Local Bands, Vendors Sought for International Festival

“This year’s festival will be on the grounds of the former National Guard Armory on S. William Street.”

Despite road construction and tough economic times, the 22nd Annual International Festival will be held over Labor Day Weekend, September 4, 5, and 6. Due to the Route 9W detour, this year’s festival will be on the grounds of the former National Guard Armory on S. William Street, the site of the Italian Festival and other fun family events. There will be vendors, a variety of international and local cuisine, a carnival with rides and games, and the return of an early Waterfront Festival tradition­ music by local bands.

“We are looking for bands to volunteer their time.”

“When we started the festival, we always offered local musicians a chance to perform,” said Festival Committee Chair Regina Angelo, who spearheads the event every year. “We are looking for bands to volunteer their time in exchange for an opportunity to entertain the festival crowd.”

Vendors are also welcome. The fee is $150 for the entire weekend, including Friday evening, when the Carnival has “wristband night.” The International Festival Committee is also seeking donations to offset costs of tents, sanitary facilities, etc.

“The theme behind this festival is to give something back to the community, and have the community be involved, whether by performing on stage, selling their wares, or cooking. It is community­ oriented,” said Deputy Mayor Angelo. For the last 21 years, local churches, individuals and businesses have contributed to make this favorite end­of­ summer event a culturally rich blend of cuisine, talent, crafts, and other wares that reflect the diversity of the City. This year is no exception.

The show will go on, rain or shine. Midway rides and early­bird vendors will begin on Friday around 5 p.m. The festivities will be in full swing with a wide range of vendors, carnival rides and attractions on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m., and on Monday from noon till 10 p.m.

For a vendor application, to volunteer to perform, or to make a donation, please contact Regina Angelo at 565­5429 or Ann Kuzmik at City Hall at 569­7354. Information will also be posted on the City website, www.cityofnewburgh­ny.gov.