off the Quadricentennial Year celebration when the BID will present numerous special free outdoor entertainment and other events.”

He added:  “Yonkers Downtown has become one of Westchester’s new ‘hot spots,’ offering something for everyone—great shopping, a wide array of dining venues, historic sites, museums and, of course, the spectacular waterfront. The events we are planning for the Quadricentennial will make Yonkers downtown one of Westchester’s major destinations for visitors this year.”

The Downtown BID’s  spring though fall Quadricentennial highlights include the popular Evolution Arts—a free outdoor art exhibition program introduced that showcases the works of emerging artists on the third Sunday of the month held from 1 to 4 PM at Plaza Park. The afternoon of leisurely art browsing is accompanied by live and free musical entertainment.

On Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00, starting July 3 and continuing through September 4, the BID will present its annual free Jazz and Blues Concerts at the Amphitheatre by the waterfront.

On Tuesday evenings in August, Main Street will again be transformed into an outdoor movie theater for the annual Main Street Films @ Dusk series, providing free screenings—and free popcorn— of popular motion pictures for the family.

The 17th Annual Riverfest, a day of free non-stop excitement for everyone in the family will get underway at noon, Saturday, September 12, in the heart of downtown Yonkers. An estimated 30,000 visitors will enjoy international foods, arts and crafts vendors, amusements, educational games, exhibits, a petting zoo, classic cars, and a variety of fantastic entertainers.

The Quadricentennial Year festivities will culminate with the Half Moon Festival on two successive weekends—October 17-18 and October 24-25—when the 85-foot long replica of the Half Moon will be on view of the waterfront dock.

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The Yonkers Downtown/Waterfront Business Improvement District was created to promote and implement the economic vitality of the District and the City of Yonkers. The Yonkers Downtown BID is also designed to maintain the downtown streets, contribute to public safety, landscape the district, market special events and create promotional opportunities to highlight the area. Additionally, the Yonkers Downtown BID will preserve and encourage the cultural, historic, tourist and civic interest of the District and the City of Yonkers. For more information, visit www.YonkersDowntown.com.