Announcing the Eleventh Annual
Arlington Street Fair
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY—Carnival rides, live entertainment, musical guests, the second annual state-wide Chili Cook-Off, and 100 plus vendors, including restaurants, shops, and craftspeople, will transform Raymond Avenue—from the Alumnae House Lawn on College Avenue to the Eastbound Arterial (Rte 44/55)—into the 11th annual Arlington Street Fair. Admission to the fair is free with events scheduled throughout the day from 12:00 to 6:00pm. All monies raised will go to support local charities.
“Each year we seek to expand the fair and celebrate the continuing revitalization efforts for the Arlington area of the Town of Poughkeepsie” remarked Andrew Meade, Director of International Services and Special Projects at Vassar. “During past fairs, we’ve seen thousands people – families, students, and area residents—attend the fair and we hope that 5000 or more people may attend this year as well. The fair continues to raise both awareness and funds for good causes.”
The Arlington Street Fair will take place, rain or shine, and will open at noon on September 25. Entertainment will be to the north on Raymond Avenue (by the Arthur S. May School), with children’s activities (carnival and inflatable rides, Town of Poughkeepsie Police fingerprinting unit, as well as other events for children) to the south on the Alumnae House lawn. The 100 plus vendors will line Raymond Avenue and will offer selections from local shops, craftspeople, and restaurants. And look for the Arlington Fire Department’s brand new Smoke House at the corner of Raymond and Davis Avenues.
Even more restaurants and cuisines will be represented than before, and there will be something for the whole family to choose from. The entertainment will feature Vassar’s Barefoot Monkeys circus arts group, performers from the Arlington School District, and a mélange of others.
The New York State Chili Cook-Off is the final qualifying event for the World’s Championship Cook-OFF in Manchester, NH. Entrants are drawn from throughout the region. From 12:00 to 4:00pm, fair visitors may select their favorite for the People’s Choice Award. The chief judge will be Steve Falkowski, the 1997 World Chili Champion. In addition, the will be 25-30 other judges for the cook-off – public figures, local celebrities, business people, and students – who will taste entries in the three categories: red chili, green (verde) chili, and salsa. For additional information or to enter, email Steve and Audrey Falkowski at WCC97@frontiernet.net or visit the International Chili Society website: http://www.chilicookoff.com. (Cash prizes. Net proceeds from the cook-off will benefit local charities.)
The Arlington Street Fair sponsors include the Arlington Business Improvement District, Vassar College, Vassar Student Association, and Clear Channel Radio of the Hudson Valley.
