Mid-June is bringing more sunshine as well as the phased reopenings of many local businesses. Face masks and social distancing are keeping the curve down, so please continue to observe the protocols as you venture out.
Harambee Hosts Virtual Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth, the holiday honoring the end of the Civil War and the dissolution of slavery, is officially on June 19. On June 20 from 1 to 4pm, Kingston’s African American awareness and empowerment group Harambee will host the city’s fourth annual Juneteenth celebration via Facebook Live in collaboration with the A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center in Kingston, Seasoned Gives, and My Kingston Kids. The free family event will include performances, history lessons, and discussions.
Rosendale Theatre Streams Parkland Rising
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month in New York State. In observance of this important occasion, the Rosendale Theatre, which remains closed until cinemas can reopen, is presenting via online streaming the new documentary Parkland Rising. The film follows the work of several high school students and families who have become leaders in a national movement for gun reform after the 2018 shooting of 34 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida. Proceeds from the virtual screenings go to the Rosendale Theatre.
The Falcon in Marlboro Reopens
Coinciding with the observance of Juneteenth, June 19, beloved Marlboro music venue and restaurant/bar the Falcon will reopen its outdoor beer garden to customers on Fridays (4-9pm), Saturdays, and Sundays (1-9pm). Live music is still on hold, but outdoor dining will take place henceforth dependent on the weather. Reservations are not being taken at this time, and in order for the Falcon to be able to legally reopen the in outdoor beer garden, social distancing parameters, with all tables spaced six feet apart, must be maintained. Both staff and customers must wear face coverings when not seated.
Bannerman’s Island Reopens for Small Boat Tours
On June 20, Bannerman’s Island will reopen for tours by small private boats, canoes, and kayaks by booking their visits through its website. Special weekday visits for small boats can also be arranged by calling executive director Neil Caplan at (845) 831-6346. The historic site has partnered with Storm King Adventure Tours to run kayak tours to the island all summer. Tours on board the Estuary Steward, the Bannerman Castle Trusts’s larger tour boat, are set to begin on July 2. COVID-19 protocols will be in place, and all tours will have social-distancing requirement; all areas will be cleaned with approved CDC cleaning supplies.
Food Bank Holds Magical Benefit
The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, headquartered in Cornwall-on-Hudson, will be conjuring Hudson Valley’s Got Magic, an online benefit to the food bank that will take place on June 24 from 7 to 8pm on YouTube Live. The family-friendly event will feature live, interactive performances of magic, comedy, and more by Derek Hughes (“America’s Got Talent,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Carbonaro Effect”) and Ben Seidman (“Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” “Brainchild,” and “Criss Angel: Mindfreak”) with special guest host Tom Pesce. Tickets are $25 standard; $30 deluxe; and $45 VIP. All proceeds go to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley.
Kingston Point Beach Reopens
Kingston Point Beach will officially open on the first day of summer, June 20. Lifeguards will be on duty five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. The City of Kingston has been quickly working to ensure that the Kingston Point Beach will meet all New York Department of Health guidelines for beaches by opening day. The protocols maintain that in order for the beach to remain open, it will operate at half capacity of its normal season capacity and that a distance of at least six feet must be maintained between visitors at all times, excluding members of the same household or family and in the case of emergency assistance. Visitors must ensure 10 feet distance between beach blankets and multiple entrances to the beach must be used to avoid congestion. Individuals must be prepared to don a face covering if another person unexpectedly comes within six feet. Shared facilities, including restrooms, will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day.
Midnight Ramble Band Plays Live Webcast
On June 18 beginning at 8:30pm, the Midnight Ramble Band and special guests will perform a full online live concert to benefit Woodstock’s Levon Helm Studios and the Newport Folk Foundation. The all-star bill includes Phil and Grahame Lesh, Mavis Staples, Buddy Miller, Margo Price, Shovels & Rope, Dawes, the Wood Brothers, the Lone Bellow, Hiss Golden Messenger, and others. Tickets are available in advance, and limited-edition T-shirts and posters are available. The concert will be steamed live at Nugs.tv.
This article appears in June 2020.
