Welcome to Peekskill Celebration’s new blog. From time to time we will be posting useful information, sharing news about dragon boat teams and entertainment schedules, and notifying you of new additions to this year’s festival. We are launching the blog to let everyone know about us through social media. For those of you who don’t know much about us, here is some introductory information.
Peekskill Celebration is an amazing weekend of family fun and activities for all ages scheduled for August 3-4, 2012 at Peekskill's Riverfront Green. Free admission to the park gives you the chance to view unrivaled fireworks, taste the most delicious array of festival foods, listen to the brightest local entertainment, peruse the 100 pre-selected vendors, artisans and community groups, and secure reservations to a front row seat to see the most colorful spectacle on the river: dragon boat races.
The Entergy Fireworks Extravaganza is the largest fireworks display north of the Macy’s annual Fourth of July display and is one of the signature activities that makes Celebration unique in the Hudson Valley. The pyrotechnic display is synced with music provided by WHUD 100.7 Radio. Whether from land or on water, the fireworks are an amazing sight to behold.
There is something new this year involving the dragon boat races. First, we are proud to have a new sponsor: Hudson Valley Hospital Center. Second, we are delighted to partner with Empire Dragons, a cancer survivor and dragon boat support team from New York City. Third, in order to accommodate the rapidly growing interest in the sport by cancer teams, we are expanding the cancer awareness races to a full morning of competition while our community focused teams will compete in the afternoon--something both cancer and community teams support.
Now in its seventh year, the cancer races and commemorative Rose Ceremony are the most emotional parts of the day. More than 120 paddlers raise their roses into the air and toss them upon the surface of the Hudson River to honor those who have lost their battle to cancer, to celebrate the lives of those who beat the cancer dragon and to applaud those who have enjoined the battle against this disease. No one should miss the ceremony.
Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night, our Main Stage entertainment features the brightest performers in the Hudson Valley. Our Friday night concert features the West Point Jazz Knights, and we will soon announce our Saturday night featured artist. Local community acts will perform the remainder of time.
Bring your neighbors, bring your friends, bring your family. Our festival showcases our vibrant maritime heritage, reinforces our sense of community, and adds to our quality of life. Celebration gives us an optimum excuse to meet our neighbors and relish in the region’s rich diversity.
The City of Peekskill is a partner in everything we do, from providing police and emergency services to logistical support. In addition, our major sponsors like Entergy, Wheelabrator, Hudson Valley Hospital Center, MCA of the Hudson Valley, Chase Media, Plumbers, Steamfitters, and HVACR Union Local 21 and others, help to underwrite all of the free activities.
So, whether you want to paddle in a dragon boat, volunteer at the information tent, or just gaze at the fireworks—you are welcome to join us.
Email us at info@peekskillcelebration.com or call us at 914-736-2000
