The 16th Annual City of Poughkeepsie Celebration of Lights
Poughkeepsie, NY - On Friday, December 4th at 6:30pm the City of Poughkeepsie, in conjunction with the Poughkeepsie River District Business Association, and the Bardavon, will kick off the area's holiday season with the 16th Annual Celebration of Lights. This annual Holiday Event has drawn thousands to the downtown and waterfront areas of Poughkeepsie for the festivities, that include a parade, winter fireworks, and other assorted entertainment and dining specials in River District establishments.
Starting at 6:30 pm, the Celebration of Lights Parade will begin at Main and Garden Streets, and will walk west to the first tree lighting at Main and Market Streets. The Parade will be led by Mayor John Tkazyik and members of the Common Council. Marching with them will be the Amerscott Highland Pipers, Poughkeepsie High School Jazz Ensemble and Middle School Choir, Poughkeepsie Exempt Fireman’s Association Color Guard, DARE, Arlington Rotary Club, Columbia Elementary School PTA, Dutchess County Girl & Boy Scouts and several Hudson Valley Philharmonic brass ensembles.
Proceeding down Main Street to Clover Street, there will be performances by Arm of the Sea Theatre and IABAS Traditional Brazilian Band with 200 children from Warring, Clinton and Circle of Courage elementary schools. Thunder Road Cruisers will supply several classic (50's/60's) cars plus a float representing the club and Al’s Garage will also supply a float and hay ride.
The Holiday Parade will convene at Dongan Square Park with the second tree lighting, and the arrival of Santa Claus on a City of Poughkeepsie Fire Engine. Then at 7:15, revelers will be treated to the area's only winter fireworks display along Poughkeepsie's waterfront by Legion Fireworks. Coinciding with the parade and fireworks, and throughout the evening, the River District establishments (Amici's, The Derby, Caffe Aurora, Mahoney's, Milanese, Noah’s Ark, River Station, and Spanky’s) will offer entertainment, and food and beverage specials. The Bardavon will present a screening of the family film classic Mary Poppins (1964) at 8pm, preceded at 7:30pm with a concert on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Parking is readily available in City of Poughkeepsie Municipal lots.
Area businesses sponsoring this year's Celebration include: Rhinebeck Savings Bank, WPDH/WRRV/Mix 97/Wolf 94.3, WDST, WKZE, WKIP, The City of Poughkeepsie PBA, Hickey-Finn & Co., Fallkill Properties, Central Hudson, Majestic Insurance, Northwestern Insurance, Dutchess Beer Distributors, McCabe & Mack, Prime Retirement Asset Management, Riverside Bank, Dutchess Quarry & Supply Co., and The Poughkeepsie Junior League.
For further info check out the Bardavon web site at www.bardavon.org, or call Lou Strippoli at Caffe Aurora at (845) 454-1900.
