Who doesn’t love a parade? In New York City there are some big ones. This includes the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
This parade takes place in New York every year. It is run by Macy’s. A local employee told me they are asked if they want to volunteer for the parade. It sounds like some hold the ropes for the floats. This year the floats had to be close to the ground due to the high wind gusts.
If you want a close up view, get there early in the morning. I was there by 8:30 and was in the sixth row with some tall people in front of me. Some people could not take the cold and left giving me a front row standing location for the last half hour or so. It gets packed in though. I do not recommend trying to get a location around Columbus Circle or north. I also would not recommend getting a location close to Macy’s.
Paw PatrolSnoopyPower RangerIt appeared Ronald McDonald may have had a mishap. He appeared to have a rip on his leg and it was deflating.Diary of a Wimpy KidGreen Eggs and HamGrinchA Catalina Foothills band from Tucson, Arizona Human singing ornamentsThe parade ends with the arrival of Santa.
If you are in New York for Thanksgiving go down and watch the parade. Kids will love it and also kids at heart.
What is a kid-friendly event leading up to Christmas? What event would anyone feel comfortable at? It combines traditions of multiple cultures and appeals to all age groups? It is Sinterklaas.
The original tradition of Sinterklaas was imported by Dutch settlers to the Hudson Valley over 300 years ago. Rhinebeck and Kingston, NY, which both had Dutch settlers back in the day have modern takes on the festival that are nondenominational and inclusive. All are welcome.
When
Both Kingston and Rhinebeck, NY have this festival and parade. In 2019 Kingston’s festival and parade is on Saturday, November 24th from 12 to after dark. Rhinebeck’s Sinterklaas festival is on Saturday, December 7th. They close down Market Street most of the day in Rhinebeck for this event.
They sell a variety of items in tents along the street including luminaries and head wreaths.
Events
Activities abound throughout the day. There are many events for children at both locations. Some involve crafts. In Rhinebeck they had story time, The Pocket Lady, the Snow Queen and King, and other activities. I attended the event in Rhinebeck in 2018. There were events happening simultaneously at different locations around Rhinebeck so I could not catch everything. That gives you options to choose from. Check the calendar of events when it comes out.
Batala performing in front of Beekman Arms, America’s oldest operating inn.
They also had a variety of music events in churches around town and outside along Route 9 and other locations.
Performers in front of Beekman Arms on Route 9.One of the performances held inside a church
Food
Gigi Trattoria’s food table on the street. This restaurant has great gluten-free pizza.
Rhinebeck has some nice restaurants that are open all day to stop in. Last year an Italian restaurant on Route 9, Gigi Trattoria, had some amazing hot chocolate. Another restaurant, Foster’s , had a food truck with London Broil sandwiches, clam chowder and other items. I had no issues eating a late lunch at an Indian restaurant on Market Street. There were tables available.
Parade
Everything culminates after dark with a parade. Many objects are illuminated. Different cultures and traditions are represented.
Chinelos Dancing from Mexico- This is event is multicultural and inclusive.Dressing for the occasion
This event is worth driving to and seeing as much as you can. I was there most of the day in Rhinebeck. If you have children, its a can’t miss event. I highly recommend it for people from NYC and elsewhere looking to have a day or weekend escape from the rat race in the country.
Sinterklaas in the Dutch tradition. He wears bishop like clothing.
More Information
For more information check these websites out or search for another closer to the event. As of when I posted this only the dates were listed not the schedule of events for 2019.
A hooley is a party or an evening of traditional music and dance. The word originates in Ireland and Scotland. Kingston, New York has a day and night of modern and traditional Irish music and dance. They call it the Hooley on the Hudson.
This event takes place every year on Sunday of Labor Day weekend. It starts around mid-day and ends in early evening. It takes place in the area around lower Broadway in the downtown area along the creek.
Because the Hooley is right on the creek that empties into the Hudson River, people from other states arrange to park their boats for the weekend and watch the events from their decks. Kingston has spaces for visiting boaters at their marina. Cabin cruisers from upstate, New Jersey and Long Island were parked there this weekend. If you are a boater, this is an option for next year’s Hooley, but I am sure you would have to arrange this well in advance.
The streets are blocked off near the event and some restaurants put tables on the street. You can eat from the vendors or dine in one of the restaurants. They have vendors selling items from Ireland. Kingston has a paved path next to the creek that is lovely to stroll on. There are antique shops on lower Broadway a short walk from the celebration. This event is both dog and kid-friendly.
I was not in a good spot for this shot, but I could not get where I wanted to be. It was packed around the dance floor.
Unfortunately I did not have a lot of time at this event. Too busy catching up on other things in life. Here are some of the bands and dancers that performed on two of the stages. I never saw the third stage.
Happiness is playing Irish music.
Why an Irish celebration in September? They think of it as around half-way to St. Patty’s Day. The weather in NY is usually a lot nice in September as well. Its a fun event. It mixes more modern with traditional and it is in a lovely setting. If you are looking for something to do next Labor Day weekend head up to Kingston, NY and join the fun at the Hooley.
Lone bagpiperIrish Setter at this dog-friendly event.
When you think of Scotland what comes to mind? One of your first thoughts may be bagpipers. On my recent trip into Scotland I saw a few playing on the streets of Edinburgh.
This bagpiper is in a modern band, the Spinning Blowfish. They were playing near Prince Street in Edinburgh and selling their CDs.This man was demonstrating the bagpipes for some students from Asia at the University of Edinburgh.This man was playing near the National Museum of Scotland.This man was piping on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. We seemed to find at least one everyday on the Royal Mile closer to Edinburgh Castle.Another one on the Royal Mile
It appears they play for tourists. Many spectators donate a pound as they play. The kilts may represent a pipe band they are in or their clan.
It is a treat to hear the sounds associated with Scotland. What’s more iconic to Scotland than pipers? Thanks to the pipers for performing on the street! It makes our trips more enjoyable.
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