The Grand Opening for the Walkway Over the Hudson will be on October 3rd, 2009!

Here is a list of events from Walkway.org

Events

Opening Weekend, October 2, 3 & 4

The former Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad bridge will officially open to the public as the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park at 3:00 pm, Saturday, October 3rd. Various celebrations and festivities are planned for the weekend and are noted below.

Traffic is expected to be heavy this weekend, and there will be no on-site parking for the bridge. Parking and shuttle bus service will be available from several designated parking lots in both Poughkeepsie and Highland. For information regarding parking and busing, click here.

Friday, October 2, 2009, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Out of the Shadows – The Grand Illumination of the Walkway Over the Hudson

The evening’s events will include:

River of Light Promenade (7:00 pm)

1,000 Points of Light Lantern Release (after promenade)

Light Exhibition on the Mid-Hudson Bridge

JJ Harvey Illuminated Fire Boat (all evening)

Waryas Park Band Shell from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm featuring the Big Band Sound sponsored by Bridgeway Federal Credit Union and the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Fireworks between the Walkway Over the Hudson bridge and Mid-Hudson bridge (approx. 8pm)

The best viewing for this event will be Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie and Oakes Road in Highland.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Land, Sea, Air and In-Between the Walkway!

9:00 am – 11:00 am

The Marist College Crew presents a recreation of the famed Poughkeepsie Regatta between Roger’s Point and the Mid-Hudson Bridge.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Official Grand Opening Ceremony – by Invitation Only

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

A variety of activities will be taking place in Waryas Park during this time, including:

Clearwater & Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association Music Festival

One River, May Streams Folk Festival, presented by the Dutchess County Arts Council

Clearwater River Cruises

Theatre Performance of “Mutual Strangers” by Arm of the Sea Theatre group at 6:00 p.m.

Highland HudsonFest Street Fair in the Hamlet of Highland (http://www.hudsonfest.com)

1:00 pm

Tying of the Knot: Throwing open the gates on both sides of the river by County Executives.

This will be the Grand Opening Celebration of the Walkway at the mid-point of the bridge with a Knot Tying by City of Poughkeepsie and Town of Lloyd Officials. Only officials, performers and volunteers are allowed on the bridge at this time, however, public viewing will be available from the shoreline.

1:30 pm

Walking on Air Parade: Grand puppet procession and celebration across the Hudson River by community volunteers from Dutchess and Ulster counties. Only officials, performers and volunteers are allowed on the bridge at this time, however, public viewing will be available from the shoreline.

2:30 pm

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Flyover

3:00 pm

Grand Opening to the general public: At this time the bridge will officially be opened for the use and enjoyment of the general public.

Access will be via Parker Avenue in Poughkeepsie and Haviland Road in Highland.

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Night Circus, Light Show and AIRWAVE dances: This event will take place on the bridge, is open to the public, and will involve dozens of illuminated performers. People are encouraged to wear illuminated accessories and join in the fun!

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Highland Old Fashion Block Party; beer garden, live music, food and friends. http://www.hudsonfest.com.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Sunday in the Park

8:00 am

Rooftops to Tree Tops: 5K Run hosted by Mid-Hudson Runners

8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Public access to the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Clearwater & Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association Music Festival at Highland Landing Park.

Clearwater River Cruises from Highland access points.