Rhinebeck, New York…..Sinterklaas! An Old Dutch Tradition in the Hudson Valley, now in its 11th year, today announced details for its upcoming Star Party and Artisan Craft Fair events. The Star Party is scheduled for Sat., Nov. 3rd at the Beekman Arms. The Artisan Craft Fair will be held on Sun., Nov. 18th at the Rhinebeck Town Hall.
Sinterklaas, a non-denominational event inspired by the Hudson Valley’s Dutch heritage, is organized by hundreds of volunteers and supported by local businesses, individuals, and foundations.
Says Jeanne Fleming of Hudson Valley Community Productions, who coordinates Sinterklaas every year (and is widely known as the artistic and producing director of the famous New York Village Halloween Parade each year), “The Star Party is always full of magic; from watching the flame get passed to the hands of this year’s Holders of the Light, Matt Wright and Karen Pearson and family, to enjoying the fellowship of community, it’s a perfect kickoff which captures the essence of our work: connecting people to one another through uplifting, creative experiences. We also raise funds that are critical to the success of our event at the Star Party – and the Artisan Craft Fair on November 18th will further give us the financial boost needed to bring the joy of Sinterklaas to our community again this year.”
Fleming continued, “The Star Party is fun and enchanting, just like the Sinterklaas event itself. We will celebrate this year’s Honored Animal, the butterfly, and unveil this year’s new Sinterklaas star!”
The suggested donation for the Star Party is $50; hors d’oeuvres and libations are included. Reservations are required, but no one will be turned away at the door.
The Artisan Craft Fair on November 18th at Rhinebeck Town Hall will feature works for sale by 25 local artists and craft artisans. The Craft Fair is free of charge and open to the public. Visitors can purchase framed art, pottery, glass, jewelry, photography, textiles, and more. Gift wrapping is included with purchase of arts or crafts.
For more information on the fundraising events or to make a direct donation, visit www.sinterklaashudsonvalley.com or email sinterklaashudsonvalley@gmail.com
Sat., Nov. 3
Star Party to benefit Sinterklaas! An Old Dutch Tradition in the Hudson Valley
The Illustrious Star Party! Our most elegant gathering of the year at which the Snow King and Queen bring the Celestial Flame to light the First Star that is presented by the Star Child. The Keepers of the Light, the Banta family (now 2nd generation keepers) will transfer the flame to the Holders of the Tradition (the Hoolihan/Kruger, Stickle, Cruikshank, and Hewitt families), who will pass the flame to the 2018 Holders-of-the-Light (the Matt Wright and Karen Pearson family). Witness the first appearance of this year’s Honored Animal (the butterfly) and the unveiling of the new Sinterklaas Star. Stories, dances, live music, prizes and much more! Libations and Hors d’oeuvres are served. Our biggest fundraiser of the year! All welcome!
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Location: The Ballroom at the Beekman Arms, Rhinebeck
Donation: $50; includes libations and hors d’ouevres
Tickets available online at sinterklaashudsonvalley.com
Sunday, November 18 
The Annual Artisan Craft Fair to benefit Sinterklaas
@Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 E. Market Street, Rhinebeck
Works for sale by 25 local artists and craft Artisans including framed art, pottery, glass, woodworking, jewelry, photography, textiles, and more. Admission is free. Support the magic of Sinterklaas and wrap all your presents before Thanksgiving.
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: FREE
More info: sinterklaashudsonvalley.com
Contact: Joanne Gelb, hana527@gmail.com
Sat., Nov. 24
Sinterklaas! An Old Dutch Tradition in the Hudson Valley Send-Off Celebration in Kingston
Sinterklaas departs from the historic Kingston Waterfront (playing “Spain” in our story) after a full day of store and gallery “open houses”, musical performances, workshops creating beautiful Crowns and Branches, and the Children’s Maritime Parade down Broadway, with stars and puppets galore. Kingston sends off Sinterklaas on a tugboat across the river to his destination (Rhinebeck). After his send off, there will be a Sinterklaas Soiree and plenty of specials at all of the local restaurants.
Time: Activities begin at 11am in Kingston; Send-off parade steps off at 4pm
Location: Historic Kingston Waterfront, Kingston, NY
Cost: Free of charge, open to the public
More information: sinterklaashudsonvalley.com
Sat., Dec. 1
Sinterklaas! An Old Dutch Tradition in the Hudson Valley
A day-long, colorful, non-denominational celebration for people of all ages that features children’s Crowns & Branches workshops, dance, theatre and music all over the village of Rhinebeck. Don’t miss the Dancing Bear, the Pocket Lady, and Mother Holly. The spectacular Children’s Starlight Parade steps off at 6:00 pm, featuring two-story tall, animated puppets carried by hundreds of volunteers; closes the day at twilight.
Time: Activities all day, 10am-10pm; Children’s Starlight Parade at 6pm, Family Hoedown at 7pm, Adult Dance Party at 9pm
Cost: Free of charge, open to the public
More information: sinterklaashudsonvalley.com
Parking: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck High School, the Rhinebeck Highway Department, and Starr Library. Be aware of Rhinebeck parking regulations as posted on the village streets. Parking is suspended along the parade route (Market Street) at 3pm. Arrive early and get good parking!
Public email contact: sinterklaashudsonvalley@gmail.com
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