Art the focus for Main Street Day
CASTLETON- ON-HUDSON » Castleton- On-Hudson’s third annual Main Street Day brought community members together over the weekend with a focus on art.
Themed “The Arts on Main,” the event was meant to paint a positive picture and foster community spirit.
“Castleton- on- Hudson is a sleepy little village just south of Albany, with a reputation for having enjoyed its heyday long ago,” a press release from organizers said. “But a small group of volunteers envision vibrant businesses and streetscapes that draw people to stroll, shop, eat and have fun, with the majestic Hudson River as a backdrop.”
“The Arts on Main” was designed to help highlight Main Street’s potential.
Three stages featuring performances by musicians, actors, storytellers and dancers kept visitors entertained all afternoon while a bald eagle circled overhead. Talented artists showcased their paintings, pottery, jewelry, tie- dye, birdhouses and photographs. An interactive mural painter created two beautiful scenes with help from attendees; the murals will be hung in prominent spaces in the village. Other fun activities included watercolor painting, sidewalk chalk, face painting and giant lawn games.
Main Street Day was presented by the Castleton- on-Hudson Main Street Association (COHMSA), a charitable organization created to be a positive force dedicated to promoting visible change, economic growth, and community pride.
Formed 2.5 years ago, this group of passionate residents works hard to bring life back to Main Street.
After two successful Main Street Days, the creation of the “the Main Street Mile” walking loop, the installation of a nautical flagpole with code flags spelling “WECOME HOME” and numerous beautification touches, people are starting to take notice.
“With the enthusiasm and tenacity of our group and local government, change really is happening,” COHMSA vice president Suzanne Donnelly said in the release. “We see a resurgence of excitement and pride at each accomplishment. And there is no better way to top off summer than with COHMSA’s main event of the year. It’s great to see everyone come out and enjoy ‘ The Arts’ we have featured. It is a day for all ages, a day to embrace gifts of talent, family, friends and friends-to-be.”
Additionally, local government officials are improving the village in other ways. In November 2018, the village received a $50,000 grant for Riverfront Park from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program. The funds will be used to hire a legal negotiator for river access and a landscape architect for park design. The village recently received two other grants – an AARP Community Challenge grant for park benches, planters and a community bulletin board at 2 Green Ave. and a Preserve New York grant for hiring an expert to review the former Noyes Engine House and assess needs to create a community gathering space at 4 Green Ave.
“Castleton is a warm and welcoming community with an award-winning school district, affordable housing, a short, traffic-free commute to Albany and the beautiful Schodack Island State Park just down the road,” the release said. “Village government and COHMSA welcome potential business owners who have the vision to take advantage of an untapped opportunity.”
More information about COHMSA and its events is available online at www.castletonmainstreet.org and www.facebook.com/COHMSA.