In the Dutchess County Spotlight

Hudson Valley pumpkins, pumpkin pie and other fall treats take center stage! We love pumpkin-flavored everything! We also love to carve 'em and display 'em! It's time for the  Beacon Sloop Club Annual Pumpkin Festival, right along the Hudson River shore. The Festival is set for Sunday, October 14 from 12 noon to 5pm, rain or shine, at Riverfront Park on Red Flynn Drive in Beacon.

This year's festival once again shines the spotlight on fresh; ready to eat or carve pumpkins! Save room for either meat or vegetarian chili, available for purchase from the BSC. As always, you can walk around and choose from a wide variety of food choices. Do little shopping at the arts and craft vendors' booths. Learn about our natural world at the environmental tables.

The BSC solar trailer will power the afternoon's live music performances at the riverfront. Get ready to grove along with Rick Nestler, Andy Revkin, April Mae & the June Bugs and others.   Also check out the expanded children's area with many free activities.

Festival goers have an opportunity to sign up for a free sail on the sloop Woody Guthrie. These public sails take you out for a spin in the Beacon harbor (as weather permits). To go out for an afternoon sail and experience first-hand the beauty, power and grandeur of the Hudson please sign up at the Beacon Sloop Club table. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early. Admission is free to this family friendly event, with many activities for the little ones. For information about this festival call (845) 463-4660 or 838-9630,or visit the BSC website at www.beaconsloopclub.org

The Beacon Sloop Club is all volunteer and a non-profit organization. The BSC Festivals raises money for the public sailing program on the ferry sloop Woody Guthrie and other small boats. There's never a charge for sailing aboard the Woody. Just hop on Metro-North or follow the signs to the Beacon train station, and you'll hear the festivities!